Life has thrown its share of challenges at Mariska Hargitay, but she’s never let them define her. The beloved star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit lost her mother, Jayne Mansfield, in a tragic car accident when she was just three years old. Despite the heartbreak, Mariska found strength in the love and support of her family. A source close to the star told Life & Style that Mariska is “just so happy” with where she is today. It’s a testament to her resilience and the incredible journey she’s been on.
A Stable Home Amidst Tragedy
Mariska’s early life was marked by loss, but she wasn’t alone. “As tragic as her mom’s death was, she had her dad, Mickey Hargitay, who was a Mr. Universe winner, along with a loving stepmom and stepsiblings,” the insider revealed. The Law & Order: SVU star, now 60, grew up in a nurturing environment filled with warmth and care. “Mariska grew up in a stable home surrounded by love,” the source emphasized. This foundation allowed her to flourish despite the challenges she faced.
A Childhood Scar That Couldn’t Break Her Spirit
When Mariska was just three years old, she experienced a harrowing car accident that claimed her mother’s life. Jayne Mansfield, a glamorous Hollywood star, was only 34 when she passed away. The accident left Mariska with a scar on her head, but it couldn’t dent her spirit. Her two older brothers were also in the car and survived. It was a dark chapter in her life, but one that ultimately shaped her into the strong, compassionate woman she is today.
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Finding Love and Fulfillment
Mariska’s life took a beautiful turn when she met Peter Hermann, a talented actor who guest-starred on Law & Order: SVU. The two fell deeply in love and tied the knot on August 28, 2004. The source shared that Mariska and Peter, now 57, “just had to be together.” Their connection was so profound that Mariska couldn’t help but cry during their first date at a church service. “For her, it was very overwhelming to realize that, at 40, she had finally found her soulmate,” the insider explained. Their love story is a testament to the idea that sometimes the best things in life come when you least expect them.
Building a Beautiful Family
Mariska and Peter have created a loving home with their children: August, 18, Amaya, 12, and Andrew, 12. The ER alum opened up to Redbook in 2009 about how her children have transformed her life. “They erased many of my negative childhood feelings and filled them with something new,” she said. Parenthood has brought Mariska immense joy and gratitude, teaching her to cherish the present moment. “You learn to feel grateful when you are exposed at such a young age to the fact that bad things can happen,” she reflected.
Mariska and Peter recently spent quality time with their children in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. The source noted that the couple is cherishing every moment together because time seems to be flying by. “August recently graduated high school, and Mariska and Peter both wept; their baby’s all grown up and going to college,” the insider shared. While they still have a few more years with their younger kids, the thought of an empty nest is bittersweet. “But knowing they have each other makes it better,” the source added.
A Passion for Advocacy and Acting
Mariska’s dedication to her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU is unwavering. For 25 years, she’s brought the character to life with authenticity and heart. Her work on the show inspired her to found the Joyful Heart Foundation, which focuses on ending sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The source revealed that Mariska views her role as an integral part of who she is. “She loves what she does,” the insider said. Fans don’t need to worry about Olivia Benson disappearing anytime soon.
A source exclusively told Closer in June that Mariska has no plans to retire from the show. “She refuses to leave and is prepared to take it as far as she can go. She doesn’t know what she’d do without SVU,” the insider explained. Mariska also feels a deep responsibility to the show’s crew. “They’d be out of a job without her,” the source noted. At the end of the day, “She is Olivia Benson, and Olivia Benson is her.”
