Mariska Hargitay, best known for her iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, recently took to social media to express her deep affection for her husband, Peter Hermann. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the actress shared a series of photos, including a touching selfie of the couple, captioned: “Grateful for this guy and this crazy beautiful day.”
Fans were quick to shower the couple with love and admiration. One commenter, Sjmedra, encapsulated the sentiment by saying, “Oh I love this!! I really hope you and Peter know that you two are couple goals.”
Peter Hermann, a fellow actor, first crossed paths with Mariska on the set of Law & Order: SVU in 2001, where he guest-starred as Attorney Trevor Langan. Hermann’s character, a defense attorney, frequently interacted with the SVU team. He recently reprised this role for the show’s milestone 500th episode, having appeared in a total of 33 episodes alongside his wife.
Mariska and Peter have been married since 2004. Reflecting on their first meeting, Mariska told InStyle, “I just about passed out when I saw him there. I thought: ‘That’s my husband.’”
Mariska Hargitay has been the backbone of Law & Order: SVU since her debut in the pilot episode in 1999. Over the years, she has become a beloved figure on the show, also making appearances in other dramas like Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and ER. However, her portrayal of Olivia Benson remains her most celebrated role, earning her a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, fittingly placed next to her mother, the late actress Jayne Mansfield.
The couple’s Instagram photo drew comments from many, including legendary actress Betty Buckley and Ali Wentworth, who appeared on SVU in season 17. Wentworth commented, “Grateful for all of you! Loved our hug today!”
In a 2019 interview with People magazine, Mariska opened up about their first date, saying, “We went to church together, and it was like getting hit with a lightning bolt. I just started sobbing. Peter thought I was crying because I was so moved by the service. No, it was because I was just overwhelmed, realizing he was the one.”
Amid rumors that Mariska might be leaving Law & Order: SVU, fans are bracing themselves for a potential departure that could be emotional. The show, which returned for its 23rd season, also saw the return of series veteran Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), who left in season 12. Stabler’s return has sparked speculation that Olivia Benson might join him on his spin-off, Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Mariska Hargitay’s dedication to her role and her heartfelt tributes to her husband only add to the deep connection fans feel with her, both on and off the screen.