Who plays Detective Amanda Rollins on SVU?

Kelli Giddish plays Detective Amanda Rollins on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Rollins joins the Manhattan SVU at the beginning of season 13 after transferring from the Atlanta Police Department. She is introduced in the episode “Scorched Earth,” arriving alongside Detective Nick Amaro as the series adjusts to Christopher Meloni’s departure. Rollins initially works with established detectives including Olivia Benson and Fin Tutuola.

The character is known for her strong investigative instincts, emotional intensity, and complicated family history. Her experiences with domestic abuse and her troubled relationship with her sister sometimes influence how she responds to victims and suspects. Over time, Rollins becomes a senior detective, starts a relationship with Sonny Carisi, and eventually marries him.

Giddish’s connection with SVU began before Rollins: she had already appeared in a 2007 episode as rape victim Kara Bawson. That earlier role is an easy source of confusion, but Rollins is definitively portrayed by Giddish. The other options are also associated with SVU: Tamara Tunie played medical examiner Melinda Warner, Stephanie March played ADA Alexandra Cabot, and Mariska Hargitay plays Olivia Benson.