When Simon didn't show up at lunch, Olivia left a voicemail on his phone, telling him to never contact them again. Swift has never been shy about making her . It was a really nice kind of matching scene; it had a nice symmetry.". and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.). "It was a very emotional scene, but what I found amusing is that there was no explanation for my absence for the past two and a half years. Joseph Hollister (father; deceased)Sharon Marsden (mother)Olivia Benson (paternal half-sister)Tracy Harrison (ex-wife)Ty Harrison (stepson)Olivia Mardsen (daughter)Noah Porter-Benson (adoptive nephew) Go behind-the-scenes, stay on top of breaking news, hang with the stars, and much more. Justice does not find him his assaults were halted by antidepressants that dampened his libido. Since Law & Order: SVU is now in its 21st season, Olivia Benson will have been portrayed by Mariska Hargitay for a longer period of time than James Arness portrayed Marshall Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke (his record was 20), or Kelsey Grammer played Dr. Frasier Crane (20 between Cheers and Frasier). Given the space to stretch out, however, long-running shows find themselves with characters boasting years upon years of complex backstory. Lo's 2019 filmHustlers), the detectives realize that theyre dealing with an organized ring not just a bad batch of drugs. Olivia Benson | Memory Delta Wiki | Fandom The situation gets complicated quickly, and she breaks up with Kurt by the end of the same episode we learned they were together. In the Season 22 episode titled Trick-Rolled at the Moulin, the NYPD is called to investigate a string of deaths at the Hotel Moulin. Walking through the city with Noah, Benson runs into her brother, Simon, who she hasn't seen in many years. Several of Lewis' charges are dropped, but he is ultimately sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Fans are loving Olivia Benson's response to her son coming out on 'SVU' Priscilla Ahn and Michael Weston at the Downtown Independent Theatre on August 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. Benson called Stabler for a favor to pick up her son, Noah, who had been staying with his half brother's family outside of New York City after two hooded figures attacked his mom outside of. (SVU: "Child's Welfare"), After completing the court's orders, Simon and Tracy married at some point, but things eventually fell apart between them, likely due to the strain brought on by their forced separation, and Tracy took their children and left. Olivia was under the impression he overdosed and was never really sober, but Dr. Melinda Warner (Tamara Tunie) told her he was telling the truth. who is olivia benson father in real life - unbox.tw something! He attacks the parents of the attorney who helped him beat the charges, killing her father and raping her mother. Law & Order: SVU - 10 Facts You Didn't Know About Olivia Benson (SVU: "Intoxicated"). After graduating from college, Michael worked as a bartender while living in Paris for a year and a half with his grandmother. After all, they're each other's' only living relative. So it is with Olivia Benson, star ofLaw & Order:Special Victims Unit, a character encompassing tragedy, triumph, and everything in between. - November 2, 2019 12:40 am EDT, This week's episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit featured a traumatic moment for Captain Olivia Benson. Benson received the overdose news from her trusted friend, Melinda Warner (Tamara Tunie). During this time, Benson learns that Simon had died without hearing her final message to him. She opened up about her wedding day on her blog, "Girl in a Tree." By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Is Captain Olivia Benson Heading to 'Organized Crime' Permanently? He said he was too embarrassed to reveal his diagnosis and real reasons for not remembering Rachel. Olivia's Season 13 relationship was with Executive ADA David Haden (Harry Connick Jr.). Predictably, Olivia isn't ready for that, knowing that being a cop is integral to her happiness, so they break up. traumatic moment for Captain Olivia Benson, At the start of "Murdered at a Bad Address,", 'Law & Order: SVU' Writer Explains Bensons Emotional Loss After Character Death in Latest Episode, Beloved Children's Show Being Turned Into Movie, Seth Meyers Prepares Viewers for Possible Writers Strike This Week, Ryan Seacrest Weighs in on Mark Consuelos First Week as 'Live With Kelly and Mark' Co-Host, Don Lemon's 'CNN This Morning' Co-Hosts Enjoy Joyous Night out