Mariska Hargitay Returns To Work On ‘Law & Order: SVU'

After almost three weeks away from her hit NBC show, "Law & Order: SVU," Mariska Hargitay returned to work on Monday, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

Mariska first underwent surgery in January after suffering a partially collapsed lung and returned to work later that month. The 44-year-old actress was hospitalized again on March 3.

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Following her recent stint in the hospital, a rep for the actress said in a statement released to Access, "Mariska is recovering well and is expected to return to 'SVU' in the next couple of weeks."

News of the actress' return delighted her "SVU" co-star Chris Meloni.

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"We're happy to have her [back,]" Chris told Access at the "Gods of Carnage" premiere on Broadway Sunday night in New York City.

Chris said he is even planning to get her a little "welcome back" gift.

"Maybe I'll buy her a rose or something from one of the corner delis, something special like that," he said.

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The "SVU" actor said Mariska had been keeping everyone updated on her health during her absence.

"Pretty regularly, we E-mail, text, or call," he told Access. "She's doing great."

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