A native of Washington, D.C., Christopher Meloni comes to the cast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" after a series of memorable guest-starring roles on some of television’s most acclaimed series.

In addition to his new starring role on the "Law & Order" spinoff, Meloni will reprise his role as the duplicitous inmate Chris Keller on the third season of the hard-hitting, critically praised series "Oz." In another memorable role on "NYPD Blue," Meloni played Jimmy Liery, the volatile undercover target of Emmy Award winner Kim Delaney’s Detective Russell. He has also appeared on "Homicide: Life on the Street.

Meloni makes a move to the right side of the law as Detective Elliot Stabler. "Stabler and I are alike in that we’re focused on our job and couldn’t see doing anything else with our lives," says Meloni about his character Detective Elliot Stabler. "He’s a rock solid guy, with a great capacity for compassion, the ironic and the absurd. He can relish the small triumphs when they come and doesn’t allow the horrors of his job to infect him." Meloni is familiar with difficult work, spending a few years in construction before beginning his acting career. In addition to his guest-starring work, Meloni starred in the series "Leaving L.A." and several miniseries including "In A Child’s Name" and "Mario Puzo’s ‘The Last Don.’"

On film Meloni next appears as Julia Roberts’ fiancé in "Runaway Bride" with Richard Gere. He has also been seen in such diverse films as "Bound," "12 Monkeys," "Junior" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."

An avid traveler, Meloni has explored from Turkey to Bali and is searching for points in between to visit. He also enjoys weightlifting, playing basketball, football, chess and is a martial arts enthusiast.