Following His Ouster, 'Law & Order: SVU': Benson Learns Information That Could Ruin Her Career, Tyra Banks Ripped by 'America's Next Top Model' Winner, Scott Disick's Reported Reaction to Ex-Girlfriend Sofia Richie's Wedding, 'Young Sheldon' Avoids Major 'Big Bang Theory' Plot Detail. Deceased How Did Olivia Benson Have a Child on Law and Order: SVU? - Closer Weekly And in "Trick-Rolled at the Moulin," Captain Olivia Benson comes across a case that hits really close to home. Simon Marsden Tucker agreed to wear a wire and nail his partner for the assault on Rachel, and he did. Fantastic acting by @Mariska again. All rights reserved. News of their relationship so enraged a drunken Serena that she attempted to stab her daughter with a broken bottle:"She was halfway through a bottle of vodka and she dropped it. Simon soon fell out of touch with both them and Benson and started using drugs at around the same time, eventually becoming addicted. When Child Protective Services and the terms of Marsden's probation force him to be separated from his children, Marsden and his fiance kidnap the kids and go on the run. Simon tells her that she is family and he will not let her suffer because of him. Benson had a younger half-brother named Simon Marsden ( Michael Weston ). Once Andy gets screen time, Olivia has already split up with him because of his questionable police tactics. (SVU: "Legitimate Rape") Olivia once confided in Rollins during a case that when she was fifteen, she overheard Serena on the phone one night, asking someone how she could love someone who was a product of rape. Olivia realizes Julia did that as part of an effort to frame Simon further. The actor shares three children with his former wife Christine sons James Parker and Travis Carter; and daughter Agatha Marie. When Simon heard his DNA was found on Donna's rape kit, he jumped bail. He said he was clean and wanted to reconnect. 'Law & Order: SVU' Writer Explains Benson's 'Emotional' Loss - TV 'Law & Order: SVU' Fans Left Heartbroken By Benson Family Member's Sudden Death, Beloved Children's Show Being Turned Into Movie, Seth Meyers Prepares Viewers for Possible Writers Strike This Week, Ryan Seacrest Weighs in on Mark Consuelos First Week as 'Live With Kelly and Mark' Co-Host, Don Lemon's 'CNN This Morning' Co-Hosts Enjoy Joyous Night out Following His Ouster, 'Law & Order: SVU': Benson Learns Information That Could Ruin Her Career, Tyra Banks Ripped by 'America's Next Top Model' Winner, Scott Disick's Reported Reaction to Ex-Girlfriend Sofia Richie's Wedding, 'Young Sheldon' Avoids Major 'Big Bang Theory' Plot Detail. Olivia Benson's Entire Law & Order: SVU Backstory Explained. Benson is visibly upset but in keeping with her character, soldiers on regardless. At the end of the episode, Olivia told Rollins (Kelli Giddish) about her brother. 'Law and Order: SVU' Recap: Season 22, Episode 13 | TVLine I am lost for words for tonights @nbcsvu. He specifies that she come alone, and forces her into a game of Russian roulette. When we last met Simon, he reappeared out of nowhere and desperately wanted to reconnect with Olivia. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! As one of the last original cast members of SVU, there's a lot to know about Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), and her long-lost days working as a detective and sergeant. "You don't know that. Olivia was crushed, putting the blame for his death on herself. Serena was an alcoholic who emotionally and physically abused Olivia. Her numerous brushes with assault, the psychic weight of her job, and the retirement of her closest friend all shape her, often traumatically but none of them force Benson away from the Special Victims Unit. The detectives finally catch a break when another man is found overdosing, but doesn't die. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit fans were left heartbroken again by the end of this week's episode, "Murdered at a Bad Address." Olivia Benson Boyfriends: Who Has the 'Law & Order: SVU - Distractify Enter serial rapist William Lewis. Benson's father is a man named Joseph Hollister, who raped Benson's mother, Serena, resulting in Benson's birth. I thought it was a really nice counterbalance too.". Benson offers Lewis an out, saying that she would not pursue him if he lets her go and flees the state. This story was juxtaposed with the main case, in which the rest of the SVU team proved a man was wrongly convicted for a murder he spent 16 years in prison for. And then took his own life. Artistic talent runs in his blood, being a grandson of piano virtuoso Artur Rubinstein as well. The crime drama is in its record-breaking 21st season, and it didnt get that way by not playing on our every emotion. The decision to bring him back came from executive producers Warren Leight and Julie Martin, who thought it tied into the main case in "Murdered at a Bad Address.". An intoxicated Serena went after Olivia and Olivia kicked her into a wall, knocking her unconscious. Aside from "Law and Order: SVU," Michael appeared in the "Burn Notice" episode, "Burn Notice: Signals and Codes" in 2009. