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Peter Scanavino
Peter Scanavino
from Wikipedia

Peter Muller Scanavino (born February 29, 1980) is an American actor. He stars as detective turned ADA Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr. in the long-running NBC crime/legal drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Key Information

Early life

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Scanavino grew up in Evergreen, Colorado, a community in the foothills of the Denver metropolitan area. He is of partial Italian descent through his paternal grandfather, who emigrated from Turin.[1] Both his parents were in the medical field but encouraged him and his older brother to pursue the arts. He had no inclination towards acting until he participated in a high school production of Hamlet.[2]

Scanavino studied at Boston University and decided to change his major to acting, but did not pass the audition.[3] He dropped out and moved to New York City where he took classes at Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.[2]

Career

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Since 2005, Scanavino has had dozens of minor roles in theater, films and on television, most notably Deception (2008), The Good Wife, and The Blacklist.[4][5]

In 2005, Scanavino guest-starred on the NBC crime-drama series Law & Order: Criminal Intent in the fifth-season episode "Diamond Dogs" as petty criminal Johnny Feist. He was also a guest on Law & Order as a suspect who was a graphic designer in the 2009 episode "Just a Girl in the World".

In 2010, Scanavino took some time away from acting to pursue his interest in cooking. After graduating with a certificate in Culinary Arts from The French Culinary Institute in New York, he began a brief stint working in the kitchen of Dan Barber's Michelin-starred restaurant Blue Hill in Greenwich Village.[6]

In 2013, Scanavino guest-starred on the long-running NBC crime-drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in Season 14, Episode 13, "Monster's Legacy", as Johnny Dubcek. The same year, he starred in the independent romantic-comedy film Mutual Friends, directed by Matthew Watts.[7][8]

In 2014, Scanavino joined SVU in its sixteenth season, this time as Dominick Carisi Jr., nicknamed Sonny, a new SVU detective. Initially in a recurring capacity, Scanavino was promoted to the main cast in the fifth episode of the same season. According to SVU Executive Producer Warren Leight, Carisi "come[s] in and shake[s] things up" and is "a guy who maybe needs a little bit of refining."[9][10]

Scanavino noted that Carisi is "a total outsider. He's brusque and he doesn't really get the nuances and he's not very experienced so he puts his foot in his mouth a lot of times. But he's learning. He's picking it up. I think he's a good detective, but he's got a lot to learn on how to approach cases."[11][12]

Scanavino starred in an episode of Netflix's 2020 anthology series Social Distance as the father of his real-life son, Leo Bai-Scanavino.[13]

Personal life

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Scanavino is married to painter Lisha Bai, with whom he has three children.[14][15][16]

Filmography

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Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2006 On the Shoulder Gus
Under Surveillance Cult leader
2008 Deception Rhiga desk clerk
The Informers Leon
2010 Happythankyoumoreplease Ira
Zenith Jack
2011 Javelina Chance
2012 Watching TV with the Red Chinese Czapinczyk
Frances Ha Chef
2013 The Cold Lands Carter
Mutual Friends Nate

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2005 Jonny Zero Travis Episode: "No Good Deed"
Third Watch Stephen 2 episodes
Law & Order: Trial by Jury Robert Hassel Episode: "Boys Will Be Boys"
Law & Order: Criminal Intent Johnny Feist Episode: "Diamond Dogs"
2006 The Bedford Diaries Gunther Halstead 2 episodes
2009 Royal Pains Mr. Blackman Episode: "Am I Blue?"
Law & Order Jim Anderson Episode: "Just a Girl in the World"
2010 Old Friends Co-worker Web series; episode: "Sunday"
2012 A Gifted Man Scotty Cartolano Episode: "In Case of Letting Go"
The Good Wife Grant Duverney Episode: "Gloves Come Off"
2013 Do No Harm Kyle Corrigan Episode: "Don't Answer the Phone"
Golden Boy Eddie Roque Episode: "Next Question"
Unforgettable Alex Episode: "Maps & Legends"
2013–present Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Johnny Dubcek Episode: "Monster’s Legacy"
Det./ADA Dominick Carisi Jr. Series regular
2014 Banshee Breece Connors Episode: "The Thunder Man"
The Blacklist Christopher Maly/Craig Keen Episode: "Milton Bobbit (No. 135)"
Person of Interest Adams Episode: "Deus Ex Machina"
The Leftovers Skinny Episode: "Two Boats and a Helicopter"
2015 Chicago P.D. Det. Dominick Carisi Jr. Episode: "The Number of Rats"
2020 Social Distance Greg Episode: “You Gotta Ding-Dong Fling-Flong
the Whole Narrative”
2021–2024 Law & Order: Organized Crime ADA Dominick Carisi Jr. 3 episodes
2022–2025 Law & Order 2 episodes

