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, and philanthropist. She's widely recognized for her role as Olivia Benson on NBC's long-running drama, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Her portrayal of Benson has earned her numerous awards and nominations, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in television. Beyond acting, Hargitay is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, particularly those focused on supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, mirroring themes often explored in her iconic role.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 1964: Reconciliation and Separation

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

January 23, 1964: Mariska Hargitay's Birth

On January 23, 1964, Mariska Magdolna Hargitay was born. She is an American actress, producer, and philanthropist, best known for her role as Olivia Benson on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

1982: Miss Beverly Hills USA

In 1982, Mariska Hargitay graduated from Marymount High School and was crowned Miss Beverly Hills USA. Following this, she enrolled at UCLA and secured an agent, landing several small roles.

August 28, 2004: Marriage to Peter Hermann

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

2004: Establishment of the Joyful Heart Foundation

In 2004, Mariska Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization providing support to survivors of various forms of abuse and trafficking.

June 28, 2006: Birth of son by emergency caesarean section

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

2006: Maternity Leave from SVU

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

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2010: Identifies as Christian

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

April 2011: Adoption of baby girl

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

September 27, 2011: Donation to UCLA School of Theater Film and Television

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

October 2011: Adoption of son

In October 2011, Hargitay and her husband adopted a son who had been born in 2011.

2011: UCLA 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 reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act

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

2024: Public disclosure as rape survivor

In 2024, Hargitay publicly disclosed that she is a rape survivor.

2024: Essay on Stigma Surrounding Sexual Assault

In a 2024 essay, Hargitay, as a rape survivor, wrote about ending the stigma surrounding sexual assault and advocating for the same response for sexual assault survivors as for cancer survivors.

2025: Disclosure of biological father's identity

In 2025, Hargitay publicly disclosed the identity of her biological father, Nelson Sardelli. Hargitay learned the identity of her biological father as an adult and met Sardelli for the first time at the age of 30.