Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay

January 23, 1964 (60 years old) in Los Angeles, California, USA

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.

Known For

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Law & Order Law & Order
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Late Night with Seth Meyers Late Night with Seth Meyers
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

Credits