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Peter Muller Scanavino (born February 29, 1980) is an American actor best known for portraying Assistant District Attorney Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr. on the procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role he has held since 2014. Born in and raised in , Scanavino initially showed little interest in . Scanavino's path to acting began during his freshman year at Boston University, where he became inspired by Harold Clurman's memoir The Fervent Years and immersed himself in theater. He soon dropped out of college, relocated to New York City, and trained intensively at the Maggie Flanigan Acting Studio, focusing on Meisner technique. In 2010, he paused his acting pursuits to study culinary arts at the French Culinary Institute, briefly working as a cook at Dan Barber's Blue Hill restaurant before returning to performance. His professional career launched in theater with a Broadway debut in 2006 as Laurence in Conor McPherson's Shining City, directed by Robert Falls, followed by an Off-Broadway role in Boys' Life in 2008. Scanavino transitioned to screen work around 2005, accumulating over 50 credits in guest and recurring roles on series such as The Good Wife, Deception, Blue Bloods, and Person of Interest, often playing characters of ambiguous morality. His casting as Carisi on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit—initially as a cocky detective before evolving into a prosecutor—marked his most prominent role, earning praise for blending humor and depth amid the show's intense narratives. Other notable projects include leading the 2020 Netflix anthology Social Distance and voice work in the 2011 animated film Happy Feet Two. As of November 2025, Scanavino remains a core cast member on SVU in its 27th season, contributing to its status as television's longest-running primetime scripted drama.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Peter Scanavino was born on February 29, 1980, in , , making him a leap year baby who celebrates his birthday only once every four years. Raised in the nearby mountain community of , a small town of about 5,000 residents in the foothills of the , Scanavino grew up in a close-knit environment that emphasized education and professional stability. Scanavino's heritage includes partial Italian descent through his paternal grandfather, who emigrated from , . His father, David Scanavino, was a urologist born in , while his mother, Pieretta (or Pierrette), was born in and provided a supportive yet structured upbringing in . He has a brother, also named David Scanavino, who pursued a career as an artist. The family's medical background initially influenced Scanavino's path, with his parents expressing strong concern when he later deviated from conventional expectations during his education in . As a baby, Scanavino's distinctive birthdate adds a unique layer to his personal identity. This timing, combined with his roots, shaped an early life marked by outdoor activities in the Rocky Mountain foothills and a foundation of familial encouragement toward achievement.

Academic and Early Training

Scanavino attended during his freshman year, initially pursuing a degree in a non-performing arts field before developing an interest in . This shift was sparked by his reading of The Fervent Years, Harold Clurman's memoir on the founding of the Group Theatre, which ignited his passion for theater and led him to attempt changing his major to , though he did not pass the required audition. Inspired further by books on arts movements and figures like , he decided to leave the university after just one year to pursue full-time. Following his departure from , Scanavino relocated from his family's home in , , to , marking a significant transition from a suburban upbringing to the urban epicenter of American theater. In New York, he enrolled in classes at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, where he honed his craft through intensive training in the technique. He also participated in a summer program at the institute, gaining early exposure to professional-level instruction without yet securing paid roles. During this period, Scanavino focused on foundational steps in , attending workshops and immersing himself in the city's theater scene to build skills and connections, all while supporting himself through non-acting work. This early training laid the groundwork for his entry into professional performances, emphasizing character development and emotional authenticity drawn from his Strasberg studies.

