Mariska Hargitay | Complete Details

Mariska Hargitay is an American actress, director, and activist, best known for her portrayal of Captain Olivia Benson on the long-running television series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Born on January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California, she is the daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor Mickey Hargitay. Tragically, Mansfield died in a car accident when Mariska was just three years old, leaving her to be raised by her father and his third wife .

Hargitay’s acting career began in the mid-1980s with roles in television series such as Falcon Crest and In the Heat of the Night. Her breakthrough came in 1999 when she was cast as Olivia Benson on SVU. She has portrayed this character for over two decades, making her the longest-running character on the longest-running American primetime drama in history . Her performance has earned her numerous accolades, including two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.

Beyond her acting career, Hargitay is a passionate advocate for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. In 2004, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to survivors and works to end the backlog of untested rape kits in the United States .

In 2025, Hargitay made her directorial debut with the documentary My Mom Jayne, which explores the life and legacy of her late mother, Jayne Mansfield. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is set to air on HBO in June 2025 .

In her personal life, Hargitay married actor Peter Hermann in 2004. They have three children: a biological son, August, and adopted children, Amaya and Andrew. The family made a rare red carpet appearance together at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where Hargitay’s documentary was featured .

Mariska Hargitay: Actress, Advocate, and Documentarian

Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), has seamlessly blended her acting career with a profound commitment to social justice. Beyond her iconic role, Hargitay’s journey encompasses personal revelations, philanthropic endeavors, and a deep exploration of her family’s legacy.

Early Life and Career

Born on January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California, Mariska Hargitay is the daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor Mickey Hargitay. Tragically, Mansfield passed away in a car accident when Mariska was just three years old. Raised by her father and his third wife, Ellen Siano, in Los Angeles, Mariska pursued acting from a young age. She attended the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and studied improv with the Groundlings comedy troupe in Los Angeles. Her early acting credits include roles in Falcon Crest, In the Heat of the Night, Tequila and Bonetti, and ER .

Breakthrough with SVU

In 1999, Hargitay was cast as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. The role resonated deeply with her, allowing her to portray a character who advocates for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Over the years, Hargitay’s portrayal has garnered critical acclaim, earning her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. Her dedication to the role has made Benson one of the most enduring characters in television history .

Advocacy and the Joyful Heart Foundation

Hargitay’s commitment to social justice extends beyond her acting career. Inspired by the stories of survivors she encountered through her role on SVU, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004. The foundation aims to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, providing healing and advocating for systemic change. Through the foundation, Hargitay has been instrumental in raising awareness about untested rape kits and has produced documentaries like I Am Evidence to shed light on these critical issues .

Personal Revelations and “My Mom Jayne”

In a deeply personal move, Hargitay directed and produced the documentary My Mom Jayne, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The film delves into the life and legacy of her late mother, Jayne Mansfield, offering an intimate portrayal of the woman behind the public persona. In the documentary, Hargitay reveals a significant family secret: her biological father is Italian entertainer Nelson Sardelli, not her mother’s second husband, Mickey Hargitay. This revelation marked a pivotal moment in Hargitay’s journey of self-discovery and reconciliation .

Family Life

Mariska Hargitay married actor Peter Hermann in 2004, whom she met on the set of SVU. The couple has three children: August, their biological son, and Amaya and Andrew, whom they adopted. The family made a rare red carpet appearance together at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, showcasing their close-knit bond and support for Mariska’s documentary project .

Legacy and Impact

Mariska Hargitay’s multifaceted career reflects her dedication to both her craft and her causes. From her iconic role on SVU to her advocacy through the Joyful Heart Foundation and her exploration of her mother’s legacy in My Mom Jayne, Hargitay continues to inspire and effect change. Her journey is a testament to the power of storytelling, compassion, and the pursuit of truth.