NBC Insider Exclusive

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more!

Sign Up For Free to View
NBC Insider Law & Order: Organized Crime

Yes, Chris Meloni's Stabler Tattoo Is Fake — But His Real Ones May Be Even Cooler

The OC star has a signature tattoo on screen, but he has a few of his own in real life.

By Chris Phelan
Chris Meloni Walks Through His Long-Haired '70s Style
Video thumbnail
Now Playing
1:56
Full Episode
Chris Meloni Walks Through His Long-Haired '70s Style
Video thumbnail
15:32
Highlight
RFK Jr. Warns People Not to Take His Medical Advice, JD Vance Returns to Rome for Pope Inauguration
Video thumbnail
3:53
Highlight
The Weeknd and Jimmy Crash a College Graduation Party and Perform Blinding Lights/Can’t Feel My Face
Video thumbnail
6:38
Highlight
Young Mazino Got Ignored by The Last of Us Clickers, Shows Off His Guitar Skills (Extended)
Video thumbnail
11:29
Highlight
The Weeknd Reveals How Tom Cruise Transformed His Career, Talks Filming HURRY UP TOMORROW (Extended)
Video thumbnail
5:12
Highlight
Adam Goldstein Talks Olympics' Official Air Taxi Provider in Partnership with Archer Aviation
Video thumbnail
4:48
Highlight
The Weeknd: Baptized In Fear/Open Hearts
Video thumbnail
2:35
Highlight
Amyl and The Sniffers: Tiny Bikini
Video thumbnail
9:33
Highlight
Salma Hayek Pinault Got Arrested at Sabrina Carpenter's Concert, Teaches Jimmy How to Pose
Video thumbnail
6:33
Highlight
Trump Gets Cybertruck Escort in Qatar, Gifted Luxury Jet That Requires Security Inspection
Video thumbnail
8:31
Highlight
Crazy Bugs with Alie Ward and Salma Hayek Pinault
Video thumbnail
11:16
Highlight
Mel B Practices Walking Down the Aisle, Talks Spice Girls Reunion and America's Got Talent Return
Video thumbnail
0:41
Web Exclusive
Jin Is Coming Back to The Tonight Show!
Video thumbnail
8:05
Highlight
Blake Shelton's New Album Was Inspired by Post Malone, Talks No. 1 Hit "Texas" and The Voice Return
Video thumbnail
13:44
Highlight
Trump Secures $600 Billion Saudi Arabia Deal, Says He'd Be "Stupid" to Decline Plane Bribe
Video thumbnail
3:10
Highlight
Blake Shelton: Texas
Video thumbnail
1:41
Highlight
Jimmy Gives Away His New Book Papa Doesn't Do Anything!
Video thumbnail
5:37
Highlight
Desi Lydic Celebrated Mother's Day Binge-Watching TV, Talks 10-Year Anniversary at The Daily Show

As fans, sometimes it's hard to differentiate between what's real and what's the results of a little Hollywood magic when it comes to our favorite actors. Especially after they'd played a character for 25 years. In Chris Meloni's case, it's time to set the record straight on one of Stabler's most distinctive physical characteristics on Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime: His tattoos. 

All about Elliot Stabler's Marines tattoo

How to Watch

Watch Law & Order: Organized Crime Thursdays on Peacock.

Longtime fans know that Elliot Stabler served in the military before joining the SVU squad, and his character's simple, black-ink tattoo inside his inner forearm reflects the time spent serving 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 hand-to-hand combat specialist. The symbol comprises three distinct design elements: the Eagle, the Globe, and the Anchor.

The Eagle symbolizes the United States, the Globe signifies the worldwide commitment Marines make, and the Anchor "represents the amphibious nature of the Marines' duties and emphasizes the close ties between the Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy," according to the official website of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Eagle-eyed viewers of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will remember this tattoo appearing in episodes like Season 6's "Outcry" and many others throughout Seasons 7 and 8.

In a 2020 interview, Meloni revealed that it was his idea for Stabler to have a military-inspired tattoo, a suggestion that series creator Dick Wolf signed off on!

"As far as my character, I made suggestions to Dick Wolf, I had a certain idea – I thought [Stabler] was written a little square, a little straight-arrowy, and certain things, I asked Dick if I could have a tattoo on my arm," Meloni explained. "He was in the Marines, so I wanted a tattoo."

Chris Meloni sitting in a basketball uniform on a bench.

Chris Meloni has three tattoos in real life

Although the U.S. Marine Corps emblem Meloni sports when portraying Stabler is just temporary for his time spent on screen, the 63-year-old has a handful of honest-to-goodness tattoos that have been part of his life for years, including a prominent one that many fans should already be familiar with.

Meloni's impressive left bicep tattoo is an interpretation of the crucifixtion of Jesus Christ. The star also has a butterfly tattoo on his upper thigh, which, as fans can correctly assume, has never been shown during his time in the Law & Order universe. Meloni also reportedly sports a Chinese astrological chart representing his family on his right leg.