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Lewis has one final trick to play. Along the way, Olivia Benson did something she's never had to do in her entire time on the force. Benson's abusive childhood, experiences with sexual assault, and career as a cop involved in some of the most sensitive crimes around have shaped her irreversibly. But she agreed to meet him for lunch, and to bring Noah (Ryan Buggle) along. He was later suspected of a series of break-ins at a couple of women's homes in which items were moved but nothing was taken. This week, things got even harder for the newly promoted Captain. She says that she acted in self-defense when she beat the man within an inch of his life, a story that nearly falls apart under questioning. When Simon was a teenager, he was arrested and convicted twice in 1988 and 1989 for joyriding and once for shoplifting women's underwear for his then-girlfriend in 1990. Benson admits to perjury on live television, which pleases Lewis enough that he messages her and asks her to meet him. 500th 'SVU' episode brings flashbacks and returning characters - Today As a teenager, Michael dreamed to become a professional baseball player. Simon Marsden Copyright 2023 PopCulture.com. New episodes of Law & Order: SVU air Thursdays at 10 p.m. However, Simon does not turn up, and Benson angrily leaves him a message saying that she never wants to see him again. So much emotion from @Mariska #ItsOkaytoNotBeOkay #SVU21. "He asked me to marry him," Benson recalls in season six's "Intoxicated," "and I said yes. Olivia Benson and her brother, Simon Marsden, didn't always have the best relationship, but Olivia is newly fixated on the circumstances of his death. In these flashbacks, we were reminded of a few things: 1) Benson is the child of a rape. Simon grabs her gun and accidentally shoots her in the process, just as Olivia and the FBI found him. However, Simon never showed up for lunch. Though this experience is traumatic, it doesn't derail Benson from being the open-hearted detective she is and that's exactly why fans love her. When the detectives go through Pipers phone, they find a photo of her with Simon and Simons ex-sponsor, Edward. She was one of the major inspirations for her daughter's joining that particular unit. He settled down and had a family before falling into alcoholism and eventually committing suicide. He asks what she wants from him and Olivia lies, saying she thought he was someone else. "That's why," recounted Bauer, "they work so well together.". But he was my only family. . When Olivia finds a video on Pipers phone that includes footage of her brothers dead body, Edward and the rest of the escort ring are charged with criminally negligent homicide, and Olivia finally learns the real reason why her brother stood her up for lunch back in Season 21. Two men overdosed and died, and a third almost overdosed. And then later, well, spoiler alert: He died.. After her first stint with Brian Cassidy, Olivia briefly dates a reporter, Nick Ganzer (Tom McCarthy). Benson appreciated his concern and went to face the trial. While his name is cleared, the legal trouble it causes him wreaks havoc on the rest of his life. Law & Order: SVU brought back Benson's troublesome brother only to take him away againfor a final time. Many fans praised Mariska Hargitay's performance. SVU fans begin to see Olivia grow as a partner with David on many romantic levels. Simon Marsden (born Simon Hollister) was the son of Joseph Hollister and Sharon Marsden, the paternal younger half-brother of Olivia Benson, the father of Olivia Marsden with his ex-wife Tracy Harrison, and adoptive uncle of Noah Porter-Benson . The Story Behind SVU's Emotional Death - E! Online The charges are dismissed and he thanks them both while he introduces Olivia to his family. The world of network television doesn't tend towards subtlety. After his apparent death, Lewis comes to. In the episode, the team is on the hunt for an escort ring suspected of drugging and robbing various wealthy men. In "Murdered at a Bad Address," Simon (Michael Weston) returned to Benson's (Mariska Hargitay) life for the first time since season 13. 