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‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ Star Christopher Meloni Opens Up About the ‘Trauma’ of His ‘Childhood’

These days, Christopher Meloni finds himself at the center of the latest Dick Wolf procedural TV in “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” Opting to reprise his role as Detective Elliot Stabler from the days he spent on “SVU” with Mariska Hargitay, Meloni is enjoying the freedom he has achieved by this point in his career. But his life at present stands in stark contrast to the days of his youth. Meloni struggled to conform to the reserved, religious household of his childhood.

It continues to take a toll on him in adulthood. But as with any trauma, it contributed to the person he is today. A person who has entertained millions as the star of “Law & Order: Organized Crime” and countless other productions over the past 30-plus years.

That being said, Meloni doesn’t look too fondly at his childhood experience. Or rather, he was glad to escape the stifling environment of his home life. He was a no-nonsense guy in a house full of what he considered grade-A nonsense. And the inability to connect with his family on a fundamental level led to Meloni feeling misunderstood.

“Living in that house was like living in a dark cloud. They were so quiet and so reserved, but you feel it. I just remember always looking around, like, “Am I f*cking crazy?’” Meloni told Men’s Health in a recent interview. “I could feel it. The trauma of childhood is real. And I carry that with me.”

Trauma like that of the “Law & Order: Organized Crime” star is always a double-sided coin. Unpleasant in its experience, but all-important in its footprint on the person themself. Who knows? Without experiencing his youth in that way, maybe Meloni never finds his way into acting.

Season 2 of ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ Filming is Underway

And fans of the new Dick Wolf-produced series couldn’t be more excited. Season 1 of “Law & Order: Organized Crime” saw Meloni’s Elliot Stabler go toe-to-toe with Dylan McDermott’s suave mafioso Richard Wheatley. Season 2 finds the show bringing in some more big guns.

With filming in full gear, the show announced new additions to the cast this week. Joining the cast are Ron Cephas Jones and Vinnie Jones—no relation. Cephas Jones will be coming on as Congressman Leon Kilbride. And Vinnie Jones will be joining as Albi Briscu, an Albanian gangster.

“And these villains are going to be really bad guys that give [Detective Elliot Stabler] a constant source of energy, outrage, belief in justice and a different way of pursuing criminals than we’ve had before,” producer Dick Wolf said.

After signing a big contract for Season 2, Dylan McDermott will be back to reprise Wheatley. And while that will be a major plot point for the show, “Law & Order: Organized Crime” is looking to explore multiple villain arcs in the upcoming season.