Christopher Meloni, 61, quite upbeat with 'Zaddy' status after becoming 'Law & Order' sex symbol

On "Law & Order: SVU," Christopher Meloni spent years playing NYPD hotshot Elliot Stabler, one of the most attractive detectives on television. He acknowledged that adjusting to his new role as a "Zaddy" has been enjoyable, particularly after one year of starring in his own spinoff, "Organized Crime." He described the emergence of his sex symbol predicament to People magazine as "it's a second act to a certain extent." "It's a gas. It's fun. I don't know, has anyone else been crowned Zaddy? Once it's bestowed upon you, you have to just ride that horse as long as you can." A "zaddy," which rhymes with "daddy," is a handsome older man who emanates charm and confidence in addition to his superb looks. [caption id="attachment_50075" align="aligncenter" width="720"] The first season of "Law & Order: SVU" starring Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler and Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson premiered in 1999.[/caption] Meloni started working on "Law & Order" in 1999 but departed the show in 2011 as a result of unsuccessful contract talks. Before landing the spinoff, he had a number of film and television jobs under his belt. He also gained notoriety for a number of social media posts that went viral, showcasing his toned body. A handsome older man who emanates charm and confidence in addition to his good looks is known as a "zaddy" (pronounced like the word "daddy"). Meloni joined "Law & Order" in 1999, however, she departed the show in 2011 as a result of broken contract talks. Before getting the spinoff, he acted in a number of films and television shows, but he also gained notoriety for his fair share of viral social media posts showcasing his toned, muscular physique. "My wife, she's lovely, she gets it. Meaning she's like, 'Eh, whatever.' My kids, on the other hand, invariably once a month, it's 'Really? Really?'" he said. "Their friends will send them a meme that's come out or whatever." He added, "But I think secretly in their hearts, they get it. It's cool, because we all have a good goof with it. My children's friends bust my chops, but it's all fun. It's an honor."