Mariska Hargitay
The Legacy of Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay stands as a towering figure in television history, famous for her iconic portrayal of Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Beyond her acting, she is a fierce advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. As we enter 2025, Mariska continues to break records, holding the title of the longest-running lead actor in a primetime drama series.
Her journey is one of resilience. Born into the spotlight as the daughter of Hollywood legend Jayne Mansfield and Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay, Mariska’s life was marked by both extreme glamour and profound tragedy. This complete biography explores how she turned her personal story into a mission of hope for millions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Mariska Magdolna Hargitay | Full Name |
| January 23, 1964 | Birth Date |
| 61 Years Old (as of 2025) | Age |
| $100 Million+ | Net Worth |
| $500,000 Per Episode | Salary |
| Jayne Mansfield & Mickey Hargitay | Parents |
The “My Mom Jayne” Documentary (2025)
In a milestone move for 2025, Mariska released her directorial debut documentary, “My Mom Jayne.” Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival and airing on HBO, the film is a deeply personal search for the mother she lost at just three years old. Through never-before-seen home movies and photos, Mariska explores the “real” Jayne Mansfield, moving beyond the “blonde bombshell” persona that the media created.
The documentary has received critical acclaim, with Mariska sharing that the process was a “labor of love and longing.” It allowed her to finally reclaim her mother’s story and integrate her own history into her sense of self.
How Old is Mariska Hargitay?
Born on January 23, 1964, Mariska Hargitay is currently 61 years old. Despite being in the industry for decades, she remains more active than ever. Her age has become a symbol of empowered aging in Hollywood. She often speaks about how being an “older mom” (having her first son at 42) gave her the wisdom and patience she needed to handle both her career and her family.
The Joyful Heart Foundation
In 2004, moved by the letters she received from survivors who watched SVU, Mariska founded the Joyful Heart Foundation. The organization’s mission is to heal, educate, and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Mariska famously trained as a rape crisis counselor to better understand the needs of those she serves. Her foundation has been instrumental in the “End the Backlog” initiative, helping to process hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits across the U.S.
Husband, Children, and Personal Life
Mariska has been happily married to actor Peter Hermann since 2004. The couple met on the set of SVU when Peter guest-starred as attorney Trevor Langan. Together, they have three children: August (biological), and Amaya and Andrew (both adopted). Mariska is a passionate advocate for adoption, often sharing the beautiful and complex journey of building her “perfectly imperfect” family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Mariska Hargitay’s net worth in 2025?
Her net worth is estimated at over $100 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on television.
2. Who are Mariska Hargitay’s parents?
Her mother was actress Jayne Mansfield and her father was Mickey Hargitay, a former Mr. Universe.
3. How many episodes of SVU has she starred in?
She has appeared in over 550 episodes, a record-breaking feat for a lead actor.
4. Is Mariska Hargitay still married?
Yes, she has been married to Peter Hermann for over 20 years.
Final Thoughts
Mariska Hargitay is more than just a television star; she is a cultural force for good. From her early days as the daughter of icons to her current status as a global advocate, she has used her platform to bring light into dark places. Her 2025 documentary “My Mom Jayne” marks a new chapter in her career, showing that she is ready to keep evolving, leading, and inspiring for years to come. 🌟