Unlike his beloved character Elliot Stabler, Law & Order: Organized Crime star Christopher Meloni couldn't have a more stable and loving family life.
While the actor, who turns 65 today, and his on-screen persona are both fiercely protective of their family members, the NYPD detective struggles with finding the balance between putting his life on the line and equally keeping his family out of harm's way.
Elliot shares five children with his wife Kathy (played by Isabel Gillies), who he married when they were 17. They already have four school-aged kids by the time Law & Order: Special Victims Unit premiered, and welcome their fifth child, Elliot "Eli" Stabler Jr., in season nine.
Kathy tragically dies from injuries sustained in a car bombing meant to Elliot in the show's 22nd season, leading the latter to step up as a father, especially to his youngest son Eli. In real life, Christopher has been with his wife Sherman for over 30 years as well, and they're the proud parents of two.
Here's all you need to know about Christopher Meloni's family life…
© Getty ImagesWho is Christopher's wife Doris Sherman Williams?
Doris Sherman Williams Meloni, who goes by "Sherman Williams" professionally, 66, is a production designer, artist, and art director. Her first known credit is the 1986 Oscar-winning film Platoon.
She has subsequently worked for shows like Danger Theatre and 413 Hope St., as well as the movies The Chase (1994), Automatic (1995), Walking Across Egypt (1999), and the upcoming feature Chop Cheese.
© Getty ImagesChristopher and Sherman's relationship
The couple met back in 1989, when they were both working on the same HBO production (likely the show 1st & Ten). At the time, Christopher was still a struggling actor, trying to land his breakout role (which wouldn't arrive until his recurring role in Oz in 1998, then Law & Order the year after).
Speaking with YourTango, Christopher recalls first seeing Sherman, who arrived on set with platinum blonde, cropped hair and on a Harley Davidson. "This I gotta meet," he said. While they hit it off, nothing came from it because Sherman had a boyfriend.
© Getty ImagesThey ran into each other once again in Los Angeles some time later, but things still didn't work out. After a couple more run-ins, things finally aligned, and they started dating by 1991. And in 1995, they tied the knot on a beach in Malibu, hosting a medieval-themed wedding for their loved ones.
Eventually, Sherman gave up her work in Los Angeles to move with Christopher to New York City, even designing their Hell's Kitchen apartment, where he eventually landed the role of Elliot Stabler.
© Getty ImagesChristopher and Sherman's two children
In March of 2001, the couple welcomed their daughter Sophia Eva Pietra Meloni, now 25. And in January of 2004, they welcomed their now 22-year-old son Dante Amadeo Meloni. Christopher's Law & Order co-star Mariska Hargitay is Sophia's godmother.
Sophia is a graduate of Wesleyan University and runs her own substack page as well. She is now directly following in her parents' Hollywood footsteps, not only venturing into acting, but announcing earlier this year that she will make her feature directorial debut with the movie Chop Cheese. Her dad will star in it, and mom Sherman will serve as the production designer.
© InstagramDante keeps out of the spotlight more so than his sister, although he and his dad share a passion for sports and weightlifting. Per his social media page, he is currently a student at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York.
