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.
29 movies · 47 shows
My Mom Jayne
2025·8.0
Winona Ryder: The Ghosts She Called
2022·7.7
BLKBX: wht r u hding?
2021·0.0
30 Rock: A One-Time Special
2020·6.3
The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU
2020·9.7
I Am Evidence
2017·6.4
Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live
2015·8.4
Jayne Mansfield: The Tragedy of a Blonde
2015·6.4
Stuck
2013·5.4
F--k
2010·5.8
The Love Guru
2008·4.1
Plain Truth
2004·6.1
Perfume
2001·4.8
Lake Placid
1999·5.9
The Advocate's Devil
1997·5.9
Night Sins
1997·5.6
Leaving Las Vegas
1995·7.3
The Gambler: Playing for Keeps
1994·6.4
Bank Robber
1993·4.4
Come the Morning
1993·5.0
Blind Side
1993·5.5
Hard Time Romance
1991·6.0
Strawberry Road
1991·9.5
The Perfect Weapon
1991·6.4
Finish Line
1989·5.8
Mr. Universe
1988·8.0
Jocks
1986·4.3
Welcome to 18
1986·3.3
Ghoulies
1985·4.9