In a bustling pocket park in New York City, a little girl finds herself lost and crying, unable to locate her mother. As fate would have it, she runs straight into the arms of Mariska Hargitay, who, despite being in the middle of shooting a scene for “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” doesn’t hesitate. Hargitay immediately scoops up the child and begins circling the playground to find the missing mother. This compassionate act perfectly encapsulates Hargitay’s deep connection to her character, NYPD Capt. Olivia Benson, whom she has portrayed for an astonishing 25 years.
The Blurring Lines Between Mariska and Olivia
Mariska Hargitay isn’t Olivia Benson, but after a quarter-century of embodying the role on the NBC procedural, their names and some of their qualities have become synonymous. Benson’s compassion radiates from Hargitay, evident from the moment you meet her. Spending just one day on the set of “Law & Order: SVU,” it’s clear that Hargitay’s genuine interest in people shines through, whether she’s inquiring about your career ambitions or sharing her own journey.
Dick Wolf might have created Olivia Benson, but it’s Hargitay who turned her into an icon. Longtime viewers still approach her after a day of shooting, proclaiming their admiration for Olivia. “I feel like I have different kinds of fans because of the subject matter. They’re so loyal and protective, it feels personal,” says Hargitay. Not only have viewers expressed their love for the show, but many have also shared their own stories of trauma, finding solace in Benson’s character.
Milestones and Personal Connections
This week, the “SVU” team is shooting their 550th episode, a milestone that Hargitay might not even notice without a reminder from home. When the series hit 500 episodes, her husband, actor Peter Hermann, painted the number on their living room wall. She beams with pride as she shows off the photo of the mural on her iPhone, describing it as “muscular, powerful, and strong.”
Numbers hold significant meaning for Hargitay this year. Celebrating 25 seasons of “SVU,” 20 years of marriage, and her 60th birthday in January, she exclaims, “The new 25! I really feel like I’m just getting started.” Before she became the beloved detective, Hargitay completed a 13-episode stint on “ER” and thought she might transition to comedy. That all changed when she read the pilot script for “Sex Crimes,” the original title of “SVU.” “I read it and I just remember going, ‘This is my show.’”
Her chemistry with co-star Christopher Meloni was instant and electric. Wolf recalls, “Mariska and Chris looked like they had been working together for five years.” Hargitay’s presence has kept the show grounded and impactful. “She’s America’s sexual-violence detective,” Wolf asserts, highlighting how Hargitay and Meloni reshaped public perception of sex crimes through their roles.
A Perfect Construct for a Perfect Time
“The world and the culture needed an Olivia Benson, someone to talk about these issues and fight for survivors,” Hargitay reflects. The dynamic between Benson and Stabler created a compelling narrative that resonated with viewers. “Olivia was the loving mother we all want, and Stabler was the angry, protective father. It was the perfect construct for what an injured soul needed.”
Hargitay’s bond with Meloni extended beyond their on-screen personas. Their shared sense of humor and dedication to their craft forged a strong friendship. Filming was seamless, with an openness that allowed them to push each other to deliver their best performances. “We could be honest and say things like, ‘I know you can do better,’” Hargitay recalls fondly.
Advocacy and Personal Growth
In 1999, the same year she took on the role of Olivia Benson, Hargitay became a passionate advocate for victims of sexual assault. She completed a 40-hour course to become a rape crisis counselor, informing her portrayal of Benson and her real-life advocacy work. Founding the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004, Hargitay has tirelessly worked to support survivors and change societal responses to sexual violence.
Her father, actor Mickey Hargitay, instilled in her a strong sense of truth and confidence, traits that have served her well in her career. Hargitay speaks highly of her relationship with Wolf, describing it as “excellent” and characterized by mutual respect. While their negotiations have been tough, Hargitay acknowledges that Wolf’s guidance has made her stronger.
Embracing Vulnerability and Strength
Hargitay champions the strength of vulnerability, encouraging other women to embrace their emotions. “I think my vulnerability is my superpower; it’s not something that makes me weak,” she asserts. On set, Hargitay has seen a positive shift with more women in key roles, a change that came with the arrival of executive producer Julie Martin in Season 13. Martin’s presence was transformative, especially during a period of significant change when Meloni left the show.
Hargitay’s journey from a supporting role to the lead and eventually an executive producer and director has been empowering. She fought to keep Kelli Giddish on the show, emphasizing the powerful dynamic between their characters. Hargitay’s advocacy extends beyond her role, influencing the direction of the show and standing up for what she believes is right.
An Enduring Legacy
In 2021, Meloni returned to “SVU,” reigniting the chemistry between Benson and Stabler. While the possibility of a romance remains tantalizingly unresolved, Hargitay is committed to keeping their story truthful and compelling. “We want to hold the tension and do what’s right for both characters,” she says.
Joyful Heart Foundation: Making a Difference
Through the Joyful Heart Foundation, Hargitay has launched numerous initiatives, including the End the Backlog campaign, which aims to eliminate the backlog of untested rape kits. Her hands-on work with the foundation has been transformative, providing crucial support to survivors and changing the way society responds to sexual violence.
Executive director Robyn Mazur praises Hargitay’s steadfast advocacy, stating, “Her passion and encouragement have been the driving force at the organization. Every day, I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish next.”
Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: SVU” has left an indelible mark on television and society. Her dedication to her role, her advocacy work, and her personal journey of growth and resilience make her a true icon. As she continues to lead “SVU” with passion and integrity, Hargitay’s legacy as a trailblazer and advocate for justice remains as powerful as ever.