Mariska Hargitay has 2 adopted children – meet her sweet family

Mariska Hargitay has built a remarkable career in television and film, notably starring as Olivia Benson on Law & Order. Despite her success, the 58-year-old actress has faced profound tragedy and challenges in her past.

Born on January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California, to actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield, Mariska’s early years were marked by a tragic accident.

At the age of three, her mother, Jayne, passed away in a car accident while on a tour in 1967. The accident claimed the lives of Jayne, her boyfriend Sam Brody, and their driver, leaving three of her children unharmed.

Mariska moved to be with her father, Mickey Hargitay, and the loss of her mother left a lasting scar on her soul. She described it as a defining moment, stating, “Losing my mother at such an early age is the scar of my soul.

But I feel like it ultimately made me into the person I am today. I understand the journey of life. I had to go through what I did to be here.”

Despite the tragedy, Mariska pursued her education at Marymount High School and later studied theater at UCLA in California. In the 1980s, she embarked on her acting career, making her film debut in Ghoulies in 1984.

However, her path was complicated by constant comparisons to her mother, and suggestions to change her name and appearance to mirror Jayne’s sexy image.

In the face of challenges, Mariska remained true to herself, resisting pressure to conform to expectations. She continued to pursue her acting career, eventually scoring her breakthrough role in 1999 as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The show has been a massive success, with Mariska appearing in over 500 episodes.

Her personal life took a positive turn when she met actor and producer Peter Hermann. The couple married in 2004 and celebrated 17 years of marriage.

Their love story began with a memorable first date, during which Peter made Mariska cry by asking her to go to church with him. Despite this unconventional start, their relationship blossomed into a strong and enduring marriage.

Mariska and Peter wanted to have a large family, and after welcoming their first child, August, in 2006, they adopted Amaya Josephine and later adopted son Andrew Nicholas. Mariska embraced motherhood, finding joy and fulfillment in her role. She expressed that being a wife and mother is her life and brings her the most joy.

The actress’s journey, marked by tragedy and triumph, has shaped her perspective on life. She believes in accepting what is, learning from each situation, and growing.

Mariska’s resilience and commitment to authenticity have not only defined her career but also contributed to the creation of a beautiful family. Despite the darkness she faced, she now sees brightness on the other side.