An Important Law & Order Character Was Specifically Created For The Actor Who Plays Her
Six actresses have won Emmys for "Law & Order: SVU," and one of them played a character written specifically for her. Here's why it worked out so well.
Bernadette Stabler, mother of Law & Order: SVU character Elliot Stabler, was specifically written for Ellen Burstyn. Showrunner Neal Baer crafted the character to be bipolar, a condition that greatly impacts her relationship with Elliot. During his childhood, Bernadette had an undiagnosed manic episode while driving Elliot, causing a car crash that broke his arm.
They concealed this incident at the time. Burstyn, a two-time Primetime Emmy nominee, won her second Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Bernadette in season ten's "Swing." The episode saw Elliot's adult daughter Kathleen diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a substance-induced burglary incident.
Elliot sought Bernadette's testimony about her own mental health struggles in court. Burstyn expressed surprise at her Emmy nomination, stating that the win took her by surprise.
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