Christopher Meloni's Kids: Meet His Children Sophia and Dante

Christopher Meloni has portrayed the badass role of Detective Elliot Stabler in Law & Order since 1999, but he’s a big softie when he’s around his two kids. Though fans are familiar with watching the actor fight crime on TV, Christopher can’t help but let his guard down when he’s around his children, Sophia and Dante.

The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star is the father of his kiddos with his longtime wife, Doris Sherman Williams. The couple has been going strong for longer than Christopher’s tenure on the iconic drama series, having walked down the aisle together in 1995.

Two years after saying “I do,” Christopher and the Hollywood production designer started their family and welcomed their first child, daughter Sophia, in 2001. The lovebirds later completed their brood when son Dante was born in 2004.

Though Christopher’s dedication to Law & Order has gone unwavered over the years, he’s been even more committed to his role as a dad. It certainly seems like Sophia and Dante couldn’t be more grateful for their famous father, as it’s not uncommon for his daughter to praise the Happy! alum on social media.

For Christopher’s birthday in April 2019, Sophia posted a touching tribute and credited her dad with being the best role model. “Happy birthday to a legend. Your wise father-ism guide me, your creativity inspires me and your fashion sense (as pictured) is absolutely incendiary,” she gushed in the caption. “I wouldn’t want to be anyone else’s mini-me.”

Even if it’s not a special occasion, Sophia loves sharing the cutest snapshots with Christopher on her Instagram page. “Hi dad,” she captioned a black and white photo booth pic. The brunette beauty also posted a snap of her parents hanging out at home amid the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020, writing, “Notes from the inside.”

While it’s obvious Sophia and Dante feel so lucky to have the Emmy nominee as their father, Christopher joked his parenting isn’t always a walk in the park. Speaking to USA Today in 2014, the handsome hunk said he actually considers himself a “crazy” parent.

“I think my kids would call me a little crazy,” he explained. “I’m very physical, very affectionate. I’m also very disciplined and focused on education. That’s one thing that was instilled in me, one place in life where there’s no compromise.”

When they first started working together on Law & Order in 1999, Christopher and his longtime costar, Mariska Hargitay, built a strong friendship both onscreen and off. He later chose the Emmy winner as Sophia’s godmother after she was born. They have had several reunions over the years, giving fans of the show nostalgia after watching them work so well together portraying their respective characters.

“The birth of his first child and being privy to his amazing, solid relationship with his wife, before I had that for myself — I think that Chris and Sherman played a really big role for me, to see this really stable couple that loved each other,” Mariska recalled in a February 2021 interview with People about the early days of their friendship.

To learn more about Sophia and Dante, keep scrolling!

Sophia Eva Pietra Meloni

Christopher’s eldest child was born on March 23, 2001. The actor shares an unbreakable bond with his beautiful daughter, who is currently a college student, per her Instagram. In April 2019, she uploaded photos at prom before graduating from high school. “Questionable photos, exceptional company,” she penned in the caption.

Sophia’s Instagram page is filled with tons of photos of her adventures, pics with family and, of course, friends, but Sophia also used her platform to spread awareness about causes close to her heart. In her page’s bio, she has a link to Extinction Rebellion, which is an “international movement that uses non-violent civil disobedience in an attempt to halt mass extinction and minimize the risk of social collapse.”

It appears Sophia has quite the hilarious humor as Christopher showed off the epic Father’s Day gift she gave him in June 2021. The actor uploaded a selfie with his daughter holding up a framed tweet that read, “I saw Chris Meloni, one of the toughest tough guys on television, failing to control two toddlers at a brunch at Columbus Circle circa 2007.” Sophia had the message, which was tweeted by film critic Matt Zoller Seitz, printed out and placed next to a photo of her and her little brother. “The toddlers in question?” she jokingly added.

Christopher marveled over the sweet surprise, writing, “Belated Fathers Day gift from @sophiaemeloni. #Bestgiftever.”

Dante Amadeo Meloni

The Oz actor became a dad of two when his spouse gave birth to their son on January 2, 2004. While Sophia has embraced her father’s spotlight and often flaunts their family on social media, Dante doesn’t appear in the public eye as much. While he does have an Instagram, his personal page is actually private.

Fortunately, Christopher is always sharing the sweetest snapshots with his growing boy. In January 2021, the True Blood alum celebrated his son’s birthday by comparing photos of Dante from back in the day to now. “17 years. Love too big, time too fast,” he gushed.

In March 2020, Christopher revealed he and Dante were keeping busy amid the coronavirus pandemic by playing a lot of basketball together. “Quarantine Update: This kid keeps kicking my ass in b-ball and I want it to stop. Be safe. Foul if necessary. Cheat when you can,” he quipped.

In January 2022, Christopher posted a rare selfie with Dante on Instagram to wish him a happy 18th birthday. “I love you young man, heart and soul and everything in between,” the Hollywood heartthrob captioned the post with his look-alike son.