Chris Meloni is an American actor best known for his roles in popular TV shows and films such as 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,' 'True Blood,' and 'Man of Steel.'Meloni was born in Washington, D.C. in 1961 and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he received a degree in history. After college, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. He studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and began his career in the early 1980s with small roles in TV shows and films.In 1999, Meloni landed the role of Det. Elliot Stabler on the hit NBC series 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.' The show, which focused on a fictional New York City police department's special victims unit, ran for 12 seasons and made Meloni a household name. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Stabler, and his character's intense and emotional performances were a highlight of the show.In addition to 'Law & Order: SVU,' Meloni has also had a successful career in film. He has appeared in a variety of movies, including 'Runaway Bride,' 'Wet Hot American Summer,' 'Sin City,' and 'Man of Steel.' He has also had recurring roles in the HBO series 'True Blood' and 'The Handmaid's Tale.'Meloni is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He is an active supporter of the charity Waterkeeper Alliance, which works to protect and preserve water resources around the world. He has also been involved in several other charitable organizations throughout his career, including the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which supports those living with spinal cord injuries.In 2021, Meloni returned to the Law and Order franchise with his new series Law & Order: Organized Crime.In his personal life, Meloni is married to his wife Sherman Williams, they have two children. He is known to be a private person and likes to keep his personal life out of the spotlight.Meloni has also been recognized for his work with several award nominations throughout his career, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his role on 'Law & Order: SVU' and a Satellite Award nomination for his role in 'True Blood.'In addition to his acting career, Meloni has also dabbled in producing and directing. He has served as a producer on several episodes of 'Law & Order: SVU' and has directed one episode of the show as well. He also directed an episode of the HBO series 'Oz' during his time on the show.Meloni is also known for his comedic roles, he has played in a number of comedy films, including 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,' 'Wet Hot American Summer' and 'The Layover.'Meloni is also active on social media, he has a large following on Twitter and Instagram, where he often shares behind-the-scenes photos and stories from his various projects, as well as his thoughts on current events and social issues.Despite his busy schedule, Meloni continues to be involved in various charitable organizations and is an advocate for several causes. He is a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community and often uses his platform to raise awareness about LGBTQ rights. He also actively promotes environmental conservation, and is a vocal advocate for the protection of endangered species and their habitats.With a career spanning several decades, Chris Meloni has established himself as a versatile and talented actor, and continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His work has been celebrated by audiences and critics alike, and he remains one of the most respected actors in the industry today.