Mariska Hargitay is an accomplished American actress, producer, director, and philanthropist whose career has been defined by one of television’s most enduring characters, Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit . Born on January 23, 1964 , she is 62 years old in 2026 . Beyond her long-running television success, Hargitay has built a respected career in film, theater, documentary work, and advocacy. She is also a wife and mother of three, while continuing to remain active professionally after more than four decades in entertainment.
Mariska Hargitay Age: Quick Bio Detail Information Full Name Mariska Magdolna Hargitay Date of Birth January 23, 1964 Height 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) Mariska Hargitay Age 62 years old Birth Place Santa Monica, California, United States Nationality American Nickname Mariska Profession Actress, Producer, Director, Philanthropist Famous For Playing Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Parents Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay Biological Father Nelson Sardelli Siblings Mickey Jr., Zoltan, Jayne Marie, Antonio and Tina Husband Peter Hermann Married Yes — since August 28, 2004 Kids Three — August, Amaya and Andrew Family Husband Peter Hermann and their three children Hair Color Brown Eye Color Brown Weight Not officially confirmed; published figures vary Education Marymount High School ; UCLA School of Theater, Film and TelevisionCareer Started 1984 Television Breakthrough Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Signature Role Detective Olivia Benson Major Awards Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award Estimated Net Worth Approximately $100 million Social Media Instagram: @therealmariskahargitay Current Career Actress, producer, director and television personality
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A Timeline Mariska Hargitay Public Career Year Career Milestone 1982 Mariska Hargitay won the Miss Beverly Hills USA title and began moving toward professional entertainment.1983 Competed in the Miss California USA pageant and finished as fourth runner-up. 1984 Made her first professional screen appearance in Ronnie Milsap’s music video “She Loves My Car.” 1985 Appeared in the horror film Ghoulies , marking one of her early film roles. 1988 Took on a recurring role as Carly Fixx in Falcon Crest . 1991 Starred as Jill Banner in Strawberry Road . 1992 Played police officer Angela Garcia in Tequila and Bonetti . 1993 Appeared as Melissa in Seinfeld , adding another recognizable television credit to her growing résumé. 1995–1996 Had a recurring role in Can’t Hurry Love . 1997–2000 Played Cynthia Hooper in ER , gaining wider television exposure. 1999 Joined Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as Olivia Benson , the role that transformed her career.2004 Married Peter Hermann and continued building her television career.2006 Won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as Olivia Benson. 2011 Expanded her work with the adoption of her daughter Amaya and later her son Andrew. 2013 Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . 2014–2016 Continued her Olivia Benson character through crossover appearances on Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire . 2021 Expanded the Benson character into Law & Order: Organized Crime . 2022 Appeared in the documentary series Gutsy and continued her work on SVU . 2025 Directed and appeared in My Mom Jayne , a deeply personal documentary about her mother, Jayne Mansfield. 2026 Continues to lead Law & Order: SVU and is preparing to host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards .
Mariska Hargitay Family Family Member Information Mother Jayne Mansfield , the famous Hollywood actressBiological Father Nelson Sardelli , Brazilian-born singer, actor and entertainerFather Who Raised Her Mickey Hargitay , actor and former bodybuilding championSiblings Mickey Jr., Zoltan, Jayne Marie, Antonio and Tina , along with three paternal half-sistersHusband Peter Hermann Marriage Date August 28, 2004 Son August Miklos Friedrich Hermann , born in 2006Daughter Amaya Josephine Hermann , adopted in 2011Son Andrew Nicolas Hermann , adopted in 2011Children Three Family Life Mariska and Peter have built a private family life while raising their three children alongside demanding entertainment careers. Current Family Moment August is now attending college , while Amaya and Andrew remain largely away from the public spotlight.
Mariska Hargitay Social Media Accounts Platform Account Instagram @therealmariskahargitay Social Media Focus Career updates, family moments, advocacy, behind-the-scenes content and personal reflections Instagram Activity Hargitay uses Instagram to share professional projects, charitable causes, personal memories and occasional family moments. Public Presence She maintains an active and highly followed social-media presence while keeping much of her family life private.
