Hargitay has been a favorite with “Law & Order” fans since “SVU” debuted in 1999.
Just ask Taylor Swift, who went so far as toname one of her cats, Olivia Benson.
Before Hargitay was a leading lady, though, she was already in the spotlight.
Thetragedyunderstandably had a lifelong impact on Hargitay, who barely remembers her mother.
“The way I’ve lived with loss is to lean into it,” she toldPeople.
“As the saying goes, the only way out is through.”
“She’s with me still.”
The bodybuilder and his wife, Ellen, raised the young Hargitay.
She said that doing this has helped her to process “the cards I was dealt.”
Mariska also had a close relationship with her stepmother, tellingGood Housekeepingthat she “called her Mom.”
She explained that Ellen had no biological children but considered Mariska and her siblings to be her own kids.
As for her talent, Hargitay toldParade, “There was no talent!
Despite this, she didn’t jump right into show business full-time aftergraduating from high school in 1982.
Instead, she decided to hone her talents by pursuing a formal education.
Hargitay is a smart cookie with or without a college degree.
The country single was the first country hit to air on MTV, helping to launch Hargitay’s career.
As she started her career, she was quite insecure and faced a lot of rejection.
Said Hargitay, “There was so much rejection.”
Hargitay portrayed Cynthia Hooper on the medical drama in 13 episodes from 1997 to 1998.
Speaking up for herself ended up clinching the role for Hargitay, and the rest is history.
Just as with her “ER” audition, Hargitay slayed.
“I read it and just, chills, and knew that I had to do it.”
“I walked in and I go, ‘Listen you’re confused.
Here’s the deal.
I’m pretty sure this is me,'” she recounted.
“This is my part, I’m serious.
We’re past this, let’s not even waste your time.'”
Hargitay’s confidence and acting talent paid off.
We can’t imagine anyone else as Olivia Benson!
Landing the role started a new chapter in Hargitay’s life in multiple ways.
She was 34 at the time the same age as Jayne Mansfield when she died.
“And it was.”
The two have been going strong ever since.
as she didn’t get married until she was in her 40s.
“One of us usually cracks the other one up within 15 minutes,” she said.
“It’s as if we’re saying, ‘I love you more than this fight.'”
“There is no secret,” he toldEntertainment Tonight.
Motherhood transformed Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay and her husband, Peter Hermann, have three kids together.
“Adoption was a bumpy ride very bumpy,” she toldGood Housekeeping.
“But, God, was it worth the fight.”
Hargitay couldn’t be more thrilled with her family.
“Our family is so perfect, or at least perfect for me,” she toldPeople.
Mickey was in the audience when she accepted the award, dedicating it to him.
“He’s the reason I’m standing here today,” she said (viaOutsider).
“I can’t wait to celebrate this with you.”
“My dad gave me so much advice and shored me up so young,” she toldParade.
“Even though he’s not here physically, I carry him,” she said.
“I still think the natural look is the most beautiful,” she said (viaStyleCaster).
That being said, Hargitay is tired of women judging themselves on how they look.
“What about defining yourself by a different kind of measurement?”
she told the outlet.
Wise words, Mariska!
