Christopher Meloni Says He Likes Being a Zaddy

Christopher Meloni’s second act comes with a new title: “Zaddy.” The 61-year-old actor, who famously played Detective Elliot Stabler for over a decade on “Law & Order: Special Victim’s Unit,” has become a sex symbol, and he’s embracing it. In an Oct. 12 interview with People, Meloni said this new facet of his identity is just a part of the “lucky train of his career.”

Meloni made waves when he appeared naked in a Peloton advertisement in July, months after he delighted fans by rejoining the Law & Order franchise for its “Organized Crime” spinoff. It turns out, the internet appreciated his comeback so much, they labeled him “zaddy.” And Meloni doesn’t mind one bit: “It’s a gas. It’s fun. I don’t know, has anyone else been crowned Zaddy? Once it’s bestowed upon you, you have to just ride that horse as long as you can.”

Meloni’s wife of 27 years, Sherman Williams, doesn’t seem to mind either. “My wife, she’s lovely, she gets it,” he said. His two kids — Sophia, 21, and Dante, 18 — are a different story: “My kids, on the other hand, invariably once a month, it’s ‘Really? Really?'” he said. “Their friends will send them a meme that’s come out or whatever.” Meloni added, “It’s cool, because we all have a good goof with it. My children’s friends bust my chops, but it’s all fun. It’s an honor.”