Who is Lisha Bai? The Artist Behind the Scenes
Lisha Bai, Scanavino’s wife since 2011, is an accomplished contemporary artist known for her mixed-media works that tackle themes of identity, culture, and personal experience. Bai’s art has been featured in prestigious galleries in cities like New York, London, and San Francisco, earning her widespread recognition in the art world. As a Korean-American woman who grew up in Alabama, her works are deeply influenced by her cultural background and experiences.
Lisha Bai’s Artistic Journey and Recognition
Lisha Bai’s talent is evident not just in her work but in the education she has received. She earned a Master’s degree in painting and printmaking from Yale University, following her undergraduate studies in painting at Washington University in St. Louis. Bai’s work is diverse, incorporating textiles, painting, and other mediums to express her complex emotions and identity. One of her notable recent works is a textile piece called Joseph’s Room in New York City, which was inspired by her experiences as a Korean-American woman navigating life in Alabama.
The recognition Bai has earned as an artist is hard-won. In 2019, Peter Scanavino publicly encouraged his fans to visit Bai’s exhibit at the NADA Art Fair in Miami, showing his unwavering support for her career. Her impressive body of work has led to shows around the world, cementing her position in the contemporary art scene. Bai’s contributions to the world of art reflect a deep commitment to storytelling through visual means, and her personal experiences are woven into every piece.
Scanavino’s Role as the Ultimate Supportive Husband
While Scanavino is a familiar face to SVU fans, he’s equally proud of his wife’s accomplishments. As an avid supporter of Lisha Bai’s career, he frequently posts about her work on social media, sharing exhibitions and highlighting her latest achievements. In fact, Peter has made it clear that meeting Lisha was “the best thing that ever happened to him,” a sentiment he shared with his followers on the occasion of their 10th wedding anniversary.
In an emotional anniversary post, Scanavino shared a throwback photo from when the couple first met, celebrating their decade-long journey together. The photo, featuring Scanavino with floppy hair and an easy smile, was a charming look back at their early days as a couple. Their relationship is clearly one of deep love, mutual respect, and admiration for each other’s pursuits.
Parenthood: A Shared Experience Between Scanavino and Mariska Hargitay
Both Peter Scanavino and his co-star Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson on SVU, have raised families while balancing their demanding careers. It’s no surprise that the two have become close friends off-screen, sharing parenting tips and learning from each other’s experiences. Scanavino, a father of three, has spoken about the joy and challenges of parenthood, noting that he has gained a lot of wisdom from his years as a parent.
Learning from Mariska Hargitay’s Parenting Style
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Scanavino’s journey as a father is his admiration for Mariska Hargitay’s parenting approach. Hargitay, who has three children of her own, is known for her open, playful nature and her ability to balance her work and personal life with grace. Scanavino has said that Mariska is an inspiring figure both on and off the screen. As a parent, she’s an example of patience, playfulness, and openness, qualities Scanavino admires deeply.
“Mariska is a very playful person. She’s completely open to whatever, and that’s really impressive,” Scanavino shared in a 2024 interview. “That also carries over to what she’s like as a parent—she’s totally collaborative and open to other points of view, understanding, and listening.” These qualities, he believes, make her an invaluable friend, parent, and actress.
Scanavino also notes that Mariska’s parenting style has been a source of inspiration for him. Her ability to navigate motherhood with such ease and understanding has influenced his approach to raising his own children. While Scanavino admits he’s more experienced as a father than his SVU character, Carisi, he often reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a parent, and much of that wisdom has come from observing people like Mariska.
Peter Scanavino on Parenting: A New Chapter with His Kids
In an interview with People in 2024, Scanavino opened up about his experience as a parent. Unlike his character Carisi, who often struggles with the demands of fatherhood on SVU, Scanavino is well-versed in the challenges and rewards of raising children. With three kids at home, Scanavino is no stranger to the ups and downs of family life, and he embraces the chaos that comes with it.
“Parenting can be a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” he said. “There’s always that moment of second-guessing yourself, wondering if you’re doing things right. But ultimately, I just try to give my kids the love and support they need.” He also mentioned that revisiting the early stages of parenting through his role as Carisi is a nice reminder of the excitement and challenges of those first few years. For Scanavino, it’s a balancing act—he gets to draw on his personal experience as a father while also portraying the growing pains of Carisi as he navigates fatherhood on SVU.
Peter Scanavino and Lisha Bai: A Relationship Built on Love and Support
While Peter Scanavino may be well-known for his role on SVU, it’s clear that his real-life relationship with Lisha Bai is what keeps him grounded. Together, they’ve built a beautiful family, supporting one another’s personal and professional growth. Scanavino has made it a point to celebrate Lisha’s successes, often sharing her artwork with his fans and showing his pride in her work.
Their shared journey of over a decade together is a testament to their strong bond. Through anniversaries, challenges, and moments of joy, Scanavino and Bai have remained dedicated to one another. As they continue to navigate parenthood and their respective careers, their commitment to one another and their family shines through. For Peter, Lisha Bai isn’t just his wife—she’s his partner, his inspiration, and his greatest support.
Conclusion
Peter Scanavino’s personal life with his wife, Lisha Bai, is a beautiful contrast to the often intense and high-stakes world of SVU. Their partnership is built on mutual admiration, shared values, and a deep connection that goes beyond the public eye. While Scanavino has become a beloved part of the SVU team, it’s clear that his role as a husband and father is just as important to him as his acting career. Lisha Bai’s success as an artist and the couple’s ability to balance family life with their respective passions make them one of Hollywood’s most inspiring couples.
Their relationship is a reminder that while the spotlight might shine on SVU‘s gripping cases and drama, the true beauty of life often unfolds in the quiet moments of love, family, and support behind the scenes.
