Connie Nielsen, who played a recurring character on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" this season, will also have a new character in her life.

The actress and her boyfriend, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, are "ecstatic" about expecting their first child together, Nielsen's rep tells People.

The baby is due in the early summer.

Nielsen, 41, and Ulrich, 42, are both originally from Denmark and have been dating for about two years.

From previous marriages, Nielsen already has a 16-year-old son, and Ulrich has two sons of his own -- Myles, 8, and Layne, 5.

The actress appeared as Detective Dani Beck on "SVU" this season, filling in for Mariska Hargitay when she herself was on maternity leave. Hargitay has since won an Emmy, had her baby and returned to the show. Nielsen is also known for starring opposite Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix in "Gladiator."