The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actor honored the big day of his on-screen mother. 

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January 23 marks the 60th birthday of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay, and to honor the occasion, Ryan Buggle (who plays her on-screen son Noah Benson) gave her the best shoutout.

On Instagram, Buggle posted a heartwarming array of photos with Hargitay embracing him both on and off set, along with some throwback pics of when he first joined the show. The first image was a beautiful still of the entire cast.

“Happy Birthday M!! I love you more than words. You’re a masterclass for life, and I think this day should be a national holiday! When people ask me what it’s like working with you I pretty much just say that I pinch myself because they should take how great they already think you are and multiply by infinity!” he gushed in the caption.

Mariska Hargitay talks acting alongside Ryan Buggle

Buggle holds a place that is near and dear to Hargitay’s heart, as she reflected on her wonderful experience working with him in a recent interview with NBC Insider.

“He is such a special human being,” she said. “He’s not like a lot of child actors. He is so good, wise beyond his years, so kind, just wants to learn and grow, and so engaged. Everyone adores him, and he’s such a good little actor, so I feel so safe because he’s really present and wants to learn. I just adore him because he’s also a fascinating person.”

She continued: “He’s an incredible gymnast, he’s a great little thinker, and he asks such good questions, and he’s really open for anything. He’s like a little adult, but in a good way. I adore him, and I love having scenes with him. Sometimes with little kids, it’s like, ‘OK, are they gonna get it? Am I gonna have to navigate this?’ But with him it’s not like that. I look forward to it. And I have real love for him.”

Mariska Hargitay reflects on turning 60

In a recent interview with People, the actress opened up about her positive attitude when it comes to achieving the major milestone.

“I’m so excited. I announce it constantly. I’m proud of it. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been,” she told the outlet. The age thing was never something I was scared of. I didn’t get cast until I was 35, and then the show kept going as I aged. At 45, we’d been on for ten years and I just met my husband. The man of my dreams. I got married at 40. I had August at 42. So it was like defying all the odds.”

“I won an Emmy and all these major things kept happening. I didn’t take anything for granted. My beautiful children.  And then in my 50s, my foundation is on fire, and I’m on a show that matters, and I’m counting my lucky stars. How did I get here? And why does nobody care how old I am?”