Christopher Meloni Wasn't 'Prepared' for Fan Reaction to His 'Law & Order' Return: 'It's Wonderful'

Nearly 8 million fans tuned intoChristopher Meloni’s return to theLaw & Orderfranchise last week — a turnout the actor said he was “not prepared” for. Meloni, 60, has recently reprised his role as Elliot Stabler for his new spinoff,Organized Crime.He previously played Stabler onLaw & Order: Special Victims UnitalongsideMariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson for 12 seasons until his departure in 2011. During a Wednesday press conference promoting the new show, Meloni recalled checking in with Hargitay, 57, after he made his return during theSVUandOrganized Crimecrossover eventlast Thursday.

Christopher Meloni, Dick Wolf, Ice-T and Others React to 'SVU' Star Richard Belzer's Death

Photo: Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock The longtime comedian andLaw and Order: Special Victims Unithas died at age 78, formerLate Show withDavid Lettermanwriter Bill ScheftconfirmedtoThe Hollywood Reporteron Sunday. After the news of his death quickly spread, costars and friends shared their memories of the man known for inspiring laughs both as a comedian as well as playing beloved detective John Munch in the series from 1999 to 2016. Jemal Countess/WireImage “I’m so sad to hear of Richard Belzer’s passing,” actress Laraine Newman, who was among the first to pay tribute, wrote onTwitter.

Christopher Meloni on Working with 'Law & Order: SVU' Costar Mariska Hargitay Again: 'Effortless'

After all these years,Christopher Melonistill has an immense amount of love and admiration forMariska Hargitay. Whileappearing virtuallyonThe Tonight ShowThursday, Meloni, 59, gushed about returning to the set ofLaw & Order: SVUand reuniting with Hargitay, 57. The actors previously costarred on the series for 12 years as the famed detective duo before Meloni left in 2011 due to issues with contract negotiations. The moment, Meloni continued, settled in for him as soon as the pair started working together.

Christopher Nolan and Celine Song to Be Honored at 2024 Sundance Film Festival Opening Night Gala

Christopher Nolan and Celine Song.Photo:Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images; Theo Wargo/Getty ImagesThe 2024Sundance Film Festivalwill honor two prominent directors.On Wednesday, the Sundance Institute announced thatOppenheimerdirectorChristopher NolanandPast Livesdirector Celine Song will receive special awards at the festival’sopening night galaJan. 18.Nolan, 53, will receive a brand-new honor, the Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award, while Song, 35, gets the Vanguard Award along with filmmaker Maite Alberdi. Both Song’sPast Livesand Alberdi’sThe Eternal Memorypremiered at the festival in January.

Christopher Nolan and Robert Downey Jr. Talk 'Element of Horror' toOppenheimerin New Clip (Exclusive)

Christopher Nolanis sharing how he blended movie genres inOppenheimer. On Friday, Universal Studios shared a behind-the-scenes featurette included in the film’s upcoming Blu-ray and digital release on Nov. 21 in which Nolan, 53, and cast memberRobert Downey Jr.share how the movie glides between beloved film genres. “At script stage withOppenheimer, I knew that what I wanted to do was start with this sort of hero’s journey’s beginning, discovering this extraordinary figure as a young man and his extraordinary potential,” Nolan shares in the clip, noting that tries to avoid “to be beholden to genre.