Professional Career

Early Acting Roles

Peter Scanavino began his professional acting career in 2005 with minor guest appearances on television, including the role of Robert Hassel in the episode "Boys Will Be Boys" on : Trial by Jury and Johnny Feist, a petty criminal, in "Diamond Dogs" on : Criminal Intent. In 2006, Scanavino made his Broadway debut as Laurence in the Tony-nominated play Shining City, directed by Robert Falls, alongside other productions such as subUrbia (2006), Boys' Life (2008), Rainbow Kiss, and David Henry Hwang's Yellow Face. His film work followed in 2008 with a small role as the Rhiga Desk Clerk in , a thriller starring and . By 2009, he returned to television as a suspect in the episode "Just a Girl in the World." Throughout the late 2000s and early , Scanavino steadily built his resume through dozens of supporting and minor parts across film and television, often portraying everyday characters in independent projects and guest spots. Notable examples include Ira, a friend navigating relationships, in the 2010 indie comedy , directed by and starring , and Jack in the sci-fi film that same year. He also appeared as a waiter in the 2011 short film Watching TV with the Red Chinese. Scanavino's television guest work continued with the role of Grant Duverney in the 2012 The Good Wife episode "Gloves Come Off," alongside a brief appearance as Chef in Noah Baumbach's Frances Ha that year. By 2013, he had roles in the independent romantic comedy Mutual Friends, where he played a supporting character in a story of interconnected relationships, and the drama The Cold Lands. These accumulating small parts reflected the typical trajectory of an emerging actor honing his craft amid competitive auditions, though specific accounts of typecasting or personal hurdles remain undocumented in public interviews.

Breakthrough in Television

Scanavino's breakthrough in television came in the mid-2010s through a series of guest appearances on high-profile procedurals and dramas, building on his earlier minor roles to garner wider industry attention. In 2012, he portrayed Grant Duverney, a young associate, in an episode of The Good Wife titled "Gloves Come Off," where his character navigated corporate intrigue in a legal firm setting. This role showcased his ability to handle complex ensemble dynamics, contributing to his growing reputation among casting directors for supporting parts in network television. Similarly, prior cameos in the Law & Order franchise, such as Johnny Feist in Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2005) and Brad Taylor in Law & Order (2009), had established him within the procedural genre but gained renewed notice when revisited in casting discussions around 2014. By 2014, Scanavino secured more prominent guest spots that highlighted his versatility in intense, character-driven narratives. He played Christopher Maly, the fabricated older brother of a key character, in the first-season episode "Milton Bobbit" of , a role that involved deception and family secrets within the show's framework. That same year, he appeared as Skinny, a minor but memorable figure in a cult community, in the series The Leftovers episode "Two Boats and a Helicopter," adding to his exposure on prestige cable programming. These mid-2010s appearances on popular shows like and The Leftovers elevated his visibility, leading to increased casting opportunities in ensemble-driven series through the early 2020s. A notable later highlight was Scanavino's role in the 2020 anthology Social Distance, created and produced remotely amid the to reflect quarantine experiences. In the episode "You Gotta Ding-Dong Fling-Flong That Thang," he starred as , a father struggling to care for his young son while his wife isolates with the virus, drawing from real-life isolation filming techniques and featuring his own son in the cast. This timely project, shot entirely via video calls and home setups, underscored his adaptability during industry disruptions and further solidified his presence in up to 2022. Overall, these roles expanded his profile beyond niche parts, fostering a trajectory of steady television work.

