As fans, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish what’s real and what’s the result of a bit of Hollywood magic when it comes to our favorite actors. Especially when they’ve played a character for 25 years. In the case of Chris Meloni, it’s time to set the record straight on one of Stabler’s most distinctive physical features. Law and Order: SVU And Law & Order: Organized Crime: His tattoos.
All about Elliot Stabler’s Marines tattoo
Longtime fans know that Elliot Stabler served in the military before joining the SVU Troop, and the simple black tattoo of his figure on the inside of his forearm reflects the time he served his country.
Stabler’s tattoo is a copy of the United States Marine Corps emblem, which reflects his character’s time overseas during Operation Desert Storm as a close combat specialist. The symbol consists of three distinct design elements: the eagle, the globe, and the anchor.
The eagle symbolizes the United States, the globe represents the Marines’ global commitment, and the anchor “represents the amphibious nature of the Marines’ mission and emphasizes the close ties between the Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy,” according to the U.S. Marine Corps’ official website.
Sharp-eyed viewers of Law & Order: Special Unit for Victims will remember that this tattoo appeared in episodes like “Outcry” in Season 6 and many others in Seasons 7 and 8.
In a 2020 interview, Meloni revealed that it was his idea to give Stabler a military-inspired tattoo, a suggestion that series creator Dick Wolf approved!
“As far as my character goes, I gave suggestions to Dick Wolf, I had a certain idea – I thought (Stabler) was written a little square, a little steep and that sort of thing, and I asked Dick if I could get a tattoo on my arm,” Meloni explained. “He was in the Marines, so I wanted a tattoo.”
Chris Meloni has three tattoos in real life
Although the U.S. Marine Corps emblem that Meloni wears when portraying Stabler is only temporary for his time on screen, the 63-year-old has a handful of real tattoos that have been a part of his life for years, including a striking one that many fans will already be familiar with.
Meloni’s impressive tattoo on his left bicep is an interpretation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The star also has a butterfly tattoo on his thigh, which fans can rightly assume was done during his time in the law and order Universe. Meloni also reportedly wears a Chinese horoscope representing his family on his right leg.
