Peter Hermann entered Mariska Hargitay’s life at a time when she least expected it but needed it the most. Hargitay’s demanding career on Law & Order: SVU left little room for personal relationships, especially amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City.
“I had a few rough years in New York because I’d lived in L.A. my whole life, and felt ripped from the womb when I moved here. It was difficult to maintain relationships working 14 hours a day. As an actor, you dream and pray to have steady work, so I felt guilty that I wasn’t happy,” Hargitay shared with Glamour.
That all changed when she met Hermann, who guest-starred in a season 3 episode of SVU. Hargitay was instantly captivated by him and even joked about her immediate attraction.
“‘Who is that Clark Gable, Superman guy that I need to marry today?’” Hargitay recalled asking during an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show.
The couple married after two years of dating and have enjoyed a loving 19-year relationship. Despite her unwavering love for Hermann, they agreed to a playful celebrity “pass.”
“I have a few. Well, it’s always Johnny Depp. He’s so talented and so cool and doesn’t take himself too seriously,” Hargitay joked.
Mariska Hargitay Meets Peter Hermann’s Celebrity Crush
Hargitay isn’t the only one in the relationship with a celebrity crush. Hermann confessed that his “get-out-of-marriage free card” was Cindy Crawford. Hargitay eventually met Crawford and humorously understood her husband’s infatuation.
“It’s funny, because when I met her, I said to Peter, ‘If you have a chance, definitely go for it,’ because she was so pretty, kind, approachable, and human,” Hargitay shared.
Despite her initial reluctance, Crawford’s charm won Hargitay over.
“I wanted to hate her, but she’s so lovely. I told my husband, ‘It’s OK, I so get it.’ We had a huge laugh,” Hargitay said.
Mariska Hargitay’s Journey to Law & Order: SVU and Her Feelings of Inadequacy
Before landing her iconic role on Law & Order: SVU, Hargitay faced numerous challenges and moments of self-doubt. She spent her 20s juggling small acting gigs and regular jobs, often feeling like she was lagging behind her successful friends. However, her father’s unwavering belief in perseverance kept her going.
“I could have quit a million times, but my dad drilled into me that our family doesn’t quit,” she told Parade. “So if you don’t get it, it means you’re not ready, and you have to get up and try again. There’s really something to be said for perseverance and not throwing in the towel.”
Hargitay often felt discouraged seeing her friends, like Hilary Swank, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Maria Bello, achieve monumental success.
“I have all these amazing friends — Hilary Swank, Carrie-Anne Moss, Maria Bello. About 10 years ago, they were all just hitting it, movie after movie after movie,” she said. “I loved these women, but I couldn’t help but feel like the loser of the group. But one thing my dad taught me was, there’s only one person to compete with — yourself. If you had asked me 10 years ago, ‘Are you going to start a foundation for victims of sexual assault?’ I would’ve said, ‘No, I’m an actor, I just want to be in movies.’ I’m really grateful my job has led me down this road.”
Hargitay’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of timing in relationships, and the unexpected paths that can lead to profound personal and professional fulfillment.