Thursday, Dec. 8, marked Giddish’s last episode of Law & Order: SVU after an impressive 12-year-run as Det. Amanda Rollins. There was plenty of speculation as to what led to Giddish’s exit, with Variety noting that it was not her choice to depart the crime procedural but a “call made from above” to keep the series as “up to date and current as possible.” Sources even said Hargitay pushed to keep Giddish on the series to no avail. Harigtay—who has played Captain Olivia Benson for almost 25 years—took to Instagram to share a sweet send off to her colleague ahead of the final episode. “Kelli, I’ve loved acting, learning, growing, talking, laughing and crying with you,” Hargitay began in the post. “I’ve loved watching your achingly beautiful performances. I’ve loved watching our friendship deepen and grow and blossom. I’ve loved every single minute of it, and I will miss you so much. You have my respect, my gratitude and my love forever,” she concluded. While the sentimental post was enough to bring tears to any fans eyes, her caption really drove it home with the hashtag, “#RolliviaForever.” Giddish shared her own post ahead of the fall finale, writing, “To everyone who supported Rollins – thank you.” The Instagram post was accompanied by a series of photos of her and her cast mates, including Hargitay. Back in August, Giddish addressed her exit, noting: ““Playing Rollins has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life. I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of the Law & Order family for the last 12 years. There is simply no other character on TV like Rollins. She’s grown and changed, and I have as well. I started on this show when I was in my late 20s and I’m grateful I got to spend so many of my adult years with Rollins in my life."
