Christopher Meloni has fully embraced his role in pop culture as a “zaddy.”
In a new PEOPLE cover story the “Law & Order: Organized Crime” star said he’s currently just taking in this part of his career that’s a “second act to a certain degree.”
“It’s great. Are you kidding me? I’m 61-years-old and a zaddy. The lucky streak continues,” The “Wet Hot American Summer” actor said.
Meloni stock has soared in pop culture recently with a much-discussed nude Pelton ad.
“It’s a gas. It’s fun. I don’t know has anyone else been crowned zaddy? Once it’s bestowed upon you, you have to just ride that horse as long as you can,” Meloni told PEOPLE with a chuckle.
He also discussed how his wife, Sherman Williams, and two kids, Sophia, 21, and Dante, 18, feel about their dad’s hot title.
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“My wife, she’s lovely, she gets it. Meaning she’s like, ‘Eh, whatever,’” the actor said. “My kids, on the other hand, invariably once a month, it’s ‘Really? Really?’ Their friends will send them a meme that’s come out.”
"I think secretly in their hearts, they get it,” he jokingly continued. “It’s cool, because we all have a good goof with it. My children’s friends bust my chops. It’s an honor.”
Last year in a Men’s Health cover story Meloni even asked for meaning of the “z” word.
“Daddy plus? Daddy platinum?” he inquired. “I just thought it was a cutie thing.”
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Meloni currently stars in “Law & Order: Organized Crime” Thursday nights on NBC.
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