Mariska Hargitay by Guy Aroch for Vanity Fair May 2025

Mariska Magdolna Hargitay (born January 23, 1964) is an American actress, producer, and philanthropist. Hargitay is best known for starring as Olivia Benson on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Hargitay was born in Santa Monica, California, and is the daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield. She attended Marymount High School in Los Angeles and enrolled in the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, leaving before completing her degree to pursue acting. Her early credits include the series Falcon Crest and In the Heat of the Night (both 1988), Tequila and Bonetti (1992), Can't Hurry Love (1995–1996), and ER (1997–1998), and the drama film Leaving Las Vegas (1995).

Hargitay has portrayed Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999. Benson is the longest-running character on the longest-running American primetime drama in history. Hargitay's accolades include two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. In 2013, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hargitay co-produced the HBO documentary I Am Evidence (2017). She is also known for her philanthropic work and activism. Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to people who have been sexually abused. She is a certified rape counselor and has engaged in initiatives to support domestic violence shelters and raise awareness about untested rape kits.