Mariska Hargitay
Known for ActingBorn 1964-01-23 Los Angeles, California, USA
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.
Known for
Leaving Las Vegas
1995 · as Hooker At Bar
Lake Placid
1999 · as Myra Okubo
Perfume
2001 · as Darcy
The Love Guru
2008 · as Mariska Hargitay (uncredited)
My Mom Jayne
2025 · as Self
The Perfect Weapon
1991 · as Jennifer
Ghoulies
1985 · as Donna
F--k
2010 · as Mariska
Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live
2015 · as Self - Special Guest
Night Sins
1997 · as Paige Price
Welcome to 18
1986 · as Joey
Bank Robber
1993 · as Marisa Benoit
Finish Line
1989 · as Lisa Karsh
Blind Side
1993 · as Melanie
Jayne Mansfield: The Tragedy of a Blonde
2015 · as Self (archive footage)
The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU
2020 · as Self
Winona Ryder: The Ghosts She Called
2022 · as Actress on the Stage (archive footage) (uncredited)
Mr. Universe
1988 · as Self