Who would’ve thought that Elisabeth Röhm, who initially studied writing and European history at Sarah Lawrence College, would end up as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses? At 50 years old, Elisabeth tells Closer with a smile, “History has always fascinated me—it’s full of true stories and real-life drama. But acting found me when I fell in love with telling the stories of specific people.”
Her Journey in the Spotlight
Elisabeth’s career took off when she joined the cast of Law & Order as Assistant District Attorney Serena Southerlyn for four unforgettable seasons. “Jerry Orbach gave me some of the best advice on set,” she recalls fondly. “He said, ‘We only do two takes, so come prepared!’ That stayed with me forever. It taught me discipline and professionalism.” Beyond TV, Elisabeth has graced the big screen in movies like Bombshell, Joy, and American Hustle. Not content to rest on her laurels, she’s also published books and directed her first film in 2021. And she did all this before the actors’ strike hit.
A Look Back: Favorite Childhood Memories
Elisabeth’s childhood was filled with the kind of magic that fuels creativity. “I grew up surrounded by trees in upstate New York,” she shares. “Riding horses, playing with our dog, and exploring the woods shaped who I am today. Nature and animals were my constant companions, and they allowed my imagination to run wild.”
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Though she no longer rides horses after a bad fall—“I’m a mom now; I can’t afford injuries!”—she fondly remembers those thrilling days. “I’ve already had my share of adventures on horseback, but I do miss it sometimes,” she admits.
Family Support: The Backbone of Success
Was her family supportive of her decision to pursue acting? Absolutely. “My parents and stepmother always knew I was serious about my craft,” Elisabeth explains. “They saw how hard I worked—sending out headshots with handwritten notes to everyone in the industry who inspired me. There were ups and downs, and they worried, but it all worked out in the end.”
Working with Legends: Jerry Orbach and Mariska Hargitay
When asked about Jerry Orbach, Elisabeth lights up. “Jerry was incredible. When I joined the cast, I threw a little party for everyone—naive as only a young actress could be. Of course, no one came except Jerry and his wife Elaine. They stayed late and made me feel so welcome. He was such a warm, family-oriented guy. Truly unforgettable.”
And what about Mariska Hargitay? “She’s amazing,” Elisabeth gushes. “Not just as an actress, but as an advocate for women. She inspires everyone around her.”
Directing and Producing: A New Chapter
Elisabeth directed a Lifetime movie in 2021, and it marked a significant milestone in her career. “Directing lets me dive deep into storytelling,” she explains. “As an actor, you focus on your role, but as a director, you guide the entire process—from development to post-production. It’s exhilarating!”
Looking ahead, Elisabeth is clear about her goals. “I’m exactly where I want to be,” she says. “Acting, producing, directing—it’s all part of the journey. Plus, I’m passionate about my philanthropic work. You never know what’s waiting around the corner to change your life for the better.”
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Growing Older: A Time for Generosity
Turning 50 this year, Elisabeth reflects on the joys of aging. “When you’re older, you become more graceful and generous, especially toward younger people,” she says thoughtfully. “As a young person, you’re chasing dreams, focused solely on yourself. But as you grow older, you start thinking about helping others succeed. It’s such a beautiful shift.”
She adds, “There are lessons I wish I’d known earlier—like realizing I had more power within myself. So many young women wait for someone to save them, and that’s wasted energy. Empowerment comes from within.”
Love, Marriage, and Family
Elisabeth recently celebrated her two-year wedding anniversary. “We were close friends before we married,” she shares. “And falling in love during the pandemic was unexpected but wonderful.”
What’s her secret to a happy marriage? “Accepting each other, appreciating one another, and never taking them for granted,” she says. “Celebrate the little things, make time for romance, and truly see your partner instead of criticizing them.”
Raising a Family
Elisabeth’s 11-year-old daughter might not follow in her footsteps. “She asked me to stop sharing so much about our lives publicly,” Elisabeth explains. “So, we’ll see where her interests take her. But she does have a love for art.”
Philanthropy and Partnerships
Elisabeth is deeply committed to causes close to her heart. “After losing my mom and aunt to heart disease, I became involved with the American Heart Association,” she says. “I encourage everyone to get CPR certified—it could save a life.”
She also runs the Respect Project, which fosters meaningful conversations among diverse groups. “We discuss important topics on Zoom, and it’s all free,” she notes. “I post updates on my Instagram.”
In addition, Elisabeth partners with Emulait, a company making bottles that mimic a mother’s breast. “As a working mom, I struggled with breastfeeding,” she admits. “If I’d had a bottle like Emulait’s, I wouldn’t have felt so down about it. It’s revolutionary.”
