Mariska Hargitay rose to fame on the hit television show Law and Order: SVU. While she has managed to appear on-screen consistently, she is one of a few celebrities that prefer to keep their personal lives private. Her life hasn't always been easy and at an early age she experienced a tragic loss. Still, her family history is interesting her personal life is inspiring.
The wife and mother of three is not only dedicated to her family and career, but she is also passionate about helping others. Her role as Detective Olivia Benson is definitely an interesting one but her personal life is just as intriguing and filled with just as much drama, heartache and love. Here's everything we know about Mariska Hargitay's personal life.
10 Her Mother Was A Classic Actress
Mariska's mother Jayne Mansfield was an accomplished Hollywood actor. She starred in the films The Girl Can't Help It and Playgirl After Dark. Her dark hair and exotic looks also led to her being a pinup girl. She and Mariska's father divorced when Mariska was very young.
9 She Met Her Husband On The Set Of Law And Order: SVU
While filming season two of Law and Order: SVU, Mariska met actor Peter Hermann. The two hit it off instantly and Mariska knew he was the one for her. He asked her out after they finishing filming and the two attended a church service together. It was there that Mariska decided he should be her husband. They were married in August of 2004.
8 She Has One Biological Child And Two Adoptive Children
Peter and Mariska have one biological child together named August. They also adopted two other children, Andrew and Amaya. While Mariska enjoys being a mother, she has said that the adoption process was difficult for the couple and it took a while for the children to adjust. She told Good Housekeeping, "Adoption is not for the faint of heart."
7 She Was Crowned Miss Beverly Hills In 1982
Mariska's beauty is undeniable and in in 1982 she entered the Miss Beverly Hills Pageant. With both parents being so successful in front of the camera and her father having a history as a competitive bodybuilder, it made sense that Mariska would follow in the world of pageantry. Her mother had been crowned Miss Photoflash, Miss Magnesium Lamp and Miss Fire Prevention Week while attending the University Texas.
6 She Was Raised By Her Father And Step-Mother
Mariska's father was also an actor and married his second wife, Ellen Siano after divorcing Jayne. After Mariska's mother passed away she and her two brothers were raised by her father and Ellen. She considered Ellen her mother and said that she stepped up to care for the siblings as if they were her won. She said, "I called her Mom. She really claimed us."
5 Her Mom Posed For Playboy
Not only was Mariska's mother Jayne a model and actor, she also posed for Playboy. As one of the early Playmates, she was selected as Miss February 1955. She went on to be a heavily photographed actress and appeared in 2,500 newspaper photographs.
4 She Founded The Joyful Heart Foundation
As a way to help those affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, Mariska founded The Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004. The foundation helps survivors recover after attacks and trauma. It was inspired by the true events and victims depicted in Law And Order: SVU as well as fans who approached Mariska at various times to confide in her their most painful secrets.
3 Her Father Was Once Crowned Mr. Universe
Mariska's father was a well-known actor and professional bodybuilder. He was crowned as the Hungarian Mr. Universe. He and Mariska's mother Jayne also starred in four films together during their marriage. After winning Mr. Universe in 1955, he joined Mae West's muscleman revue at New York's Latin Quarter where he met Mariska's mother.
2 She Collects Her Mother's Memorabilia
Because she was only three when her mother passed away, Mariska grew up without much memory of her. While she learned a lot about her career and time spent as a model, she doesn't have much to go on in terms of their personal relationship. To feel closer to her, Mariska has said that she collects memorabilia related to her mother. She also often shares old photos of her mother on social media.
1 She Has A Scar From A Car Accident
The tragic accident that took the life of Mariska's mother and two other adults also left her with a scar. The accident occurred when the car she and her mother were in rear ended a truck at high speeds. All three adults in the front seat including her mother were killed.
Mariska and her two older brothers were sleeping in the backseat and managed to survive the horrific crash. She struggled with the loss of her mother and feeling as if she never truly knew her for many years. She has said that it has led to depression and anxiety that she has worked hard to overcome.