Mariska Hargitay
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.
Filmography
My Mom Jayne
2025
as Self
Winona Ryder: The Ghosts She Called
2022
as Actress on the Stage (archive footage) (uncredited)
BLKBX: wht r u hding?
2021
as Dr. Hart
30 Rock: A One-Time Special
2020
as Mariska Hargitay
The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU
2020
as Self
I Am Evidence
2017
as Self
Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live
2015
as Self - Special Guest
Jayne Mansfield: The Tragedy of a Blonde
2015
as Self (archive footage)
Stuck
2013
as Narrator
F--k
2010
as Mariska
The Love Guru
2008
as Mariska Hargitay (uncredited)
Plain Truth
2004
as Ellie Harrison
Perfume
2001
as Darcy
Lake Placid
1999
as Myra Okubo
The Advocate's Devil
1997
as Rendi
Night Sins
1997
as Paige Price
Leaving Las Vegas
1995
as Hooker At Bar
The Gambler: Playing for Keeps
1994
as Etta Place
Bank Robber
1993
as Marisa Benoit
Come the Morning
1993
as Church Woman
Blind Side
1993
as Melanie
- No poster
Hard Time Romance
1991
as Anita
Strawberry Road
1991
as Jill Banner
The Perfect Weapon
1991
as Jennifer