2) Her mother was a drinker, and troubled: When Olivia moved out, she threatened her daughter with a. While most SVU storylines would end there, William Lewis could not let Benson go. She has seen the worst the world has to offer, hundreds of times over, and she still believes in confronting it at every opportunity. "Fortunately, our characters have always had this special kind of bond, that's why Warren thought it was important to help Benson through the process of her brother having OD'd.". He promises to haunt her for the rest of her days, saying that this will be the final image she thinks about before she dies, then kills himself in front of her. Olivia was understandably apprehensive about letting this man even she barely knows into Noah's life. NBC As show writer Neil Baer shared in an interview with TV Guide, that clarity of purpose is intentional. The discovery made headlines and was covered by the media. After the retirement of Sergeant John Munch and Captain Donald Cragen, she is promoted tosergeant. Lewis lives, and is put on trial for rape and murder, including the kidnapping and attempted rape of Olivia Benson. (SVU: "Florida"), When her daughter was 16, the two got into a fight after Olivia announced that she had accepted a proposal of marriage from Burton Lowe, one of Serena's students. The drug used was found to be an even more dangerous version of "Purple Magic," a designer drug in the Law & Order universe. This week's episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit featured a traumatic moment for Captain [], By Daniel S. Levine Eventually, Benson learns from an old high school friend of Simon's that Simon died accidentally after the friend got him drunk and high and then brought in the escorts in an attempt to cheer him up from his many misfortunes. But when Olivia arrives at the Moulin, she realizes that its the same hotel where her brother, Simon Marsden, overdosed and died two years earlier. The next morning, the women were gone and Simon was dead. She and Brian ultimately move in together, but they break up after realizing they want different things in life. Some fans were not exactly thrilled with Simon coming back just so he could be killed. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Her incredible tenure on the fictional force has made her the longest-running prime-time live-action character in the history of television, surpassing her fellow law enforcement officer Marshall Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke and Cheers and Frasier's Frasier Crane for the honor. Benson asked Rollins. Olivia made it clear that she feels some of the guilt, but Rollins tried to ease her burden. (SVU: "Florida"), When Simon hears from Dean Porter that Darius Parker is using dirty secrets to discredit the testimony of several detectives, including Olivia, he goes to New York. A prime example of this came in the season nine episode "Undercover," in which Benson poses as a convict in a women's prison in order to catch a sexual abuser serving as a corrections officer. After years of silence, he reaches out to Benson in season 21's "Murdered at a Bad Address," but subsequently stands her up. The latest episode of Law & Order: SVU opens with a flashback to Captain Olivia (Liv) Benson and Elliot Stabler's reunion, as well as a montage of Olivia's spiraling worries for her friend and former partner's mental state following the death of . "I'm not going to put my wife through this. "I don't want to talk about it anymore." Olivia and her squad catch a case, so the. At one point in his life, Simon was nearly killed when his father lost control of his car one night. Through it all, Benson has remained a professional. Serena also seemed to have accepted the fact that she was raped and that the rape produced a child. But when Olivia discovers that the group is working out of the Hotel Moulin, the same hotel in which her brother Simon Marsden was found dead, she becomes convinced that the women were somehow involved in his death, too. He developed cancer in his lungs, the doctors found it before he started dating Benson. Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. 