10 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Guest Stars Who Stole Fans’ Hearts
There wasn’t a single miss.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has become the most popular Law & Order TV series for several reasons. One of them is a perfectly coordinated cast, another is Mariska Hargitay 's performance of very sensitive scenes and dialogues as Olivia Benson.
And of course, as the show went on, there were a lot of guest stars who showed up for an episode or two. From heartbroken victims to extremely creepy and vicious criminals, they had a lot to offer and never missed a beat with their acting.
Here are the top 10 Law & Order: SVU celebrity guests most loved by fans on the r/SVU subreddit.
Whoopi Goldberg (S17E4)
There probably isn’t one role that Whoopi Goldberg didn’t kill, but her performance of Janette Grayson is especially dear to many Law & Order: Special Victim Unit fans. Her courtroom monologue about the current state of the foster system which doesn’t help those who need it got to many people, whether they are involved in fostering themselves, or not.
Robin Williams (S9E17)
With the overwhelming love for Robin Williams around the world, it comes as no surprise that his performance in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has also been praised by fans. Playing the role of Merritt Rook, the actor once again showed off his versatility and gave viewers a scare.
John Stamos (S12E22)
If there's one person you'd think could charm and impregnate this many women, it's John Stamos. The actor was a perfect fit for "reproductive abuser" Ken Turner, and thanks to his background in both comedy and drama, he managed to make the episode completely unforgettable.
Sarah Hyland (S10E12)
Best known for her comedic turn on the ABC sitcom Modern Family, Sarah Hyland is no stranger to the Law & Order universe. In fact, she has starred in both Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Trial by Jury. However, her most memorable appearance for audiences was in 2009 when she portrayed a girl named Jennifer who killed her roommate.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar (S3E7)
The appearance of Mark-Paul Gosselaar shows that the production behind Law & Order: Special Victims Unit knew from the beginning what they wanted to do with the show and were willing to bring in special guests to help them make that vision a reality. Gosselaar's Wesley Jansen was a very complicated character, a hallmark of the show.
Hayden Panettiere (S2E11)
Another star who joined Law & Order: SVU twice, during its second and sixth seasons. As much as viewers admire her look as schoolgirl Angela Agnelli, it doesn't compare to the weight of her first role as the child of two music stars, Ashley Austin Black. The audience was truly impressed by how much presence the actress held even as a little girl.
Jeremy Irons (S12E13)
Jeremy Irons also appeared in two SVU episodes, but in both cases, he reprised his role as Dr. Cap Jackson. Irons was the best possible choice of actor to capture the complex nature of Cap Jackson and all the grief he suffers in both episodes. Unfortunately, while he is innocent, his story is not the one with the happy ending.
Jennifer Love Hewitt (S12E3)
No one could ever question Jennifer Love Hewitt's ability to portray very damaged yet strong-willed characters, and Vicki Sayers was definitely one of them. With the help of Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler, she was able to break a vicious cycle of rape that had ruined her life for years and see her abuser locked up in prison.
Brenda Blethyn (S10E8)
There's only one phrase that will send shivers down anyone's spine: "How could a woman like you understand a woman like me?" And there's only one actress who could have put so much thought, emotion, and commitment into Caroline Cresswell's speech.
No wonder Brenda Brethlyn was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for this episode!
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson is notable for this list because Law & Order (the original series) is said to be her first known acting job. However, years later, she appeared in Season 11 of Special Victims Unit as Anne Gillette and once again wowed viewers with a very believable portrayal of a spoiled heiress.
Source: Reddit