Peter Scanavino, known for his role as Sonny Carisi on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*, recently reflected on his iconic character during a behind-the-scenes video. Scanavino, who has portrayed multiple characters in the *Law & Order* franchise, cherishes his time as Carisi, particularly remembering his memorable first line: “They shot at us right outside of the station, so they want us to know they’re crazy.”
Carisi’s Mustache: A Defining Moment
Scanavino made his debut as Carisi in Season 16, in the episode titled “Girls Disappeared.” His introduction involved a tense situation where a group of perpetrators targeted the precinct. Despite the chaos, Carisi’s effort to bring pastries to his new colleagues showcased his commitment to fitting in. He humorously reflected on this by noting he brought “a bunch of zeppoles and a mustache,” indicating his signature look at the time.
During the discussion, Scanavino admitted his nerves on set contributed to a charged performance. “I was nervous ’cause I didn’t want to blow it,” he commented. This energy helped him embody how a police officer would carry himself in high-stress situations. Although he fondly recalled Carisi’s impressive mustache, he acknowledged that the facial hair was eventually retired in later seasons. “I can’t believe they let me do that,” Scanavino said of the mustache, adding, “that was awesome.”
Past Characters and New Beginnings
Similarly, Kelli Giddish, who plays Detective Amanda Rollins, has a history with the show. She first appeared in Season 8 as Kara Bawson, an assault survivor. Giddish shared that she worked alongside Ice-T during her initial role, which diverged from her eventual character as a detective. Her excitement was palpable when she recalled her first scene as Rollins, highlighting her eagerness to impress her colleagues. “Hi, I’m here. I’m ready to learn,” she stated, embodying a fresh character ready for challenges.
Memorable First Lines from Key Characters
- Peter Scanavino (Sonny Carisi): “They shot at us right outside of the station, so they want us to know they’re crazy.”
- Kelli Giddish (Amanda Rollins): “Hi, I’m here. I’m ready to learn.”
- Mariska Hargitay (Olivia Benson): “Olivia Benson,” as she introduced herself during her 1999 debut.
As *Law & Order: SVU* prepares for its return on January 8, viewers can anticipate not only the thrilling content but also a reminder of the characters’ enduring charm. The show continues to capture attention, and all seasons are available for streaming on Peacock.
