Christopher Meloni Loves His Current Career High and Becoming a Zaddy at 61: ‘The Lucky Streak Continues’

With age comes knowledge, however for Christopher Meloni, age additionally comes with a profession sizzling streak and the label “Zaddy” — neither of which he was anticipating in his 60s.

Due to the actor’s return to his beloved Regulation & Order: Particular Victims Unit function, NYPD detective Elliot Stabler, on his personal spinoff Organized Crime in April 2021, and several other viral moments showcasing his chiseled physique — together with his nude Peloton advert and spectacular bottom images posted by followers on social media — Meloni has turn into an intergenerational intercourse image.

“It is a second act to a sure diploma,” he tells PEOPLE on this week’s subject.

And it is one he is definitely having fun with.

“It is a gasoline. It is enjoyable. I do not know, has anybody else been topped Zaddy? As soon as it is bestowed upon you, you need to simply journey that horse so long as you may,” Meloni, 61, jokes.

Michael Schwartz Christopher Meloni

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The veteran actor — who shares daughter Sophia, 21, and son Dante, 18, with spouse of 27 years, artist Sherman Williams — says his household additionally will get a kick out of his new title.

“My spouse, she’s pretty, she will get it. Which means she’s like, ‘Eh, no matter.’ My youngsters, alternatively, invariably as soon as a month, it is ‘Actually? Actually?'” he shares. “Their mates will ship them a meme that is come out or no matter.”

“However I believe secretly of their hearts, they get it,” he provides. “It is cool, as a result of all of us have goof with it. My youngsters’s mates bust my chops, however it’s all enjoyable. It is an honor.”

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Michael Schwartz Christopher Meloni

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Whereas Meloni is absorbing each minute of his profession renaissance, he additionally notes the way it’s been completely different this time round on his Regulation and Order journey. (He starred on SVU alongside Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson for 12 seasons till his departure in 2011 amid failed contract negotiations.)

“Age is a wondrous factor. You hope that with time you get slightly wiser, get slightly extra affected person and actually come from a spot of extra maturity, which I translate to readability and love,” he says. “And by love, it is not kumbaya, however a way we’re all on this collectively, we’re all doing the very best we are able to. It is a extra refined approach to function.”

Watch the full episode of Folks Cowl Story: Christopher Meloni under or on the PeopleTV app.

As for the very best half?

“Actually simply having an perspective of having fun with the journey. It is nice. Are you kidding me? I am 61-years-old and a zaddy. The fortunate streak continues.”

For extra on Christopher Meloni, decide up the most recent subject of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe right here.

Regulation & Order: Organized Crime airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.