Mariska Hargitay

Velasco has cemented himself as an essential member of Benson's squad throughout the past few seasons of Law & Order: SVU.

Because regardless of the man's methods, Stabler will always save the day. And we love him for it.

"It's so beautiful to have the privilege to actually watch the evolution," Hargitay said.

It was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment during a Season 12 episode.

The Law & Order: SVU star has rocked many hair lengths over the years. Her pixie-cut era is one of the most iconic. 

The SVU power couple have celebrated 20 years of marital bliss, with no shortage of giggles along the way.

The original title doesn't have quite the same ring to it!

Appearing in Season 6 of SVU, Martin Short's "helpful" psychic Sebastian Ballentine was the villain all along.

The SVU icon recalls their fateful audition.

How does the Law & Order: SVU star season...anything she eats? 

Hargitay recalls telling primetime titan Dick Wolf, "This is my role, this is my part, I am Olivia Benson."  

When the going gets tough, you can rely on the endlessly badass SVU star to get going.

The Northern Lights found itself in an amazing photo with the SVU icon.

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann have been married since 2004. 

Make no mistake — the mythic Mariska Hargitay is every bit as inspiring as SVU's Olivia Benson.

The SVU icon is closing out the year in the most beautiful way!

Law & Order: SVU fans love soaking up any moment of Benson-Stabler screen time.

Things always get real during a Benson-Stabler stakeout. 

Hargitay and Hermann tied the knot in 2004 and have been thriving for over two decades. 

"Bensler" fans argue this is one of the first signs of Stabler having feelings for Benson.