Mariska Hargitay Discusses Captain Cragen's SVU Death Impact

Mariska Hargitay, star and executive producer of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), reflected on the impactful and heartfelt death of Captain Donald Cragen, a character who had been central to the franchise since its inception. The season 27 premiere revealed Cragen's offscreen death, leading to emotionally charged scenes that felt effortless and genuine due to the cast's real affection for the character and actor Dann Florek, including returns of beloved former cast members like Christopher Meloni, Dean Winters, and B.D. Wong. Beyond this, Hargitay shared her keen eye for talent, highlighting two SVU guests she predicted would become stars: Abigail Breslin, noted for her natural and powerful acting as a child, and Meghann Fahy, praised for her internal sparkle and strong performance. These reflections underscore both the longevity and emotional depth of SVU, as well as Hargitay's role in recognizing rising talent within the show. The return of familiar faces for Cragen's farewell episode added a poignant layer, celebrating the series' enduring relationships and history.