Chris Meloni
Metro Source, April/May 2002
Chris in Metro Source
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Since making his debut on OZ, HBO's stark prison drama, Christopher Meloni has had gay men across the country praying for at least a few months of hard time. With roles like the psycho Vietnam vet Gene (who fondles sweaters and humps the fridge) in Wet Hot American Summer and brooding detective Elliott Stabler in L&O:SVU, America's seen Meloni in some sexually charged situations. But those pale in comparison to Chris Keller, prisoner 98K514, the inmate convicted of murder and assault -- among other things -- on OZ. Since being sent to prison, we've watched Keller develop a more than sexual (dare we say loving?) relationship with fellow inmate Tobias Beecher (Lee Tergesen) -- in addition to his many sordid dalliances with other inmates.

Have you had any surprising reactions to playing such a sexually brutal character?

Chris in Metro Source
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I consider it an honor and a privilage when two very rugged muscle boys on Fire Island are 'oohing' and 'ahhing' over me -- and then a mid-70s Jewish couple are 'oohing' and 'ahhing' over me. He crosses all lines, all boundaries!

The most letters that Tom Fontana ... received was when my character pissed in a bucket. Tom's like 'He's forced boys to give him blowjobs and twisted their heads off and they're worried about him peeing into the bucket?' Murder we can handle! Bodily functions cross the line!

What was it about CK that made you want the part on OZ?

I knew nothing about the character. I just let it roll. The deeper it went down the homosexual route, I was like, 'This is a treat.' That sort of thing is not afforded actors, even in film, because you have to tell a story in two hours.

How would you describe CK's sexuality?

Chris in Metro Source
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I never know. I always thought of him as omni-sexual. I think he actually said, 'Any port in a storm.' (laughs) But in these circumstances, that's where he goes. It's a men's prison. But I think that's his appeal. His sexuality is not bounded by any special societal strictures or what's considered right & appropriate. Whatever. He goes anywhere.

On what TV show would you like to see CK make a surprise guest appearance?

Touched By an Angel I'm gonna leave it at that!

You have your own show on the new gay cable channel. What would it be?

Maybe I'm a dope, but I would put on anything I'd put on any other station. People are people and whatever it is, it is. It doesn't have to be [affecting lisp] Flower Arrangements with Raphael. It could be anything.

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