Christopher Meloni Uploads the Sweetest Throwback Photos for Daughter's Birthday

Christopher Meloni is known for portraying Detective Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and its spinoff, Law & Order: Organized Crime. But to his two kids, he's simply "Dad."

On Saturday, March 23, Meloni took to Instagram with a carousel of photos celebrating his elder child, daughter Sophia.

"Bananas, beaches, love, creativity. So happy you came to us @sophiaemeloni," the doting father wrote. "So happy you let me glom on to ur B Day @sherman.meloni @dante_melonii Happy 23."

In the featured photo, Sophia—who appears to be 3 or 4— floats in a swimming pool with the help of an inner tube. Next to her in the water is a younger Meloni wearing goggles and swim trunks (and considerably more hair than he has now). Two other pictures show present-day Sophia posing for the camera.

In the comments, Instagram users joined Meloni in wishing his daughter a happy birthday. One person wrote, "This is so sweet! Happy Birthday to Sophia. 🥳."

Another fan declared, "These are lovely pictures," while someone else commented, "Happiest of birthdays to your beautiful little girl! 🙌🏻💜🙌🏻🍾🥰."

Meloni and his wife, artist Sherman Williams, have been married since 1995—before the actor made his debut as Detective Stabler. In 2001, they welcomed Sophia, followed by their son, Dante, in 2004.

In 2022, Meloni opened up about fatherhood and the differences between his two kids.

"One is more of an old soul. I never used that term until they came out of the womb and I looked in their eyes. I was like, 'Holy cow, look at you. You're here to teach me,'"  he told People. "As well as the other one, who's a young soul. It's ever-evolving and a complete fulfillment of my life."

Next: In the Sweet Spot! Christopher Meloni Shares His Thoughts on 'Bensler' and Stabler's Evolution