While Father’s Day is special for many in the country, it’s probably a little more special when you’re America’s daddy Christopher Meloni.
The actor, best known for playing Detective Stabler on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has something of a reputation in the age of social media. A legion of fans has come to appreciate his, shall we say ‘assets’, with no one a bigger fan than the queer community.
So much so, that merely being related to Meloni is enough to win a few favors.
\u201cFathers Day text from my kid\u201d— Chris Meloni (@Chris Meloni) 1655688457
In the above image, Meloni shares a conversation with his child who apparently got a few free drinks off the back of the family name.
According to the screenshot, Meloni’s kid was at a drag bar. When the bartender saw the last name on the driver license, they asked if they were related to the Law & Order star.
When told “yes” the bartender put the drinks on the house.
It’s pretty impressive to see the fandom around Meloni.
\u201c@Chris_Meloni @Skittles_Is6 Fantastic.\u201d— Chris Meloni (@Chris Meloni) 1655688457
\u201camazing. happy #Pride\u201d— Matt W. Cody (@Matt W. Cody) 1655822798
\u201c@bader_diedrich @Chris_Meloni So good! And Happy Father\u2019s Day to you, Sir!\u201d— Chris Meloni (@Chris Meloni) 1655688457
\u201c@Chris_Meloni *changes last name to Meloni*\n\nWant another daughter?\u201d— Chris Meloni (@Chris Meloni) 1655688457
\u201cThe bartender knew about that wagon and said "it's on the house"\u201d— The Hash Slinging Slapper (@The Hash Slinging Slapper) 1655777489
Meloni is good natured about the reputation he’s developed. This includes times when he has every reason to get upset.
When it was reported earlier this year that Meloni has developed a bit of an “ego” after upping his workout routine, the actor responded.
He shared an Instagram post poking fun at the reporting, where he claimed it was a “super ego” in his caption.
Hopefully he enjoys the jokes about his kid’s free drinks just as much.
\u201chappy father\u2019s day to @Chris_Meloni only. he is my dad.\u201d— David Allen Bro (@David Allen Bro) 1655698474
\u201c@imback54472520 @Chris_Meloni Chris Meloni is well known to the gays for two obvious reasons.\u201d— Chris Meloni (@Chris Meloni) 1655688457
\u201c@SchoonieB @Chris_Meloni That might be a too subtle\u2026but very funny \ud83d\ude06\u201d— Chris Meloni (@Chris Meloni) 1655688457
\u201c@Jake_Vig @Chris_Meloni I tell everyone he\u2019s my boyfriend and not only have I not gotten any drinks, I\u2019ve been given a restraining order \ud83d\ude35\u200d\ud83d\udcab\u201d— Chris Meloni (@Chris Meloni) 1655688457
\u201c@bbsevilla @Chris_Meloni Excellent!\u201d— Chris Meloni (@Chris Meloni) 1655688457
Meloni returned to the Law & Order universe, reprising his role as Detective Stabler on Law & Order: Organized Crime. The third season begins this fall on NBC.
Good Bye GIF 
Make It Rain Money GIF 
Look Whos Talking Now Omg GIF 
Save Schitts Creek GIF by CBC