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NBC Insider Law & Order: Organized Crime

Chris Meloni Grew a Full Beard and Looks So Handsome: See Pics

The Law & Order: Organized Crime star typically has a shaved face — but now, he's rocking a beard. 

By Jackie Manno

Chris Meloni (Elliot Stabler) has a new look. 

How to Watch

Watch Law & Order: Organized Crime Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC and next day on Peacock.

On August 7, the Law & Order: Organized Crime star took to his official Instagram page to share him rocking some scruff. In the snapshot, he poses in front of a sign that says "Wad of Fun" while he wearing some cool shades. Then, we catch a glimpse of the actor doing an epic spin trick in a car. 

This isn't the first time Meloni has shown off his new beard, as he first debuted it this June when he attended an event in New York City with his former Law & Order: Special Victims Unit co-star Tamara Tunie. There, the beard was slightly fuller while he wore a gray suit and posed with Tunie for a selfie outdoors. 

RELATED: See Incredible Pics From Chris Meloni's Safari Vacation with His Family

Chris Meloni's new beard: photos

With the beard, Meloni has fully embraced his Zaddy status. And he kicked this up a notch even more with a steamy commercial he filmed for the clothing company Tommie Copper this July. In the clip, he stands in his birthday suit (only wearing knee-high socks) while cooking behind a counter. 

In an interview with People, Meloni revealed that he attaches no stigma to showing some (or all) of his skin. "Look, I am a big fan of nudity. I always have been. Always, since I was a child," he told the outlet. "It's a sense of freedom. We're a little uptight in this country over that whole thing. How many nudist beaches do we have? Who doesn't like a good nudist beach? I love them!"

Chris Meloni on the Today show.

In the same interview, the actor also talked about his viral Zaddy moniker. "It's a gas. It's fun," he said. "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." 

He continued, "Age is a wondrous thing. You hope that with time you get a little wiser, get a little more patient, and really come from a place of more maturity, which I translate to clarity and love. Really just having an attitude of enjoying the ride. It's great. Are you kidding me? I'm 61 years old and a Zaddy. The lucky streak continues."