Early Life and Education of Mariska Hargitay: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Mariska Hargitay. A timeline of key moments.

Mariska Hargitay is an acclaimed American actress, producer, director, and philanthropist. She is best known for her role as Olivia Benson on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999. This role has made her the longest-running character in American primetime drama history. She has received numerous accolades for her performance, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award. In 2013, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1962: Troubles in Marriage

In 1962, troubles arose in Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay's marriage after Mansfield had an affair with an Italian filmmaker.

May 1963: Divorce

In May 1963, Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay divorced, but a judge later found their Mexican divorce invalid.

January 1964: Reconciliation

In January 1964, after Jayne Mansfield realized she was pregnant with Mariska, she and Mickey Hargitay reconciled, but soon separated again.

January 23, 1964: Mariska Hargitay's Birth

On January 23, 1964, Mariska Magdolna Hargitay was born. She is an American actress, philanthropist, producer, and director.

August 1964: Divorce Legal Ruling

In August 1964, Jayne Mansfield successfully petitioned the court to rule the Mexican divorce legal.

June 29, 1967: Automobile Crash

On June 29, 1967, Mariska, her mother Jayne Mansfield, and Mansfield's boyfriend Sam Brody were in an automobile crash, resulting in the deaths of Mansfield, Brody, and the driver. Mariska and her brothers escaped with minor injuries.

1982: Miss Beverly Hills USA

In 1982, Mariska Hargitay graduated from high school, enrolled at UCLA, and was crowned Miss Beverly Hills USA.

1992: Mansfield Biography

In 1992, Jayne Mansfield's publicist Raymond Strait claimed in his biography "Here They Are, Jayne Mansfield" that Nelson Sardelli was her biological father.

Here They Are Jayne Mansfield

Check it on Amazon

August 28, 2004: Marriage to Peter Hermann

On August 28, 2004, Mariska Hargitay married Peter Hermann in Santa Barbara, California. They met on the set of Law & Order: SVU.

Loading Video...

2004: Establishment of Joyful Heart Foundation

In 2004, Mariska Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to support survivors of various forms of abuse.

2004: Certified Rape Counselor

In 2004, it was reported that Mariska Hargitay is a certified rape counselor.

June 28, 2006: Birth of Son

On June 28, 2006, Mariska Hargitay gave birth to her son via an emergency caesarean section.

2006: Maternity Leave from SVU

In 2006, during the last months of her pregnancy, Mariska Hargitay took maternity leave from SVU and was temporarily replaced by Connie Nielsen.

Loading Video...

December 2008: Partially Collapsed Lung

In late December 2008, Mariska Hargitay suffered a partially collapsed lung after taking a fall during a stunt on the set of SVU.

Loading Video...

March 3, 2009: Hospitalization for Chest Pains

On March 3, 2009, Mariska Hargitay was hospitalized after suffering from chest pains related to the lung injury. She missed one episode of SVU's tenth season.

Loading Video...

2010: Christian Beliefs

In a 2010 interview with Good Housekeeping, Mariska Hargitay stated that she considers herself a Christian.

April 2011: Adoption of Daughter

In April 2011, Mariska Hargitay and her husband adopted a baby girl.

September 27, 2011: Donation to UCLA

On September 27, 2011, Mariska Hargitay donated $100,000 to the UCLA School of Theater Film and Television for scholarships.

October 2011: Adoption of Son

In October 2011, Mariska Hargitay and her husband adopted a son.

2011: UCLA's TFT Distinguished Alumni Award

In 2011, Mariska Hargitay received UCLA's TFT Distinguished Alumni Award and was honored at the school's June commencement ceremony.

2012: Campaign for VAWA Reauthorization

In 2012, Mariska Hargitay campaigned for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

July 2021: Broken Ankle

In July 2021, Mariska Hargitay suffered a broken ankle after falling in the rain while leaving the screening of Black Widow.

Loading Video...

2024: Essay in People

In a 2024 essay for People, Mariska Hargitay advocated for ending the stigma surrounding sexual assault survivors, calling for the same celebration given to cancer survivors.

2025: Launch of Mighty Entertainment

In 2025, Mariska Hargitay launched the production company Mighty Entertainment and directed the documentary My Mom Jayne under the company.

Loading Video...

2025: Disclosure of Biological Father

In 2025, Mariska Hargitay publicly disclosed that Nelson Sardelli, who had been involved with her mother Jayne Mansfield in 1963, was her biological father.