
Mariska Hargitay, the iconic face of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has been leading the charge as Olivia Benson for over two decades. The show, known for its gripping storytelling and high-profile guest stars, has had its fair share of celebrity cameos. But recently, Hargitay revealed something surprising—there’s one particular role that “all the famous people” want to play on SVU.
So, what’s the role that has Hollywood’s A-listers clamoring for a guest spot? Let’s dive in!

A-List Obsession: Why ‘SVU’ Attracts Big Names
A Show with Prestige and Legacy
Law & Order: SVU isn’t just another crime drama. It’s one of the longest-running shows in television history. With its powerful storytelling and cultural impact, it’s no wonder celebrities want to be part of it.
Guest Stars Galore
From Bradley Cooper to Whoopi Goldberg, SVU has seen its fair share of high-profile guest stars. But some roles are more coveted than others.
The Most Sought-After Role on ‘SVU’
What Mariska Hargitay Revealed
In a recent interview, Mariska Hargitay shared that the one role celebrities consistently ask for is the villain—the criminal mastermind. It turns out that playing the bad guy on SVU is one of the most desired gigs in Hollywood.
Why Do Celebrities Love Playing the Villain?
- It’s a Break from Their Usual Roles – Many A-list actors are known for playing heroes, so getting to be a twisted criminal is a thrilling challenge.
- It Shows Their Acting Range – Playing a complex, dark character allows actors to showcase their versatility.
- It’s Just Fun! – Let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to dive into a juicy, dramatic role on one of TV’s most intense shows?

Notable Celebrities Who Have Played ‘SVU’ Villains
Robin Williams – The Manipulative Mastermind
The late, great Robin Williams shocked audiences with his chilling portrayal of a twisted engineer in Season 9’s Authority episode.
John Stamos – The Charismatic Criminal
John Stamos stepped away from his usual heartthrob roles to play a manipulative predator in Season 12’s Bang.
Cynthia Nixon – The Deceptive Mind
The Sex and the City star won an Emmy for her role as a woman with dissociative identity disorder in Season 9.
Alec Baldwin – The Corrupt Cop
Baldwin played a controversial NYPD detective in Season 24, proving that even law enforcement can be morally compromised.
Why This Role Holds Such Appeal
The Psychological Depth
Villains on SVU aren’t one-dimensional. They often have elaborate backstories that make them fascinating to portray.
The Challenge of Being Hated
Actors love a challenge, and playing a character that audiences loathe is a true test of their skills.
The Impact of a Great Villain
A well-played villain can leave a lasting impression—sometimes even more than the heroes.
Will We See More A-Listers as Villains?
Given the ongoing popularity of SVU, it’s likely that more A-listers will step into the shoes of chilling criminals in future episodes. Hargitay’s revelation only fuels the excitement for which big-name star will be next to join the ranks of SVU’s most infamous villains.

Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s revelation about the most coveted SVU role sheds light on just how influential the show has become. Celebrities love the challenge of playing a villain, and as long as SVU continues to dominate the crime drama genre, we can expect to see even more shocking, high-profile guest stars stepping into these sinister roles.
So, which celebrity would you love to see as the next SVU villain? Drop your picks in the comments!