Christopher Meloni with his wife Sherman Williams and his kids Dante and Sophia Meloni at the Premiere Of 20th Century Fox’s “Snatched” - Arrivals at Regency Village Theatre on May 10, 2017 in Westwood, California.Photo: David Crotty/Patrick McMullan/Getty
Christopher Meloniplays the iconic role of Elliot Stabler onLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit, but he also has another important job: dad to his two children, Sophia and Dante Meloni.
TheMan of Steelactor married artistSherman Williamsin 1995 and made his first appearance onLaw & Order: SVUfour years later. As the series increased in popularity, Christopher and Williams started to grow their family. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Sophia, in 2001, and their son, Dante, followed in 2004.
Over the years, Christopher has opened up about his family life in interviews and on social media.
“I always knew I wanted kids, as did my wife,” he told PEOPLE in October 2022. “My mother always used to say to me, ‘I’ve learned so much from you kids,’ and I didn’t get it. Now I get it.”
Christopher Meloni with his wife Sherman Williams and his kids, Sophia and Dante Meloni.Christopher Meloni Instagram
Here is everything to know about Christopher Meloni’s kids, Sophia and Dante.
Sophia Eva Pietra Meloni, 23
Christopher Meloni and his daughter Sophia Eva Pietra Meloni attend the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Rainbow Room and broadcast on February 28, 2021 in New York, New York.Cindy Ord/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty
Christopher and Williams welcomed their first child,Sophia Eva Pietra Meloni, on March 23, 2001.
In 2021, Sophia gave Christopher a present for Father’s Day that reflected on her and her brother’s childhood in a funny way. The gift was a framed post from X (formerly Twitter) that responded to a question about “best celebrity sightings.”
The post read, “I saw Chris Meloni, one of the toughest tough guys on television, failing to control two toddlers at a brunch at Columbus Circle circa 2007.” Sophia attached a photo of herself and Dante as toddlers and wrote, “The toddlers in question?”
Christopher’sLaw & Order: Special Victims UnitcostarMariska Hargitayis Sophia’s godmother and it seems they are quite close.
On Hargitay’s birthday in 2023, Sophia posted an old video of herself with the actresson Instagramand wrote, “waving my wand to summon all things sparkly, shiny, beautiful and grand for my fairy godmamma today.”
Christopher Meloni and his daughter Sophia Meloni.Chris Meloni Instagram
Chris Meloni Instagram
In May 2024, Sophiagraduated from Wesleyan University. She celebrated with a party at her parent’s New York City home and Hargitay was among the attendees.
Dante Amadeo Meloni, 21
Christopher Meloni and his son Dante Meloni.Christopher Meloni Instagram
Christopher and Williams welcomed Dante Amadeo Meloni on Jan. 2, 2004.
Over the years, theHappy!star has celebrated their son on his birthday each year. “17 years. Love too big, time too fast #myboy,” Christopher captioned throwback photoson Instagramin 2021.
When he’s notplaying basketball, Dante accompanies his family to red carpet events, like movie premieres forSnatchedandGodzilla.
Chris Meloni and his son Dante Meloni at the gym.Chris Meloni Instagram
Though they were raised out of the spotlight, Christopher has always encouraged his children to pursue their passions. “I want them to engage in athletics or the arts because those are places they get to express themselves,” he toldUSA Todayin 2014.
He also shared his philosophy on being a hands-on dad. “I think my kids would call me a little crazy,” Christopher told the outlet. “I’m very physical, very affectionate. I’m also very disciplined and focused on education. That’s one thing that was instilled in me, one place in life where there’s no compromise.”
source: people.com