Role as Dominick Carisi

Peter Scanavino was cast as Detective Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr. in the sixteenth season premiere of : in September 2014, initially in a recurring as an eager but inexperienced transfer from the [Staten Island](/page/Staten Island) SVU squad. His portrayal drew mixed initial reception, with critics and viewers noting Carisi's brash, overconfident demeanor as a detective clashing with the established team, particularly Captain , who viewed him skeptically amid her own professional turmoil. Scanavino's prior guest appearance on the series in Season 14 as a suspect helped secure the , as showrunner was impressed by his versatility, though the character was tailored to highlight Carisi's legal aspirations from the start. Carisi's arc evolved significantly when he was promoted to Assistant District Attorney in Season 21 (2019), transitioning from to after passing the bar exam and replacing the departing ADA Peter Stone. This shift marked his professional growth, allowing Scanavino to explore the character's passion for justice through courtroom battles, often drawing on his detective background for empathetic yet aggressive prosecutions in sex crimes cases. Key storylines have centered on Carisi's family dynamics and personal vulnerabilities, including his large Italian-American family—featuring sisters like and frequent holiday gatherings that underscore his protective, loyal nature—while balancing his high-stakes career. His romance with culminated in marriage in Season 24 (2022) and the birth of their daughter Jessie, followed by son Dominick "Nicky" III, with episodes exploring co-parenting challenges and Rollins' occasional returns post-departure. Professional growth arcs include mentoring younger squad members and ethical dilemmas, such as in Season 26's "Excavation" (2024), where he prosecuted a case tied to familial abuse. In Seasons 26 and 27 (2024–2025), major episodes like "Cornered" (Season 26, Episode 8) depicted Carisi as a in a deli robbery, triggering PTSD that strained his work, relationships, and hyper-vigilance over his children, culminating in a "" confrontation with Benson. Season 27's premiere (September 2025) addressed ongoing healing from this trauma alongside Rollins, amid cases involving new ADAs and the death of Cragen; as of November 2025, subsequent episodes continue to explore Carisi's recovery and family tensions in high-profile prosecutions. Carisi participated in crossovers with the main Law & Order series, including the 2022 three-hour premiere event "Gimme Shelter," where he aided in prosecuting a shelter-related assault ring intersecting with homicide investigations. In the April 2025 two-part event "Play With Fire," Carisi teamed with ADA Nolan Price to charge a suspect in a pattern of rapes and murders targeting marginalized women, bridging SVU's sex crimes focus with the 2-7 squad's homicide probe. In interviews, Scanavino has shared insights on the role's challenges, describing the long-term commitment—spanning over a decade—as both rewarding and demanding, requiring him to adapt Carisi's evolution from "brash kid" to seasoned ADA while maintaining emotional depth amid intense storylines like the 2024 trauma. He noted the physical and psychological toll of filming scenes but praised the character's growth in family life, drawing from his own experiences as a father of three. On fan reception, Scanavino highlighted positive responses to "Rollisi" (Carisi-Rollins) dynamics, with viewers approaching him for mock due to Carisi's authenticity, though he emphasized the role's impact in raising awareness for survivors.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Peter Scanavino has been married to Lisha Bai since July 2011. The couple has three children together, and Scanavino has maintained their privacy by not publicly disclosing names or specific details about their births. Scanavino has spoken publicly about the joys and challenges of balancing his demanding with fatherhood, noting in interviews that feels more instinctive for him than for his on-screen character. He has also shared that he receives valuable advice from co-star , emphasizing the importance of trust and support in family dynamics. Of partial Italian descent through his paternal grandfather, who emigrated from Turin, Scanavino's heritage informs aspects of his personal life, though specific family traditions have not been detailed publicly. The family resides long-term in Brooklyn, New York.

Interests and Other Pursuits

In 2010, Peter Scanavino paused his acting career to pursue a certificate in Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute (later known as the International Culinary Center, which closed in 2020) in New York City. Following his graduation, he briefly worked in the kitchen of acclaimed chef Dan Barber at Blue Hill restaurant, honing his skills in professional cooking. This endeavor underscored his longstanding passion for the culinary arts, which he has described as a creative outlet separate from his professional life. Scanavino integrates cooking into his daily routine, often preparing meals at home as a way to unwind and connect personally with the craft. His interest in food extends to an appreciation for diverse cuisines, reflecting his partial Italian heritage through his paternal grandfather, who emigrated from . Beyond the kitchen, Scanavino has engaged in , notably supporting the Settlement Society of New York, a nonprofit providing essential services to low-income communities. In 2020, he participated in fundraising appeals for the organization during global challenges, encouraging donations to aid adult literacy and family programs. He is also listed as a contributor in the organization's 2017 annual report. These efforts highlight his commitment to community support outside his career. Despite a rigorous schedule, Scanavino balances his professional demands by prioritizing time for cooking and charitable involvement, occasionally sharing these pursuits with his family in everyday settings.

