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Mariska Hargitay
AKA: Марішка Маґдолна Гарґітей
Acting
Born: 1964
Los Angeles, California, USA
34 Global Credits
🔥 3.8 Popularity
1 Rank Score
1 Hearts
1 Votes
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.
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
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Self
2025 · US
Gutsy
Self
2022 · US
Law & Order: Organized Crime
Captain Olivia Benson
2021 · US
How To with John Wilson
Self
2020 · US
The Drew Barrymore Show
Self
2020 · US
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Self
2019 · US
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Self - Guest
2015 · US
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Self - Guest
2014 · US
Full Credits
| Show / Title | Year | Credit / Role |
|---|---|---|
| Variety & CNN Actors on Actors | 2025 | Self |
| Gutsy | 2022 | Self |
| Law & Order: Organized Crime | 2021 | Captain Olivia Benson |
| How To with John Wilson | 2020 | Self |
| The Drew Barrymore Show | 2020 | Self |
| The Kelly Clarkson Show | 2019 | Self |
| The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | 2015 | Self - Guest |
| Late Night with Seth Meyers | 2014 | Self - Guest |
| The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | 2014 | Self |
| Chicago P.D. | 2014 | Olivia Benson |
| Chicago Fire | 2012 | Olivia Benson |
| Law & Order: Trial by Jury | 2005 | Olivia Benson |
| JoJo's Circus | 2003 | Queen Regina (voice) |
| The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 2003 | Self |
| The View | 1997 | Self |
| The Daily Show | 1996 | Self - Guest |
| The Single Guy | 1995 | Kate Conklin |
| ER | 1994 | Cynthia Hooper |
| Ellen | 1994 | Dara |
| Late Night with Conan O'Brien | 1993 | Self - Guest |
| Late Show with David Letterman | 1993 | Self - Guest |
| The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | 1992 | Self |
| Law & Order | 1990 | Olivia Benson |
| Booker | 1989 | Michelle Larkin |
| Seinfeld | 1989 | Melissa (Elaine) |
| Baywatch | 1989 | Lisa Peters |
| Freddy's Nightmares | 1988 | Marsha |
| thirtysomething | 1987 | Contributor |
| Wiseguy | 1987 | Contributor |
| Falcon Crest | 1981 | Carly Fixx |
| Saturday Night Live | 1975 | Self - Cameo (uncredited) |
| Sesame Street | 1969 | Contributor |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962 | Self |
| Today | 1952 | Self |