'Law & Order: SVU' Fans Left Heartbroken By Benson Family Member's - TV For the first time in seven years, Olivia's (Mariska Hargitay) estranged half-brother Simon Marsden (guest star Michael Weston) appeared on the show. Olivia Benson in 2360. Simon Marsden (born Simon Hollister) was the son of Joseph Hollister and Sharon Marsden, the paternal younger half-brother of Olivia Benson, the father of Olivia Marsden with his ex-wife Tracy Harrison, and adoptive uncle of Noah Porter-Benson. Michael Weston, who played Olivia Benson's Brother on "Law and Order: SVU," has an interesting life both onscreen and offscreen. This was the third suicide in the episode following Rachel's and Ralph, another police officer who gave the squad info on Rachel's case. Before leaving, Simon thanks Olivia for everything she did and leaves with FBI Agent Dean Porter. "Im super happy Im so stoked to have this little guy in my life. Benson clearly deserves the title; fans watched as she climbed the workplace ladder and tackled any case that came her way for many years. Serena Benson | Law and Order | Fandom Nick was a short-lived fling, and for good reason. They started to make out but Carrie backed off. Stabler retires off-screen during the season 13 premiere, "Scorched Earth." Despite their rocky start, however, Amaro and Benson grow to have a mutual respect for each other and work well together. Bensons brother, Simon (Michael Weston) showed up for the first time in years during the episode Murdered at a Bad Address. His character isnt exactly known for bringing good news, so when he reappeared fans were already skeptical of his intentions. Well, pretty soon I won't be myself anymore," he said. But despite the horror and calamity that define her personal and professional life, Benson remains committed to justice. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Olivia tries to get him to talk to a hostage negotiator, but Simon shoots the phone and orders everyone but Olivia to leave. From Simon's mother Sharon Marsden, Olivia learned that Hollister knew about her and at least once called her house but Serena answered the phone. History Serena was raped by Joseph Hollister, conceiving Olivia. From him, she learns about Joseph Hollister, the man who fathered her (SVU: "Philadelphia"). Benson is relatively tight-lipped about her childhood, but occasionally shares snippets of truth while comforting victims. Actor Law & Order: SVU airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. Amazing how important these characters become when a show speaks of things others don't touch (or botch)," another wrote. First Appearance He approached Olivia on the street, asking her if he could get to know her son Noah. "So you just left him there, alone?". When Simon became an adult, he got a job as a pharmacist at an all-night pharmacy. All police procedurals involve humanity's dark side, of course, but the "especially heinous" nature of sex crimes makes SVU all the more intense. Olivia Benson's Entire Law & Order: SVU Backstory Explained Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows! Even worse: Nick sneaks through Olivia's notes on an active case to develop a story, causing Olivia to pay the price with Cragen (Dann Florek). Olivia Benson's 10 Most Intense Law & Order: SVU Episodes - NBC "It's an existential question, obviously, but at the same time those are the private things the actor figures out for himself.". [Mariska Hargitay] as usual played that scene brilliantly & she had me crying like a baby," one fan wrote. "It was Warren and Julie who thought that there needed to be some kind of an emotional storyline, a subplot, about what's going on in Benson's life at the same time. Although Dr. Warner reassures Olivia that based on the police report, Simons death was due to an accidental overdose, Olivia is convinced that the same ring was involved. What Happened to Calvin on 'SVU'? Details on the Character Simon continues to plead his innocence. They eventually depart after Darius is found not guilty. (However, Olivia still cares for Ed very much.). NBCUniversal. Ellis and Olivia both call him out on this and try to work out a deal so they don't go to prison. She's 110 percent there all the time, constantly trying to make it better and that's been enjoyable over the years, our arc of the relationship," he said. She finds a match: Her half-brother Simon Marsden, who has been accused of several rapes. Simon initially has trouble believing it, but once he is eventually convinced, they start talking and bond. "And then to have Benson, who was estranged from her brother, her only living relative, and then when he dies, she finds out how much she loves him too. Pharmacist Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. While this intensity can cloud her judgement, it also pushes her to go the extra mile. