“Law & Order: SVU” often draws inspiration from real-life events to create compelling episodes. Mariska Hargitay, the show’s star, once hoped her personal experiences as a mother could be woven into the fabric of the series.
The Storyline Mariska Hargitay Pitched for “Law & Order: SVU”
Hargitay has always been candid about her journey through motherhood. She and her husband, Peter Hermann, share one biological son and have expanded their family through the adoption of two other children.
“August wanted siblings, and Peter and I both envisioned this big family because we both come from that. Plus, we just had so much love to give,” Hargitay shared with Good Housekeeping. “I was really letting the chips fall as they might because I do think so much is up to God.”
Recognizing the power of art imitating life, Hargitay wanted her character, Olivia Benson, to reflect her own adoption journey.
“I thought it would make it so much more resonant and beautiful,” Hargitay told Entertainment Weekly. “Knowing our real-life story, what’s out there in the zeitgeist and in the culture, I think it sort of makes us even go deeper.”
However, this heartfelt storyline was initially turned down in the show’s earlier seasons. Hargitay explained, “Dick [Wolf] and the powers that be were concerned, obviously, for me being a mother because they didn’t want anything to detract from my job. And yet, this is life. People do both, and we have to figure it out.”
A previous storyline in Season 9 explored Benson’s desire to adopt, but it was ultimately rejected, highlighting the inherent dangers of her job.
Fortunately, under showrunner Warren Leight, Benson eventually became a mother, a development Hargitay found deeply rewarding. “It was such a big payoff. I was so interested in making the character more complex in that beautiful way that women multitask and do so many jobs. It was important to show that — what women do — and the real work. Because being a parent, I think, is the most important thing that we do in our lives,” she said.
How Mariska Hargitay’s Childhood Inspired Her Adoption Journey
Hargitay’s decision to adopt wasn’t made lightly; it was deeply rooted in her childhood experiences. After the tragic death of her mother, Jayne Mansfield, in a car accident when Hargitay was just three years old, she was raised by her father and stepmother. Her stepmother played a crucial role in her life, nurturing her as her own daughter.
“I called her Mom. She really claimed us. She never had biological kids of her own, and to this day we are her kids. So we were blessed that she really embraced us and loved us so quickly,” Hargitay reflected.
Her travels as a child further shaped her perspective on adoption. “I remember being in Thailand and India when I was 9 or 10 and seeing kids alone in the street and thinking, ‘Where are their moms?’ They were so amazingly resourceful and soulful and smart. And somewhere inside of me — even so young — I had that maternal instinct,” she recalled. “I remember thinking, I want to take them all home!”
Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s personal journey has not only enriched her life but also provided a profound and authentic inspiration for “Law & Order: SVU”. Her dedication to portraying Olivia Benson as a multifaceted character who balances a demanding career and motherhood resonates deeply with fans, making the show’s narratives even more compelling and true to life.