Mariska Magdolna Hargitay (Mariska Hargitay), born January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California, is a well-known American actress, producer, director, and philanthropist. She gained fame for her performance as Detective Olivia Benson on the NBC show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), a role she has held since the show’s start in 1999. Detective Benson is recognized as the longest-running character in the history of American primetime drama TV.
Mariska Hargitay Wiki: Early Life and Education
Mariska Hargitay comes from a prestigious Hollywood lineage. Her mother, Jayne Mansfield, was a renowned actress, while her father, Mickey Hargitay, was a former Mr. Universe and actor. After her parents’ divorce, Hargitay attended Marymount High School in Los Angeles and later joined UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television. However, she decided to leave before finishing her degree in order to pursue an acting career.
Career Highlights
Mariska Hargitay started her film career in 1985 with the horror-comedy movie Ghoulies and gained early attention through her role in the drama series Downtown in 1986. She achieved significant success with her role in Law & Order: SVU, receiving praise from critics and winning multiple awards, including two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
Her contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized in 2013 when she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Also Read: Caroline Trentini Wiki
Philanthropy and Activism
Hargitay’s dedication to philanthropy goes beyond her acting career. In 2004, she established the Joyful Heart Foundation, driven by the impactful narratives of survivors she encountered during her work on SVU. This foundation is specifically dedicated to providing support for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Movies
Mariska Hargitay has appeared in several films throughout her career. Here’s a list of notable movies featuring her:
Year | Title | Role |
1985 | Ghoulies | Donna |
1986 | Welcome to 18 | Joey |
1987 | Jocks | Nicole |
1988 | Mr. Universe | Herself |
1991 | Hard Time Romance | Anita |
1991 | The Perfect Weapon | Jennifer |
1991 | Strawberry Road | Jill Banner |
1993 | Bank Robber | Marisa Benoit |
1995 | Leaving Las Vegas | Hooker at Bar |
1999 | Lake Placid | Myra Okubo |
2001 | Perfume | Darcy (credited as Marishka Hargitay) |
2006 | Tales from Earthsea | Tenar (voice role) |
2008 | The Love Guru | Herself (cameo) |
2017 | I Am Evidence | Herself (also producer) |
Age
Mariska Hargitay, born on January 23rd, 1964, is presently 60 years of age.
Height
Mariska Hargitay’s height is 5 feet 7.7 inches (approximately 172 cm) tall.
Parents
Mariska Hargitay’s parents are Jayne Mansfield, a renowned actress, and Mickey Hargitay, a former Mr. Universe and actor. Sadly, Jayne lost her life in a car accident in 1967 when Mariska was only three years old, while Mickey passed away in 2006.
Siblings
Mariska Hargitay has five siblings:
- Tina Hargitay (half-sister)
- Jayne Marie Mansfield (half-sister)
- Mickey Hargitay Jr. (brother)
- Zoltan Hargitay (brother)
- Antonio “Tony” Cimber (half-brother)
Husband
Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, an actor famous for portraying defense attorney Trevor Langan on Law & Order: SVU, tied the knot on August 28, 2004, in Santa Barbara, California. The couple first crossed paths in 2002 while working on the show and soon started a romantic relationship.
Children
Mariska Hargitay and her husband, Peter Hermann, have three children:
- August Miklos Friedrich Hermann – Born on June 28, 2006, he is their eldest son and is currently 17 years old.
- Amaya Josephine Hermann – Adopted in April 2011, she is now 12 years old.
- Andrew Nicolas Hargitay Hermann – Also adopted in October 2011, he is 11 years old.
Also Read: Camilla Luddington Wiki
Net Worth
Mariska Hargitay has an estimated net worth of $100 million as of 2024.
Social Media Presence
Mariska Hargitay is active on several social media platforms. Here are her official accounts:
- Instagram: @therealmariskahargitay
- Facebook: Mariska-Hargitay
FAQs about Mariska Hargitay
What is Mariska Hargitay’s full name?
Her full name is Mariska Magdolna Hargitay.
What role is she best known for?
She is best known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which she has played since its debut in 1999.
What awards has she won?
Mariska has received multiple awards, including two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
What philanthropic work does she do?
Mariska Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.