Mariska Hargitay
Known for Acting
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.
Filmography
Lake Placid
1999
as Myra Okubo
The Love Guru
2008
as Mariska Hargitay (uncredited)
Leaving Las Vegas
1995
as Hooker At Bar
Perfume
2001
as Darcy
F--k
2010
as Mariska
My Mom Jayne
2025
as Self
The Perfect Weapon
1991
as Jennifer
Mr. Universe
1988
Ghoulies
1985
as Donna
Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live
2015
as Self - Special Guest
Jocks
1986
as Nicole
The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU
2020
as Self
Bank Robber
1993
as Marisa Benoit
Strawberry Road
1991
as Jill Banner
The Advocate's Devil
1997
as Rendi
Blind Side
1993
as Melanie
Night Sins
1997
as Paige Price
Winona Ryder: The Ghosts She Called
2022
as Actress on the Stage (archive footage) (uncredited)
Finish Line
1989
as Lisa Karsh
The Gambler: Playing for Keeps
1994
as Etta Place