Mariska Hargitay, the beloved star of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” is renowned for her role as Olivia Benson—a character who brings justice to the screen. Yet, Hargitay’s commitment to solving real-world issues extends far beyond the fictional realm.
In a recent interview on NBC’s “Today” show, Andrea Canning of “Dateline” unveiled a remarkable facet of Hargitay’s off-screen life. Hargitay, now 60, has been instrumental in supporting Michigan prosecutor Kym Worthy’s quest to address a profound injustice. Worthy uncovered a staggering backlog of over 11,000 untested rape kits languishing in an evidence room, a grim reminder of the cases waiting for justice. To tackle this monumental task, Worthy needed substantial funding—a need that Hargitay stepped in to fulfill.
Canning revealed that the actress, along with her husband, actor Peter Hermann, who shares their life with three children—daughter Amaya, 12, and sons August, 18, and Andrew, 12—played a crucial role in raising the necessary funds to test these kits. Hargitay’s philanthropic efforts have led to thousands of cases being resolved and have helped bring 22 serial rapists to justice. The impact of her contributions is palpable, creating a ripple effect across the nation by enhancing police and prosecutor resources and making substantial changes in how these offices operate.
Hargitay’s dedication to real-life justice echoes the essence of her character, Olivia Benson. In a May 2 interview with Variety, she reflected on the profound need for someone like Benson to advocate for survivors and believe in victims. She remarked, “The world and the culture needed an Olivia Benson,” highlighting the show’s genius in embodying compassion and advocacy.
Beyond her contributions to criminal justice reform, Hargitay’s empathy shines through in personal encounters. During a break in filming Season 25 of “Law & Order: SVU” in April, a young girl separated from her mother mistakenly approached Hargitay, believing her to be a real police officer. Without hesitation, Hargitay stepped in, helping the child reunite with her mother at Anne Loftus Playground in Fort Tryon Park. Reflecting on the incident, Hargitay told “Entertainment Tonight” at Variety’s Power of Women event, “We were meant to connect at the moment we did,” emphasizing the profound connection and responsibility she felt.
Mariska Hargitay’s real-life actions demonstrate that her commitment to justice transcends her role on television, proving that her impact reaches far beyond the confines of scripted drama.