They are acclaimed Emmy Award winning TV stars, but their close bond is far from scripted. 

Debra Messing and Mariska Hargitay put on an affectionate display at the Joyful Revolution Gala in New York City on Wednesday. 

The Will & Grace actress led the charge as she embraced the Law & Order: SVU star from behind, snapped selfies and jokingly squeezed her bottom on the red carpet. 

BFFs! Debra Messing and Mariska Hargitay embraced at the Joyful Revolution Gala in New York City on Wednesday

For the event, the Smash star had on an A-line orange and white striped Cristian Siriano dress that she teamed with white open-toe heels.

 

Her fiery mane rested around her shoulder and she had on a complementary makeup palette. 

Mariska looked elegant in a floor-length black gown that had a lace bodice and textured skirt. 

Selfies! The Will & Grace star and the Law & Order actress have been friends for nearly nine years

Cheeky! Debra grabbed Mariska's bottom as she chatted with Ali Wentworth

Debra and Mariska began their friendship 'from a distance' in 2006 and later became much closer.

In fact, the pair shared the screen together in a 2011 episode of Law & Order: SVU when Debra took on a guest role.

'We found love, seriously about two years ago,' Mariska, 51, said of their friendship during an interview to promote the guest spot. 

She explained: 'We had this mad girl crush on each other, became friends and our sons became good friends.' 

Stylish: The Smash star had on an A-line orange and white striped Cristian Siriano dress that she teamed with white open-toe heels while Mariska looked elegant in a floor-length black gown

Give it a whirl: Mariska showed off the long and lacy material by giving it a twirl on the red carpet

Can you do this? The brunette beauty carried on her glam spectacle in front of celebrity chef Mario Battali

Mingling: The actress cosied up to singer Raul Esparza at the bash

Mariska has son August, now aged nine, with husband Peter Hermann, and in 2011 they adopted son Andrew and daughter Amaya, both now aged three.

 

In an interview with  in 2012, Debra called Mariska 'my best girl.' 

That same year she likely leaned on her friend while going through a divorce from her husband of 12 years. 

Mama's boy! Debra said that her son Roman and Mariska's son are like brothers; seen above, Debra and Roman enjoyed a hockey game in 2014 

Happiest Place On Earth! Debra and Mariska enjoyed a getaway to Disneyland with their boys in front of The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure attraction

Bright lights in the city: Ali Wentworth looked lovely in a lavender patterned number while Jemima Kirke dazzled in a fiery orange dress

Ethereal: Samira Wiley looked joyful in her flowing black frock

'Her son and my son are like brothers,' she added. 'They're very close.'

The Mysteries Of Laura actress has son Roman, now aged 11, with her ex Daniel Zelman.

In 2011, Debra and Mariska enjoyed a getaway to Disneyland with their boys in front of The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure attraction. 

Most eye-catching couple: Ice-T and wife Coco Austin wore matching outfits and the burlesque star complimented hers with a red sash