
Mariska Hargitay
Biography
Mariska Hargitay (born January 23, 1964) is an American actress, producer, director and activist, best known for her role as New York City sex crimes Detective Olivia Benson on on the NBC television drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role that has earned her multiple awards and nominations, including an Emmy and Golden Globe. The daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor/bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, Hargitay is a former beauty queen who made her film debut in the 1985 horror-comedy film Ghoulies, and her major television debut in the 1986 adventure drama series, Downtown. She appeared in numerous roles in film and television shows throughout the late 1980s and 1990s before being cast as Olivia Benson, a role that led to her founding the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to women who have been sexually abused.
TV Shows(30)

Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Self

Gutsy
Self

Law & Order: Organized Crime
Captain Olivia Benson

The Drew Barrymore Show
Self

How To with John Wilson
Self

The Kelly Clarkson Show
Self

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Self - Guest

Chicago P.D.
Olivia Benson

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Self

Late Night with Seth Meyers
Self - Guest

Chicago Fire
Olivia Benson

Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
Self - Guest

Law & Order: Trial by Jury
Olivia Benson

The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Self

JoJo's Circus
Queen Regina (voice)

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Olivia Benson

The View
Self

Cracker
Prince Street
Nina Echeverria

E! True Hollywood Story
Self