Kelli Giddish Exits ‘SVU’: Mariska Hargitay & More Pay Tribute
Here Are Their Stories
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Kelli Giddish‘s final episode on Law & Order: SVU aired on Thursday, December 8, and ahead of the episode, she shared a message of thanks with her fans and followers.
“To everyone who supported Rollins – THANK YOU,” wrote Giddish, who played NYPD Detective Amanda Rollins in the Dick Wolf crime-drama. In return, the Law & Order cast and crew shared their love and support for Giddish as they took to social media to say their goodbyes.
“Kelli, I’ve loved acting, learning, growing, talking, laughing, and crying with you,” wrote series lead Mariska Hargitay, who plays Captain Olivia Benson. “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. You have my respect, my gratitude and my love forever.”
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
SVU‘s long-time showrunner Warren Leight also paid tribute to the beloved actress. “When we first started writing for [Giddish], I wondered if there was anything she couldn’t do,” he tweeted. “Emotion, exposition, authority, vulnerability, empathy… I soon realized, no matter what we came up with, she’d always make it work, seemingly without effort. It’s been a privilege.”
“Truly grateful we got to go on this ride together mister – thank you so very much,” Giddish wrote in response to Leight’s message.
truly grateful we got to go on this ride together mister- thank you so very much. https://t.co/gI5PmSK1ce
— Kelli Giddish (@KelliGiddish) December 9, 2022
The official Law & Order Twitter account posted: “Thank you @KelliGiddish for bringing us on Detective Rollins’ amazing 12 year journey.”
Thank you @KelliGiddish for bringing us on Detective Rollins’ amazing 12 year journey. ❤️ #SVU pic.twitter.com/UzFvd9fKsd
— & (@lawandordertv) December 9, 2022
While the praise was flowing for Giddish, it was a different story when it came to the franchise creator Dick Wolf as many upset fans blamed him for getting rid of the popular character.
“Goodbye Kelli Giddish. Bye SVU. Bye Law & Order franchise. Bye Twitter. This s*** is unacceptable. Unacceptable. Indefensible. Dick Wolf your day is coming,” tweeted one viewer.
Goodbye Kelli Giddish. Bye SVU. Bye Law & Order franchise. Bye Twitter. This shit is unacceptable. Unacceptable. Indefensible. Dick Wolf your day is coming. #SVU
— Jessica Taylor Hayes (@jthaymaker) December 8, 2022
It seems like every one on the show except Dick Wolf wants her to stay. What’s up with that?
— Ryan Connell (@RyanConnell5150) December 9, 2022
“It seems like every one on the show except Dick Wolf wants [Giddish] to stay. What’s up with that?” posted another fan, while one person added, “I could throw a tantrum. There is no reason for @KelliGiddish to leave SVU. With #dickwolf failed us #LawAndOrderSVU”
i could throw a tantrum. There is no reason for @KelliGiddish to leave SVU. With #dickwolf failed us #LawAndOrderSVU #Rollins
— Mar2No (@DosHig) December 9, 2022
In August, it was reported that Giddish’s departure wasn’t her idea, nor was it showrunner David Graziano’s. Apparently, the call was made by higher-ups, despite Hargitay’s push to keep Giddish on the show.
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