Quick Facts
Born:
1964-01-23
Birthplace:
Los Angeles, California, USA
Credits:
75 Total Roles
Mariska Hargitay
Acting
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Biography
Mariska Hargitay (born January 23, 1964) is an American actress, producer, director and activist, best known for her role as New York City sex crimes Detective Olivia Benson on on the NBC television drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role that has earned her multiple awards and nominations, including an Emmy and Golden Globe.
The daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor/bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, Hargitay is a former beauty queen who made her film debut in the 1985 horror-comedy film Ghoulies, and her major television debut in the 1986 adventure drama series, Downtown. She appeared in numerous roles in film and television shows throughout the late 1980s and 1990s before being cast as Olivia Benson, a role that led to her founding the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to women who have been sexually abused.
The daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor/bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, Hargitay is a former beauty queen who made her film debut in the 1985 horror-comedy film Ghoulies, and her major television debut in the 1986 adventure drama series, Downtown. She appeared in numerous roles in film and television shows throughout the late 1980s and 1990s before being cast as Olivia Benson, a role that led to her founding the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to women who have been sexually abused.
Known For
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Olivia Benson
Chicago P.D.
Olivia Benson
Chicago Fire
Olivia Benson
Seinfeld
Melissa (Elaine)
Leaving Las Vegas
Hooker At Bar
Lake Placid
Myra Okubo
ER
Cynthia Hooper
The Love Guru
Mariska Hargitay (uncredited)
Full Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | My Mom Jayne MOVIE | Self |
| 2022 | Gutsy TV | Self |
| 2022 | Winona Ryder: The Ghosts She Called MOVIE | Actress on the Stage (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| 2021 | BLKBX: wht r u hding? MOVIE | Dr. Hart |
| 2021 | Law & Order: Organized Crime TV | Captain Olivia Benson |
| 2020 | How To with John Wilson TV | Self |
| 2020 | The Drew Barrymore Show TV | Self |
| 2020 | 30 Rock: A One-Time Special MOVIE | Mariska Hargitay |
| 2020 | The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU MOVIE | Self |
| 2019 | The Kelly Clarkson Show TV | Self |