Peter Scanavino on Carisi’s Trauma and Personal Life in Law & Order: SVU

Peter Scanavino, the actor who portrays ADA Sonny Carisi in the popular TV series *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*, has been a central figure in the show since his introduction in Season 16. Recently, Scanavino has discussed how Carisi’s character will evolve following the dramatic events of the Season 26 fall finale.

In the fall finale, Carisi finds himself in a life-or-death situation after being taken hostage during a robbery at a deli. This intense plot twist is expected to have significant repercussions on Carisi’s character and his relationships within the show. Scanavino hinted that Carisi will be “different” after this episode, suggesting a deeper exploration of his character’s trauma and its impact on his interactions, particularly with his former partner Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish).

Off-screen, Scanavino is married to Lisha Bai, an accomplished contemporary artist. The couple, who have been married since 2011, prefer to keep their personal life out of the limelight. However, Scanavino has occasionally shared insights into their family life, including his experiences as a father of three. He has praised his colleague Mariska Hargitay, who plays Captain Olivia Benson, as a role model for parenting. Hargitay’s open and collaborative nature has been an inspiration to Scanavino as he navigates his own parenting journey.

Bai, who recently debuted her textile piece “Joseph’s Room” in New York City, has a strong artistic background, having earned a master’s degree in painting and printmaking from Yale University. Her work often reflects her experiences as a Korean American growing up in Alabama.

As the show continues, fans can expect to see more of Carisi’s personal and professional struggles, reflecting the real-life complexities that Scanavino and his colleagues bring to their characters.