Mariska Hargitay Quote

Mariska Magdolna Hargitay (; born January 23, 1964) is an American actress and producer. She is known for playing Olivia Benson on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999–present), which became the longest-running drama in American prime-time television in 2019. Her portrayal of Olivia Benson is the longest-running character in a prime-time American TV drama, and since 2013, she is among the highest-paid actresses on television. Her accolades for the role include a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and two People's Choice Awards. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013.
The daughter of bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield, Hargitay's interest in acting began while attending Marymount High School in Los Angeles. She enrolled in the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In 1982, she was crowned Miss Beverly Hills USA. She left UCLA before completing her degree to pursue an acting career. Her early credits include appearing on the television series Falcon Crest (1988), Tequila and Bonetti (1992), Can't Hurry Love (1995–1996), and ER (1997–1998), and the drama film Leaving Las Vegas (1995). Asides from her SVU role, she co-produced the HBO documentary film I Am Evidence, which won the 2017 News & Documentary Emmy Award for Best Documentary.
Hargitay is also known for her philanthropic work and activism. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to people who have been sexually abused, and became a certified rape counselor. She has engaged in initiatives to support domestic violence shelters, raise awareness about untested rape kits, and contributed to other causes.