Christopher Meloni spent years portraying one of the most desirable detectives on television screens as NYPD hot-shot Elliot Stabler on "Law & Order: SVU."
He admitted his new status as a "Zaddy" has been fun to navigate, especially one year into starring in his own spinoff, "Organized Crime."
"It's a second act to a certain degree," he told People magazine of the rise of his sex symbol situation.
"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."
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A "zaddy" — which rhymes with the word "daddy" — can be defined as an attractive, older man who exudes confidence and charm in addition to good looks.
Meloni began working on "Law & Order" in 1999, but left the series in 2011 due to failed contract negotiations.
He starred in a host of film and television roles before landing the spinoff, but also became known for his fair share of viral social media moments showing off his buff, muscular body.
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Earlier this summer, he went completely naked for a Peloton commercial to celebrate #NationalNudeDay.
"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."
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Meloni has been married to wife Sherman Williams Meloni for 27 years, and the couple has daughter Sophia and son Dante.
"Age is a wondrous thing. You hope that with time you get a little wiser, get a little more patient and really come from a place of more maturity, which I translate to clarity and love," he said.
"And by love, it's not kumbaya, but a sense we're all in this together, we're all doing the best we can. It's a more refined way to operate."
He added, "Really just having an attitude of enjoying the ride. It's great. Are you kidding me? I'm 61-years-old and a zaddy. The lucky streak continues."