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. It shattered all over the floor. Benson blames herself for his fate, and is haunted by the idea that her voicemail might have been the last thing Marsden ever heard. "It's subtle, and sort of hard to explainbut it's just the best feeling. (E! The episode was written by a new scribe for the series, Denis Hamill, who explained the idea to reintroduce and kill of Simon came from executive producers Warren Leight and Julie Martin. She's a rush to act with. When Warner (Hi, Tamara Tunie!) Not really. In the season 12 finale, "Smoked," Stabler is forced to shoot a young woman who opens fire in the SVU's squad room. 2023 E! Lewis eventually closes his arguments by proposing that Benson acted on a sexual obsession with him, claiming that all of their time together was consensual. Tucker then has an emotional conversation with Olivia. Julia reveals that she also framed him for rape, then describes how Simon tried to rape Carrie. He hides in Joseph's old house and Julia meets him there to kill him. From the darkest shadows to the most dazzling victories, this is her story. She plans to go out to lunch with him, but the day of the event, he never shows up which upsets Olivia. Fortunately, our characters have always had this special kind of bond, that's why Warren thought it was important to help Benson through the process of her brother having OD'd.". Later, Dr. Melina Warner (Tamara Tunie) called Olivia to the medical examiner's office to identify Simon's body. She was raised by her mother, an alcoholic English professor named Serena. As we wait for Season 24 of SVU, let's look back at Olivia's relationship history. The guy stammers that he called 911, and adds the incredibly unhelpful caveat that . He has an expert testify that one blow to the head with the force that Benson exerted could incapacitate a person. ET on NBC. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Whether it's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, or re-watching the best '80s movies for the zillionth time, she's always here to talk about anything and everything relating to pop culture. It's so wonder audiences adore Benson, who embodies SVU more than any other character. Law & Order: SVU airs Thursdays, 10 p.m. on NBC. Law and Order: SVU Revealed the Emotional Death of Olivia Bensons Only Family, 24 Celebrities Reveal Their Favorite Books, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Sometimes it's like brother-sister, and sometimes there's a lot of sexual chemistry. He could be pretty sadistic behind closed doors, which Olivia registers and runs. Their relationship remains strained until Serena dies in season two's "Taken," having fallen down a flight of subway stairs. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. Did you like working with the Obama administration?' Just two seasons later, she becomes a lieutenant. Eventually, Benson discovers that Simon had died of a drug overdose. Copyright 2023 Distractify. What another powerful and emotional episode. But no, there's Warner, she's there for Benson to deliver this heartbreaking news," Tunie said on the SVU podcast Squadroom. Benson puts the gun to Lewis' head, but decides not to kill him until he taunts her. WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Law & Order: SVU, Season 22, Episode 13, "Trick-Rolled At The Moulin," which premiered Thursday on NBC. He meets Captain Donald Cragen and says that Olivia only helped him because he manipulated her in order to save her. pic.twitter.com/aoo1ABXlRb. 'Law & Order: SVU' Recap 1623: A Shocking Loss | | Observer I thought someone would say, How was DC? He worked as a salesman who sold food to school cafeterias, and used the job to prey on female college students, one of whom was Benson's mother Serena . Michael Weston Chicago Crossover: Directed by Steve Shill. In September 2019, Simon runs into his sister again at the park. Then, in the season 21 premiere, "I'm Going to Make You a Star," Benson is promoted to Captain of the Special Victims Unit. When the detectives discover that a group of escorts have been targeting wealthy men in order to drug and rob them ( la J. Olivia mentioned in "Florida" that Serena wanted an abortion but backed out because it was illegal in those times. In 2361, Olivia and Typhuss were chasing an Andorian pirate named Sha'Kev, after Sha'Kev killed a Starfleet Ensign named Masaro.Later Sha'Kev escaped to New York city with Olivia and Typhuss following him. Name She lost her brother, and in the Thursday, Jan. 30 episode she learned her ex-boyfriend Ed Tucker ( Robert John Burke) was retiringand dying.