Biography

Mariska Magdolna Hargitay (born 23 January 1967), commonly known as Mariska Hargitay, is a legendary American actress, director, producer, and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She is best known for her role as Olivia Benson in the acclaimed television series Special Victims Unit: Law and Order.

As an actress, she has received numerous accolades for her outstanding performances, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Gracie Allen Award. She has also been nominated for various other prestigious awards, highlighting her exceptional talent in the field.

In addition to her success in acting, Mariska Hargitay is also a skilled director and producer. She has produced several episodes of Special Victims Unit: Law and Order and has directed multiple episodes of the show. Her directing work has been well-received and has garnered critical acclaim.

Mariska Hargitay is an active philanthropist who has worked with various charitable organizations. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization that aims to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Her advocacy work has brought attention to important social issues and has helped raise awareness of the impact of violence on individuals and communities.

As a result of her hard work and dedication, Mariska Hargitay holds the record for playing the longest-running character on a TV show. She has become an icon in the entertainment industry, inspiring many through her talent, philanthropy, and commitment to social justice.

Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Mariska Magdolna Hargitay
Stage Name:	Mariska Hargitay
Born:	23 January 1964 (age 60 years old)
Place of Birth:	Providence Saint John’s Health Center – Santa Monica Emergency Room, Santa Monica, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Height:	1.72 m
Parents:	Jayne Mansfield, Mickey Hargitay
Siblings:	Jayne Marie Mansfield, Zoltan Hargitay, Mickey Hargitay Jr., Tony Cimber, Tina Hargitay, Venico Cimber
Spouse:	Peter Hermann (m. 2004)
Boyfriend • Partner:	Grant Show (1993), Richard Anthony Crenna (1986-1988), Maria Bello (1997)
Children:	Amaya Josephine Hermann, August Miklos Friedrich Hermann, Andrew Nicolas Hargitay Hermann
Occupation:	Actress • TV Personality
Net Worth:	$100 million

Early Life & Education

Mariska Hargitay, an iconic American actress, was born on January 23rd, 1967, at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. She was born to Mickey Hargitay, a Hungarian-born former Mr. Universe, and the glamorous actress Jayne Mansfield. Her first and middle names are Hungarian and pay tribute to Mary Magdalene, with Mariska being a diminutive of Mary. She has a niece named Jianni Cimber.

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Mariska Hargitay has two older brothers, Mickey Hargitay Jr. and Zoltan Hargitay, and four half-siblings, including Jayne Marie Mansfield, Tony Cimber, Venico Cimber, and Tina Hargitay. She was raised as a Catholic, and her parents divorced in Mexico in May 1963, but a judge later ruled that the divorce was not legally binding. They reconciled just before her birth in January 1964 but drifted apart again shortly after.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Mariska Hargitay‘s mother passed away on June 29, 1967, in a fatal car accident. After their mother’s devastating loss, she and her brothers were raised by their father and his third wife.

Career

Mariska Hargitay, an all-around talented woman, was quite an active student in high school. At Marymount High School, a Catholic secondary school, she was part of the cheerleading squad, student government, sports, and the theatrical department. Hargitay eventually graduated from high school in 1982 and decided to pursue acting at UCLA, where she enjoyed it. In the same year, she was even named Miss Beverly Hills USA! Talk about a talented and beautiful go-getter!

Mariska Hargitay was already making waves in the industry as she had some minor roles under her belt before becoming a student at college. She was even a Kappa Kappa Gamma member while a student at the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. She then attended the Groundlings Theatre and School in Los Angeles, where she honed her skills even further. However, before finishing her degree, she left to focus on her blossoming acting career.

Mariska Hargitay‘s early film career began in 1985 when she made her feature film debut in the horror-comedy film Ghoulies. She appeared in several other films, including Welcome to 18 and Leaving Las Vegas. However, her portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit catapulted her to stardom. She has played this iconic character for over 20 seasons, and her talent has garnered numerous awards and nominations, including an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe.

But Mariska Hargitay‘s talents continue. She has also been deeply involved in philanthropic efforts and founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004. This organization is dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. She also advocates for several other causes, including education, civil, and animal rights.

In her personal life, Mariska Hargitay has found love with her husband, actor Peter Hermann. The couple met on the Law & Order: SVU set and have been happily married ever since. They are proud parents of three children.

Personal Life

Mariska Hargitay, the accomplished actress known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has had a few notable relationships in her past. She was linked to actor Richard Anthony Crenna from 1986 to 1988, and in 1993, she was reportedly in a relationship with actor Grant Show. Additionally, rumors were circulating that Hargitay had a brief fling with actress Maria Bello in 1997.

However, Mariska Hargitay‘s most significant personal relationship is with her husband, actor Peter Hermann. The couple met on the set of Law & Order: SVU, where Peter Hermann portrays the recurring character of defense lawyer Trevor Langan. They tied the knot on August 28, 2004, in a picturesque Santa Barbara, California ceremony.

The couple welcomed their first child, a son, on June 28, 2006. However, the birth was complicated, and Hargitay had to undergo an urgent cesarean operation. In April 2011, Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann adopted a girl and were present for the birth. Later that same year, they welcomed a baby boy into their family through adoption in October. In a heartwarming moment, she and her older son starred in a popular Got Milk? commercial in January 2007.

Despite her busy career and family life, Mariska Hargitay is open about her spiritual beliefs. In a 2010 interview with Good Housekeeping, she revealed that she considers herself a Christian. She is one of Christopher Meloni‘s children’s godmothers. She is also an impressive linguist and can fluently speak five languages: English, French, Hungarian, Spanish, and Italian.

Mariska Hargitay has three children with her husband, actor Peter Hermann. Their names are August Friedrich Hermann, Amaya Josephine Hermann, and Andrew Nicolas Hargitay Hermann.

Social Media

Mariska Hargitay is active across several social media platforms. Her handle is @TheRealMariskaHagitay, and she has over 40 million followers. She has numerous fan accounts created in her name and the name of her character on Law and Order: SVU.

Net Worth

Mariska Hargitay’s net worth is estimated to be $100 million. Her net worth is amassed from her career as an actress.

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