Born into a famous family, Law & Order actress Mariska Hargitay was destined to be a star early on. The daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay stepped onto the acting scene in 1985’s The Ghoulies. It was only just the beginning of Mariska’s transformation in Hollywood to become one of the biggest stars on primetime television.
Mariska, born in 1964, lost her mother when she was just 3 years old in a tragic car accident in 1967. This devastating loss at such a young age deeply impacted her life. Despite this hardship, the Emmy-winning actress has continued to honor her mother’s memory throughout her career.
“My mother was this amazing, beautiful, glamorous sex symbol — but people didn’t know that she played the violin and had a 160 IQ and had five kids and loved dogs,” Mariska told People in March 2018. “She was just so ahead of her time. She was an inspiration, she had this appetite for life, and I think I share that with her.”
Biography of Mariska Hargitay
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Mariska Magdolna Hargitay |
Date of Birth | January 23, 1964 |
Parents | Jayne Mansfield, Mickey Hargitay |
Occupation | Actress, Director, Producer |
Notable Role | Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU |
Spouse | Peter Hermann |
Children | August, Amaya, Andrew |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
As a teen, the NBC star entered the beauty pageant circuit, competing in the Miss California USA pageant. Mariska briefly attended UCLA before venturing into the world of acting in the mid-’80s. Her breakout role came in the CBS drama Downtown in 1986, which opened doors for her throughout her career.
This role led to a slew of other television appearances in shows like Falcon Crest, Baywatch, and Can’t Hurry Love. Each of these projects contributed to her growing reputation as a talented actress in Hollywood.
Rise to Prominence
In 1997, Mariska secured a recurring role on ER, the long-running series that would establish her as one of the top drama actresses on television. Two years later, the California native landed the iconic role of Olivia Benson in NBC’s crime drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit opposite Christopher Meloni.
Despite her co-star leaving the show, Mariska has continued to lead the series for over two decades. Her dedication to her role has earned her accolades and a loyal fan base.
Personal Life and Activism
In addition to her successful run on Law & Order, Mariska is an activist, recipient of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and a devoted mother of three. The founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, she married SVU guest star Peter Hermann in 2004 after falling in love on set. Together, they have built a beautiful family.
“I have an incredible support system with my husband. He’s an actor so he also understands,” the Golden Globe winner told Us Weekly in June 2018. “I try to keep it organic. The kids come to set all the time. I have worked out my schedule a bit that I have a little more flexibility. I have a great team behind me.”
Keep scrolling to see Mariska’s stunning Hollywood transformation!
Career Highlights and Accomplishments
- Lead role as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU.
- Recipient of multiple awards including an Emmy Award.
- Founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to help survivors of sexual assault.
- A prominent figure in advocating for social justice and victim's rights.
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