Mariska Hargitay Pens Heartfelt Tribute to Law & Order: SVU Co-Star Kelli Giddish

Kelli Giddish officially said goodbye to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Thursday night, and co-star Mariska Hargitay joined the leagues of fans saddened by her departure. 

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Hargitay paid tribute to her friend and co-star Giddish. "Kelli, I’ve loved acting, learning, growing, talking, laughing and crying with you," she wrote. "I’ve loved watching your achingly beautiful performances. I’ve loved watching our friendship deepen and grow and blossom. I’ve loved every single minute of it, and I will miss you so much."

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mariska Hargitay (@therealmariskahargitay)

"You have my respect, my gratitude and my love forever," she concluded. "xo M." 

Giddish surprised fans in August when she announced she'd be leaving Law & Order: SVU after 12 seasons. "Playing Rollins has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life," she wrote. "I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of the Law & Order family for the last 12 years." 

The actress was reportedly fired from SVU against the wishes of star/executive producer Mariska Hargitay and another unnamed producer. According to sources, the decision was not made by showrunner David Graziano, but came from above amid a tense salary negotiation.

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Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.