NBC SIGNS KELLI GIDDISH ("CHASE") AND DANNY PINO ("COLD CASE") AS NEW SERIES REGULARS WHO WILL PLAY DETECTIVES IN "LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT"

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - June 27, 2011 - NBC has signed Kelli Giddish ("Chase") and Danny Pino ("Cold Case") as two new series regulars who will play detectives on its "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET in the fall).

The announcement was made by Bob Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment.

"Kelli and Danny are two great actors who will join a proven cast headed by Mariska Hargitay as this exceptional series heads into a very promising 13th season," said Greenblatt.

Executive producer/creator Dick Wolf commented, "I'm very pleased that we have two amazing actors joining the cast. I know this combination will give us the opportunity to explore the world of 'SVU' with new eyes."

Giddish recently starred in the NBC drama "Chase" as U.S. Marshal Annie Frost. Giddish also starred in "Past Life" and made guest appearances on "The Good Wife," "Life on Mars" and "Without a Trace." In 2007, Giddish played a supporting lead role in David Connolly's independent feature "The Understudy." Following her departure from "All My Children" later that year, she made guest appearances on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," had a recurring role on "Damages" and appeared in Boaz Yakin's feature film "Death in Love."

Pino starred for seven seasons on "Cold Case" as Senior Detective Scotty Valens. He also has guest-starred on such series as "The Shield," "Men, Women & Dogs," and more recently, in "Burn Notice." His television movies include "Lucy" (as Desi Arnaz) and "Point of Origin."

This hard-hitting and emotional series from NBC's "Law & Order" brand chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Mariska Hargitay returns to portray Detective Olivia Benson. Created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is now entering its 13th season. The program has received numerous citations from community-based organizations for the social issues it tackles, and the cast members are frequently recognized for the work they do off-screen to promote personal health and safety and other volunteer efforts and initiatives.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is a Wolf Films production in association with Universal Media Studios. Wolf, is creator and executive producer, Warren Leight (Law and Order CI), Ted Kotcheff ("Fun with Dick and Jane," "Weekend at Bernie's") and Peter Jankowski are executive producers.