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Mariska Hargitay

Personal Info

Known For

Acting

Born

January 23, 1964 (age 62)

Place of Birth

Los Angeles, California, USA

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

2025FilmMy Mom Jayneas Self 2022TVGutsyas Self 2022FilmWinona Ryder: The Ghosts She Calledas Actress on the Stage (archive footage) (uncredited)2021FilmBLKBX: wht r u hding?as Dr. Hart 2021TVLaw & Order: Organized Crimeas Captain Olivia Benson 2020TVHow To with John Wilsonas Self 2020TVThe Drew Barrymore Showas Self 2020Film30 Rock: A One-Time Specialas Mariska Hargitay 2020FilmThe Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVUas Self 2019TVThe Kelly Clarkson Showas Self 2017FilmI Am Evidenceas Self 2015FilmTaylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Liveas Self - Special Guest 2015TVThe Late Show with Stephen Colbertas Self - Guest 2014TVLate Night with Seth Meyersas Self - Guest 2014TVThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonas Self 2014TVChicago P.D.as Olivia Benson 2013FilmStuckas Narrator 2012TVChicago Fireas Olivia Benson 2010FilmF--kas Mariska 2009TVWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohenas Self - Guest 2008FilmThe Love Guruas Mariska Hargitay (uncredited)2005TVLaw & Order: Trial by Juryas Olivia Benson 2004FilmPlain Truthas Ellie Harrison 2003TVJoJo's Circusas Queen Regina (voice)2003TVThe Ellen DeGeneres Showas Self 2001FilmPerfumeas Darcy 1999TVLaw & Order: Special Victims Unitas Olivia Benson 1999FilmLake Placidas Myra Okubo 1997FilmThe Advocate's Devilas Rendi 1997FilmNight Sinsas Paige Price 1997TVCracker 1997TVThe Viewas Self 1997TVPrince Streetas Nina Echeverria 1996TVE! True Hollywood Storyas Self 1996TVThe Daily Showas Self - Guest 1996TVPacific Blue 1995FilmLeaving Las Vegasas Hooker At Bar 1995TVThe Single Guyas Kate Conklin 1995TVCan't Hurry Loveas Didi Edelstein 1994FilmThe Gambler: Playing for Keepsas Etta Place 1994TVERas Cynthia Hooper 1994TVAll-American Girlas Jane 1994TVEllenas Dara 1993FilmBank Robberas Marisa Benoit 1993TVLate Night with Conan O'Brienas Self - Guest 1993TVLate Show with David Lettermanas Self - Guest 1993FilmCome the Morningas Church Woman 1993FilmBlind Sideas Melanie 1993TVHotel Roomas Tina 1992TVGrapevineas Katie 1992TVThe Tonight Show with Jay Lenoas Self 1992TVTequila and Bonettias Angela Garcia 1991FilmHard Time Romanceas Anita 1991FilmStrawberry Roadas Jill Banner 1991FilmThe Perfect Weaponas Jennifer 1990TVLaw & Orderas Olivia Benson 1989TVBookeras Michelle Larkin 1989TVSeinfeldas Melissa (Elaine)1989TVBaywatchas Lisa Peters 1989FilmFinish Lineas Lisa Karsh 1988TVFreddy's Nightmaresas Marsha 1988FilmMr. Universe 1987TVthirtysomething 1987TVWiseguy 1986FilmJocksas Nicole 1986TVDowntownas Jesse Smith 1986FilmWelcome to 18as Joey 1985FilmGhouliesas Donna 1981TVFalcon Crestas Carly Fixx 1975TVSaturday Night Liveas Self - Cameo (uncredited)1969TVSesame Street 1962TVThe Merv Griffin Showas Self 1952TVTodayas Self 1949TVThe Emmy Awardsas Self - Nominee