Mariska Hargitay has reigned as the longest-running female character in TV drama history with her role as Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Alongside her remarkable career, Hargitay has amassed an impressive fortune, far surpassing even the wealth of Taylor Swift’s famous feline co-star, Olivia Benson, who is valued at $97 million.
In the world of Law & Order, Mariska’s earnings are only overshadowed by the show’s creator, Dick Wolf, whose net worth stands at a staggering $600 million. Mariska’s financial success is a testament to her enduring role on the show, where she has consistently negotiated lucrative contracts.
How Much Does Mariska Make from Law & Order: SVU?
Hargitay’s salary has seen a significant increase over the years. Initially, during the first ten seasons, she earned between $375,000 and $385,000 per episode. By 2014, her salary had risen to $450,000 per episode, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on television at the time. By 2018, her earnings had soared to $13 million per season, equating to over $500,000 per episode for a 22-episode season.
Extra Earnings from Royalties
Beyond her hefty episode paychecks, Mariska benefits from syndication and reruns of the series. Reports suggest she earns between $2 million and $4 million annually from these sources, bringing her total yearly earnings from SVU to around $15 million.
Reflecting on her career, Hargitay recently told Drew Barrymore, “I feel very satisfied, sated, because I’m having I think more fun now than I ever had. I love my cast; they’re like family now. I’m also grateful that the longest-running show on television is about believing victims. So that for me is the most rewarding thing.”
Real Estate Investments
Like many high-profile celebrities, Mariska has invested heavily in real estate. She and her husband, fellow SVU star Peter Hermann, own a $7.34 million home in East Hampton. Their real estate portfolio also includes a notable $10.7 million townhouse in New York City, which they sold for $9.75 million. Despite this loss, their property investments also include homes valued at $5.1 million and $8.5 million.
Mariska Hargitay’s Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Mariska Hargitay’s total net worth is approximately $100 million, largely attributed to her iconic role on Law & Order: SVU. Her husband, Peter Hermann, adds an additional $20 million to the family’s combined net worth of $120 million. Meanwhile, her co-star Christopher Meloni holds a net worth of $30 million.
With a career marked by both financial success and personal fulfillment, Mariska Hargitay continues to shine both on and off the screen.
