Mariska Hargitay Biography – Mariska Magdolna Hargitay born January 23, 1964 is an acclaimed American actress and producer, best known for her role as Olivia Benson on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999. This makes her character the longest-running in the history of American primetime drama. Hargitay has consistently been among the highest-paid actresses on television since 2013. Her accolades include an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 2013. Beyond her acting career, she is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts and activism.
Mariska Hargitay Biography 2025
Mariska Magdolna Hargitay is an American actress and producer. Hargitay has played Olivia Benson on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999, which is the longest-running character in the longest-running American primetime drama. Since 2013, she is among the highest-paid actresses on television.
Born: 23 January 1964 (age 60 years), Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, California, United States
Spouse: Peter Hermann (m. 2004)
Children: August Miklos Friedrich Hermann
Siblings: Jayne Marie Mansfield, Zoltan Hargitay, Tony Cimber, Tina Hargitay, Mickey Hargitay Jr., Venico Cimber
Parents: Jayne Mansfield, Mickey Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Mariska Magdolna Hargitay
January 23, 1964 (age 60)
Santa Monica , California, U.S. |
| Alma mater |
University of California, Los Angeles |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active |
1984–present |
| Spouse |
|
| Children |
3 |
| Parents |
- Mickey Hargitay (father)
- Jayne Mansfield (mother)
|
| Relatives |
Jayne Marie Mansfield (half-sister) |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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Early Life and Background
Hargitay was born at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, to actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder/actor Mickey Hargitay. Her first and middle names are Hungarian, referencing Mary Magdalene, with “Mariska” being a diminutive of Mary. Raised in a Catholic household, she has two older brothers, Miklós and Zoltán, along with three half-siblings.
The marriage between her parents faced difficulties, leading to their divorce in May 1963 after Mansfield’s affair with an Italian filmmaker. Although they briefly reconciled before Mariska’s birth, they soon separated again. In 1964, following a legal petition by Mansfield, their Mexican divorce was recognized. Tragically, Mariska’s mother died in a car accident in 1967 when Mariska was just three and a half years old, leaving her with a noticeable scar on her head. After their mother’s death, Mariska and her brothers were raised by their father and his third wife. Hargitay has expressed that the loss of her mother left an enduring emptiness in her life, stating, “I will never get over it. I will always be a girl who lost her mom.”
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How Mariska Hargitay Rose to Fame
Mariska Hargitay, daughter of Hollywood legends Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay, faced tragedy early in life when her mother died in a car accident when Mariska was just three and a half years old. Despite this loss, she pursued a career in acting, making her film debut in the 1985 horror-comedy Ghoulies. However, it was her role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which began in 1999, that truly made her a household name.
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What is Mariska Hargitay’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Mariska Hargitay’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million. With earnings like that, she could certainly indulge in a vast collection of stylish pantsuits!
Highest-Paid Actor on Law & Order: SVU
Hargitay is not only the longest-running cast member of SVU but also its highest-paid actor, reportedly earning $500,000 per episode. For comparison, her co-star Ice-T earns approximately $250,000 per episode.
Is Mariska Hargitay a Millionaire?
Absolutely! With a net worth of $100 million, Hargitay is more than just a millionaire, bolstered by her substantial per-episode earnings from SVU.
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Mariska Hargitay’s Earnings Per Episode and Season
At $500,000 per episode and with around 22 episodes each season, Hargitay likely earns around $11 million annually from her role on the show alone. That’s an impressive base salary!
Does She Receive Royalties?
Law & Order: SVU is frequently aired in syndication, and while specific details about Hargitay’s syndication deal remain undisclosed, it’s widely believed that she earns royalties from the show’s reruns. Estimates suggest she could be making between $2 million to $4 million annually from these royalties.
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Law & Order Actors and Reruns
Main actors in the Law & Order franchise typically have royalties included in their contracts from syndication. Reports indicate that actors earn around 6% of their original salaries in syndication royalties each year. This means Hargitay might earn at least $660,000 from syndication alone, likely more, given her prominent role. Overall, Mariska Hargitay’s career and earnings reflect not only her talent but also her enduring impact on television.
