Unlike Elliot Stabler, Chris Meloni never served in the military and does not have a marine emblem tattooed on his arm. Although Elliot’s marine tattoo is only temporary, in real life, Chris has a butterfly on his upper thigh, an astrological chart on his lower leg, and a large crucifix on his bicep. 

We know what you’re thinking — everything we know about Elliot Stabler is a lie. But the plot thickens. In old episodes of Law and Order, Elliot is said to be Irish American, unlike Chris Meloni, who has roots in Italy.