4. Johnny Gunn; 1st & Ten: The Championship

In 1984, years before hitting the cell-block in Oz, Chris Meloni starred alongside OJ Simpson as Johnny Gunn in 1st & Ten: The Championship, a sports comedy about a fictional California football team. Here, while wearing a gold chain and sans shirt, he defends the honor of the King, Elvis Presley. It's this kind of shirtless acting that really allows us to follow in love with Chris and all of his skills. What range!

5. Guy in a McDonald's Ad

Like most actors, Christopher Meloni has had to pay his dues. That means acting in commercials during the early stages of his career. Luckily for us (and for him) he found a way to make the most odd McDonald's campaign in the '80s endearing. Listen as he explains all the reasons why this woman shouldn't date him just to get her to practically beg for a date. Oh that Chris, always get them eating out of his hand.

6. As Himself

An successful actor must also learn to navigate the media. Press junkets and the like can be tedious but Christopher Meloni always seems to be a good sport. Even when interviewed/attempted seduced by known frog-lover Miss Piggy, Meloni keeps his cool. I also like to imagine that his cell phone really does have a Law and Order style "dun-dun" as it's custom ring tone. That notion helps me sleep at night.

It's this kind of light-hearted approach to ordinary life that makes Meloni so magnetic. He's the man we want to be or want to be with, on some level. He's strong, he's handsome, he's not afraid to kiss a man on screen. He's the best, and we love him. What's your favorite Meloni moment?

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6 Reasons to Love Chris Meloni