Filmography

Film Roles

Scanavino began his film career with supporting roles in independent and thriller features in the mid-2000s. His subsequent appearances have primarily been in indie dramas and comedies, showcasing his versatility in smaller but memorable parts.
  • On the Shoulder (2006) as Gus: Scanavino portrays Gus, a character entangled in a tense roadside encounter that explores themes of isolation and in this short dramatic feature.
  • Under Surveillance (2006) as Cult Leader: He plays a charismatic leader in this thriller about a infiltrating a dangerous religious group.
  • Deception (2008) as Rhiga Desk Clerk: Scanavino appears as the desk clerk at a high-end , assisting in the intrigue surrounding a lawyer's involvement in a secretive in this starring and .
  • The Informers (2008) as Leon: In this ensemble drama adapting Bret Easton Ellis's stories of 1980s excess, Scanavino's Leon is a young man navigating the city's hedonistic and hollow social scene amid the AIDS crisis.
  • Happythankyoumoreplease (2010) as Ira: Scanavino stars as Ira, a who impulsively adopts a young boy he finds on the subway, in this romantic comedy-drama about New Yorkers seeking connection.
  • Zenith (2010) as Jack: He plays Jack, a member of a conspiracy theorist group fighting a dystopian , in this low-budget sci-fi blending and .
  • Watching TV with the Red Chinese (2012) as Simon Czapinczyk: Scanavino portrays Simon, a young professional caught in awkward post-college dynamics during a night of revelations among friends, in this indie comedy about transition and regret.
  • Frances Ha (2012) as Chef: In Greta Gerwig's black-and-white indie dramedy, Scanavino has a cameo as a interacting with the protagonist during her struggles as an aspiring dancer in New York.
  • Mutual Friends (2013) as Paul: Scanavino plays Paul, one of a group of old college friends reuniting amid personal crises and revelations, in this ensemble romantic comedy about loyalty and change.
  • The Cold Lands (2013) as Carter: He appears as Carter, a survivalist companion to a young boy fleeing authorities after his mother's death, in this atmospheric drama set in rural .
No feature film releases for Scanavino have been announced as of 2025.

Television Roles

Scanavino's television career began in 2005 with guest appearances on procedural dramas within the Law & Order franchise. Over the years, he accumulated a series of guest and recurring roles across multiple networks, often portraying suspects, criminals, or supporting characters in crime and drama series. His breakthrough came with a main role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which led to crossovers in the broader franchise.
Year(s)ShowRoleNotes
2005Law & Order: Criminal IntentJohnny FeistGuest; 1 episode ("Diamond Dogs"), portrayed a volatile robber.
2005Law & Order: Trial by JuryRobert HasselGuest; 1 episode ("Boys Will Be Boys"), appeared as a defendant.
2009Law & OrderJim AndersonGuest; 1 episode ("Just a Girl in the World"), played a graphic designer suspect.
2012The Good WifeGrant DuverneyGuest; 1 episode ("Gloves Come Off"), depicted a union organizer.
2012A Gifted ManScotty CartolanoGuest; 1 episode ("In Case of Letting Go").
2013Do No HarmKyle CorriganGuest; 1 episode ("Don't Answer the Phone").
2013Golden BoyEddie RoqueGuest; 1 episode ("Next Question"), portrayed a former drug dealer with key information.
2013UnforgettableAlexGuest; 1 episode, appeared as a supporting character in a crime investigation.
2013Law & Order: Special Victims UnitJohnny DubcekGuest/recurring; 2 episodes in season 14 ("Monster's Legacy" and "Spring Awakening"), suspect in a rape case.
2014–2025Law & Order: Special Victims UnitADA/Detective Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr.Main series regular; seasons 16–27 (ongoing as of November 2025; over 230 episodes), evolves from rookie detective to assistant district attorney handling sex crimes cases.
2014The BlacklistChristopher Maly / Craig KeenGuest/recurring; 2 episodes (season 1, episode 18; season 2, episode 15), Tom's fabricated older brother involved in criminal activities.
2014BansheeBreece ConnorsGuest; 1 episode ("The Thunder Man"), minor criminal associate.
2014Person of InterestAdamsGuest; 1 episode ("Deus Ex Machina"), undercover FBI agent.
2014The LeftoversSkinnyGuest; 1 episode ("Two Boats and a Helicopter"), supporting figure in a post-apocalyptic drama.
2015Chicago P.D.Detective Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr.Guest; 1 episode ("The Number of Rats"), crossover appearance from SVU investigating a joint case.
2020Social DistanceGregGuest; 1 episode ("You Gotta Ding-Dong Fling-Flong the Whole Thing"), father coping with family illness during quarantine.
2021–2025Law & Order: Organized CrimeADA Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr.Recurring guest; multiple episodes across seasons 1–5 (e.g., "The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of," "With Many Names"), provides legal support in organized crime investigations, including franchise crossovers.
Scanavino's roles often involved the universe, with crossovers highlighting his character Carisi's integration across SVU, Chicago P.D., and for interconnected storylines. No voice work or specials were credited through 2025.

References

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