The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actress›Mariska Hargitay
Entertainment • Actress

Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay is an American actress, producer, director, and philanthropist best known for playing Olivia Benson on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mariska Hargitay is an American actress, producer, director, and philanthropist best known for playing Olivia Benson on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999. She was born on January 23, 1964, and has received major television awards including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Early life

Mariska Hargitay was born in Santa Monica, California, on January 23, 1964. She is the daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder-turned-actor Mickey Hargitay.

Acting career

Hargitay is best known for her long-running role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role she began in 1999. She has also worked as a producer and director.

Recognition

Her television work has earned major awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She is widely associated with her portrayal of Benson in the Law & Order franchise.

Personal life

Hargitay is married to actor Peter Hermann. The couple has three children.

Key facts

  • She has portrayed Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999, making it one of the longest-running characters in American primetime drama.
  • She has won both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
  • She is married to actor Peter Hermann and has three children.
  • She was born in Santa Monica, California, on January 23, 1964.
🍁
Canadian context

She is well known to Canadian audiences through long-running broadcast television, especially Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Mariska Hargitay?
She was born on January 23, 1964, which makes her 62 years old as of 2026.
What is Mariska Hargitay's net worth?
A reliable, single authoritative figure is not provided in the supplied sources; public estimates commonly place it around US$100 million.
Who is Mariska Hargitay married to?
She is married to actor Peter Hermann.
What is Mariska Hargitay's role on Law & Order: SVU?
She plays Olivia Benson, a police detective who later becomes captain, on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
How many children does Mariska Hargitay have?
She has three children.
What is Mariska Hargitay's height?
Her height is listed as 5 ft 8 in, or 1.73 m.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariska_Hargitay
    Supports: Birth date, occupation, and long-running role as Olivia Benson; children count.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mariska-Hargitay
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, and role as Olivia Benson.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002127/
    Supports: Height, spouse Peter Hermann, and three children.
  4. National Today — https://nationaltoday.com/birthday/mariska-hargitay/
    Supports: Public net worth estimate of US$100 million and basic biographical details.