Mariska Hargitay
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 75
Movies (29)
My Mom Jayne2025Self
Winona Ryder: The Ghosts She Called2022Actress on the Stage (archive footage) (uncredited)
BLKBX: wht r u hding?2021Dr. Hart
30 Rock: A One-Time Special2020Mariska Hargitay
The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU2020Self
I Am Evidence2017Self
Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live2015Self - Special Guest
Jayne Mansfield: The Tragedy of a Blonde2015Self (archive footage)
Stuck2013Narrator
F--k2010Mariska
The Love Guru2008Mariska Hargitay (uncredited)
Plain Truth2004Ellie Harrison
Perfume2001Darcy
Lake Placid1999Myra Okubo
The Advocate's Devil1997Rendi
Night Sins1997Paige Price
Leaving Las Vegas1995Hooker At Bar
The Gambler: Playing for Keeps1994Etta Place
Bank Robber1993Marisa Benoit
Come the Morning1993Church Woman
Blind Side1993Melanie- Hard Time Romance1991Anita
Strawberry Road1991Jill Banner
The Perfect Weapon1991Jennifer
Finish Line1989Lisa Karsh
Mr. Universe1988Self
Jocks1986Nicole
Welcome to 181986Joey
Ghoulies1985Donna
Shows (46)
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors2025Self
Gutsy2022Self
Law & Order: Organized Crime2021Captain Olivia Benson
How To with John Wilson2020Self
The Drew Barrymore Show2020Self
The Kelly Clarkson Show2019Self
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert2015Self - Guest
Late Night with Seth Meyers2014Self - Guest
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon2014Self
Chicago P.D.2014Olivia Benson
Chicago Fire2012Olivia Benson
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen2009Self - Guest
Law & Order: Trial by Jury2005Olivia Benson
JoJo's Circus2003Queen Regina (voice)
The Ellen DeGeneres Show2003Self
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit1999Olivia Benson
Cracker1997
The View1997Self- Prince Street1997Nina Echeverria
E! True Hollywood Story1996Self
The Daily Show1996Self - Guest
The Single Guy1995Kate Conklin
Can't Hurry Love1995Didi Edelstein
ER1994Cynthia Hooper
All-American Girl1994Jane
Ellen1994Dara
Late Night with Conan O'Brien1993Self - Guest
Late Show with David Letterman1993Self - Guest
Hotel Room1993Tina
Grapevine1992Katie