Christopher Meloni Net Worth

What is Christopher Meloni's Net Worth and Salary?

Christopher Meloni is an American actor who has a net worth of $40 million. Christopher Meloni is best known for his commanding screen presence and versatility across television and film. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with two breakout roles that showcased his range: as the intense Detective Elliot Stabler on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and as the volatile inmate Chris Keller on HBO's prison drama "Oz." These characters, worlds apart in morality and tone, established Meloni as both a leading man and a risk-taking actor willing to embrace complex, often dark roles.

Meloni began his career in television in the late 1980s with guest spots on shows like "The Equalizer" and "NYPD Blue," as well as supporting roles in films such as "Clean Slate" and "Bound." His big break came in 1998 when he joined "Oz," where his portrayal of Keller, a manipulative and dangerous prisoner entangled in a turbulent relationship with another inmate, earned critical acclaim. Just a year later, he was cast as Detective Stabler on "SVU," opposite Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson. Their on-screen partnership became one of television's most iconic duos, and Meloni starred on the series for 12 seasons before departing in 2011.

Outside of these defining roles, Meloni has built a varied career in film and television. He appeared in comedies like "Wet Hot American Summer" and "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle," dramas such as "Man of Steel," and returned to the "Wet Hot American Summer" universe in Netflix revivals. In 2017, he took on the lead in Syfy's dark comedy "Happy!," where he played a disgraced ex-cop who partners with an animated unicorn.

In 2021, Meloni reprised his role as Elliot Stabler in the spinoff "Law & Order: Organized Crime," reuniting with Hargitay for crossover episodes and reigniting the enduring popularity of his character. With his blend of intensity, humor, and charisma, Meloni has become one of television's most enduring and beloved actors.

Early Life

Christopher Peter Meloni was born on April 2nd, 1961, in Washington, D.C. He was raised alongside two elder siblings and made a name for himself as a quarterback on his high school football team, which went undefeated throughout 1978. After graduating from high school, Meloni studied acting at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He then moved to New York City to study under famed acting teacher Sanford Meisner.

Career

Christopher Meloni's acting career started slowly, with early work in commercials, bit parts in television, and supporting roles in film. In the 1990s, he landed small roles in shows such as "NYPD Blue" and films including "Bound" and "Runaway Bride." These appearances helped him gain a steady footing in Hollywood, but his true breakthrough came when he embraced two very different roles that would define his career.

In 1998, Meloni was cast as Chris Keller in HBO's gritty prison drama "Oz." His portrayal of Keller, a manipulative and violent inmate entangled in a volatile romantic relationship with another prisoner, became one of the show's most talked-about performances. Meloni's ability to bring complexity and humanity to such a dark role earned him critical acclaim and demonstrated his range as an actor. Just one year later, he was cast as Detective Elliot Stabler in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," which premiered in 1999. Stabler, a tough but emotionally driven detective, quickly became one of the most iconic characters in Dick Wolf's long-running "Law & Order" franchise. Meloni starred on "SVU" for 12 seasons alongside Mariska Hargitay, with their on-screen partnership becoming one of television's most enduring duos.

After leaving "SVU" in 2011 due to contract negotiations, Meloni continued to build a diverse career. He made memorable appearances on shows such as "Scrubs," "True Blood," "The Handmaid's Tale," and "Pose," showcasing his versatility across comedy, drama, and genre television. In 2017, he starred in the Syfy series "Happy!," playing a disgraced ex-cop who partners with an animated unicorn. Meloni also served as an executive producer on the show, which became a cult favorite.

In 2020, NBC announced that Meloni would reprise his role as Elliot Stabler in a new spin-off series, "Law & Order: Organized Crime." The series premiered in 2021, reuniting him with Mariska Hargitay for crossover episodes with "SVU." The spinoff gave fans a deeper look into Stabler's personal life and further solidified Meloni's place as one of the franchise's central figures.

Beyond television, Meloni has appeared in numerous films, building a reputation as a scene-stealer in both comedies and dramas. His film credits include cult favorites like "Wet Hot American Summer" and "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle," as well as its sequels. He has also appeared in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," "They Came Together," and blockbuster projects such as Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel." He reprised his comedic "Wet Hot American Summer" role for Netflix's revival series, further cementing his legacy in cult comedy.

Meloni has also ventured into voice acting, contributing to animated films, series, and video games. Notably, he voiced Hal Jordan/Green Lantern in the 2009 animated feature "Green Lantern: First Flight" and played John Taylor in the popular video game "Call of Duty: Black Ops III." His distinctive voice and commanding delivery have made him a natural fit for voiceover work.

Salary

Christopher Meloni's long tenure on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" was financially rewarding. At the height of his time on the series, he earned a peak salary of approximately $395,000 per episode, which equated to around $10 million per season. These earnings placed him among the highest-paid television actors of his era.

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Philanthropy

Christopher Meloni has used his platform to support a wide range of charitable causes. After winning an episode of "Celebrity Jeopardy!", he donated his $50,000 prize to several organizations, and when he returned in 2009, he once again donated his $25,000 winnings to charity. Beyond game show appearances, Meloni has been actively involved in supporting groups that focus on children's health, HIV/AIDS awareness, and arts education. He has lent his voice and time to fundraisers, public service campaigns, and community initiatives throughout his career, underscoring his commitment to using his visibility for good.

Personal Life

Christopher Meloni married production designer Doris Sherman Williams in 1995 after meeting her on the set of a TV project. Together they have two children, a daughter named Sophia and a son named Dante.

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Real Estate

In 2014, Christopher and his wife paid $5.25 million for a famous home in the Hollywood Hills. In the 50s and 60s, the property was the set of the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. The show's two stars, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, also lived in the house full-time until the death of Ozzie in 1976. The property is reportedly haunted, and many owners bought and quickly sold the house before Meloni scooped it up in 2014. The historic property sits on a half-acre and dates back to 1916, and features a classic design that boasts an almost legendary reputation within the entertainment world. In 2020, Chris listed this home for $6.5 million. In April 2022, they accepted $5.9 million. In the time between when the home was listed and sold, it was reportedly being rented out at a rate of $20-30,000 per month.

Outside of LA, the Melonis own a lakefront home in Connecticut and an impressive apartment in New York City. His NYC apartment is actually three units combined. He bought the three units in mid-2021 for $5.3 million. He gave Architectural Digest a tour of the NY apartment in August 2025:

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