True Blood casts Chris Meloni as vampire

By
Lynette Rice
Lynette Rice

Editor at Large for Entertainment Weekly, host of Outlander Live! on EW Radio, and Mark Harmon enthusiast. Yes, I know the guacamole is extra.

Published on December 13, 2011 12:00PM EST

Chris Meloni has booked his first post-SVU gig — and it's a bloody good one.

The former star of the Dick Wolf drama will joinHBO'sTrue Blood in season 5 as an "ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands." He will be a series regular.

Meloni's role on Alan Ball's drama marks a homecoming, of sorts: The actor previously played Chris Keller on the pay cabler's gritty dramaOz from 1998 to 2003.

Earlier this year, Meloni decided to step downfrom playing Detective Elliot Stableron the long-running NBC drama.

Though no official return date has been set,True Blood is expected to bow in June.

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