Mariska Hargitay is a renowned actress, best known for her role in the hit crime drama series, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Born in California in 1964, Hargitay had some tough beginnings having lost her mom Jayne Mansfield at a very young age in a fatal car crash that also left her and her siblings injured.
Despite the tragedy, Hargitay went on to excel in her career, having featured in several notable movies and tv shows and earning large paychecks. Her solid acting skills coupled with her eye-catching looks and a toned figure have endeared her to fans worldwide. Today, she is an inspiration not just to aspiring actors and actresses but also to women who have had to triumph over tough circumstances in life.
This comprehensive biography delves into some of the lesser-known but intriguing facts of Mariska Hargitay's life, including her height, age, figure, and net worth, without forgetting the challenges she has faced on the road to success. Read on to discover more about Mariska Hargitay, one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses.
Mariska Hargitay: A Comprehensive Biography
Early Life
Mariska Hargitay was born on January 23, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, to parents Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay. She is the youngest of three children and grew up in Beverly Hills. Hargitay attended Marymount High School and went on to study at UCLA, where she earned a degree in Theatre.
Career
After graduating from UCLA, Mariska Hargitay began her acting career in the late 1980s. She appeared in several television series, including "Falcon Crest" and "Baywatch," before landing her breakthrough role in the hit show "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" in 1999. Hargitay has won numerous awards for her portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
Aside from her acting career, Hargitay is also the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to support and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Personal Life
Mariska Hargitay married actor Peter Hermann in 2004, and the couple has three children together. Hargitay is also the daughter of 1950s Hollywood sex symbol Jayne Mansfield and former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay.
Net Worth
Mariska Hargitay's net worth is estimated to be around $100 million. Much of her wealth comes from her successful acting career, which has spanned over three decades.
Early Life and Acting Career
Mariska Hargitay was born on January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California. She is the daughter of bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield. Her parents divorced when she was three years old and she moved to New York with her mother and two brothers. Hargitay attended the Marymount High School in Los Angeles and then enrolled at UCLA to study theater. She dropped out of college to pursue her acting career.
Mariska Hargitay began her acting career in the 1980s with small roles in television series such as "Downtown" and "Falcon Crest." Her breakthrough came in 1999 when she was cast as Detective Olivia Benson in the long-running crime drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Hargitay has been a regular cast member on the show since its inception and has won a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance. She is also a producer on the show and has directed several episodes.
Aside from her work on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," Hargitay has appeared in several films, including "Leaving Las Vegas," "Lake Placid," and "Love Guru." She has also made guest appearances on television series such as "ER" and "Seinfeld." In addition to her acting career, Hargitay is an advocate for victims of sexual assault and founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to provide support and healing to survivors.
Long-Running Role on Law and Order: SVU
Mariska Hargitay's most famous role is that of Detective Olivia Benson on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, which she has played for over 20 seasons.
Hargitay's portrayal of Benson has been praised for its depth and complexity, as well as for its representation of sexual assault survivors and the criminal justice system's handling of their cases.
The show has also been recognized for its impact on popular culture and awareness-raising on sensitive issues such as child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Throughout her time on the show, Hargitay has received numerous accolades for her performance, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. She has also used her platform to advocate for victims' rights and to found the Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Personal Life, Age, and Height
Mariska Hargitay was born on January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California. She is currently 57 years old and stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
Hargitay's personal life has been full of both tragedy and triumph. She is the daughter of the late bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield, who tragically died in a car accident when Mariska was only three years old. Despite this early loss, Hargitay went on to have a successful acting career and start her own family. She is married to actor Peter Hermann and has three children.
In addition to her acting career, Hargitay is also a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to help survivors heal and reclaim their lives.
- Mariska Hargitay was born on January 23, 1964.
- She is 57 years old.
- Hargitay stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
- Her mother, Jayne Mansfield, died tragically in a car accident when Mariska was three years old.
- Mariska is married to actor Peter Hermann and has three children.
- She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Figure and Fitness Routine
Mariska Hargitay is known for her toned and fit figure, which has become a trademark of her onscreen persona. She maintains her physique through a rigorous fitness routine and a healthy diet.
Her workout routine includes a mix of cardio exercises such as running, cycling, and swimming, as well as strength training exercises like weightlifting, Pilates, and yoga. She also enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, which allow her to stay active and appreciate nature at the same time.
In addition to her fitness regimen, Hargitay follows a healthy diet that consists of organic fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. She avoids processed foods and sugary drinks, and drinks plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
One of the most important aspects of Hargitay's approach to wellness is her emphasis on mental health. She practices meditation and mindfulness, and strives to maintain a positive outlook on life. This combination of physical and mental health practices has helped her maintain her fit and healthy figure, and has contributed to her success both on and off screen.
Net Worth and Philanthropy Efforts
Mariska Hargitay's thriving acting career has earned her an estimated net worth of $100 million. Her impressive income is the result of a variety of successful roles on television and in film. However, Hargitay has not let her wealth go to waste, as she has invested a considerable portion of her earnings into various philanthropic efforts.
One of Hargitay's most notable philanthropic endeavors is her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization that provides support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. As the founder and president of the foundation, Hargitay has used her wealth and influence to create a meaningful impact in the lives of countless individuals who have experienced trauma.
Additionally, Hargitay has worked with numerous other organizations over the years, including the American Red Cross, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, and the Stand Up to Cancer campaign. Through her involvement in these organizations, Hargitay has helped to raise awareness and funds for a variety of important causes.
Overall, Mariska Hargitay's impressive net worth has allowed her to make a significant difference in the world through her philanthropic efforts.
FAQ
Who is Mariska Hargitay?
Mariska Hargitay is an American actress and producer, known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on the NBC drama series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit".
What is Mariska Hargitay's age?
As of 2021, Mariska Hargitay is 57 years old.
What is Mariska Hargitay's height and figure?
Mariska Hargitay is 5 feet 7 inches tall and has a toned, athletic figure. She is known for her dedication to fitness and healthy lifestyle.
What is Mariska Hargitay's net worth?
As of 2021, Mariska Hargitay's net worth is estimated to be around $100 million. This is primarily thanks to her long-running role on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and her work as a producer on the show.
What other TV shows and movies has Mariska Hargitay appeared in?
Before her role on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", Mariska Hargitay appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including "ER", "Can't Hurry Love", and "Leaving Las Vegas". She has also had guest roles on popular TV shows such as "Seinfeld", "Ellen", and "ER".