The Law & Order Regular That Started Out As A Janitor
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit ” has been the most popular "Law & Order” spinoff show since it aired in 1999 (via Distractify). The show is home to loveable detectives like Olivia Benson and Elliott Stabler, who fans can't seem to get enough of. Even the theme song at the opening of the show is a fan favorite!
In addition to the characters and theme song, the show is so well-loved because of its content. The detectives set out to solve crimes of sexual assault, something many people care about. According to Vice, women especially love the show because it makes victims feel seen.
"The first time I heard someone being referred to as a 'survivor' and not a 'victim' was on 'SVU,'" comedian Isaura Dos Santos told Vice. "I was 15 when the show started, and there was no conversation on sex and consent being held at school or in the community. 'SVU' taught me terms and made it feel okay to talk about past experiences."
The show has been just as monumental for its cast as it has been for its fans, and it's provided lasting careers for many of its cast members. In fact, it even turned a recurring background actor who made his debut as a janitor into a detective on the show.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Peter Scanavino got promoted from janitor to detective
Peter Scanavino tried his hand at several "Law & Order" spin-offs until he found a home on "SVU." According to Pop Culture, he made his franchise debut in an episode of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" in 2005. He worked his way through several background roles before he landed a spot on the most popular series the franchise has.
The story goes like this: In 2013, after appearing as a background actor in several "Law & Order" series across his career, he snagged a part playing a janitor on "SVU." His janitor character, named Johnny Dubcek, was suspected of a crime in the episode "Monster's Legacy." He did such a good job that he was asked to return the following season, but with a bigger gig in store.
Now known as Detective Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr., Scanavino's character is one of the series most beloved additions to the cast (via Showbiz Cheat Sheet). He started out as a recurring character before being promoted to a regular cast member due to his popularity with fans. It seems like everything worked out perfectly for Scanavino!