SVU’s Peter Scanavino Says Carisi and Benson’s Relationship ‘Mirrors’ Real-Life Friendship with Mariska Hargitay

Transcript

00:00I think my relationship with Mariska really kind of mirrors their relationship,

00:04because when I came in on the show, you know, I always respected her and I looked up to her as an actor,

00:10and even as a friend, and I think Carisi did as well as a detective.

00:17So as their relationship has grown, so is mine with Mariska's,

00:21and I think, you know, it's one of the most important relationships I have in my life.

00:25She's one of my best friends.

00:28And we can speak very honestly with each other in real life,

00:31and just like Benson and Carisi can speak very honestly with each other,

00:36in that one scene in particular, in the winter premiere.

00:41So, I don't know, it's nice how it's kind of followed that.

00:44It all feels very earned. There was nothing forced, nothing pushed,

00:47it was just an organic relationship kind of evolving into this thing where they're very close now.

00:52I mean, it's cool, because I do have that background,

00:55and, you know, it's also fun.

01:02It gives me something to do, you know what I mean?

01:05And kind of like, it's a bit of a utility infielder.

01:09Like, I could do this, and I could do that.

01:11And, you know, so they're using that, and it's good.

01:14You know, I'm just happy to be involved in scenes.