Mariska Hargitay


Since 1999, Law and Order: SVU has trailed the detectives of the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit as they investigate crimes in the city that never sleeps. Delving into a world of rape, torture, pedophilia, and child abuse, the Unit takes on some of the city’s worst criminals before seeking justice. This drama is never without its twist and turns, so strap on your holster and join the squad of the Special Victims Unit as they fight to keep New York City safe from the bad guys.

Born and raised in Los Angeles to actress Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay, Mariska Hargitay was exposed to the acting world from an early age. After joining the theatre program at her high school she fell in love with acting. She later went on to attend the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television where her passion for acting only grew. However, it was not until she was crowned Miss Beverly Hills USA that she first gained the public recognition that would help launch her career. From there, her acting career slowly fell into place.

Her early works include movies such as Leaving Las Vegas and Lake Placid. However, after joining the cast of Law and Order: SVU in 1999, Hargitay put her movie career on hold.

In 2004, Hargitay won her first Golden Globe for Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Since then she has received three Emmy nominations, three SAG nominations, and a Gracie Allen Award for American Women in Radio and Television for her role as Olivia Benson.

Clearly impacted by her role on Law and Order: SVU, Hargitay started the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to provide support for sexual assault victims. She has also worked with Mount Sinai’s Sexual Assault and Intervention Program, as well as Santa Monica’s Rape Crisis Treatment Center.