**Mariska Hargitay Once Thought About Giving Up on *Law & Order: SVU***
It’s hard to imagine *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* without Mariska Hargitay. As Olivia Benson, she’s been the face of the series for over two decades, embodying justice, resilience, and compassion. However, there was a time when Hargitay seriously considered walking away from the role that has defined her career and left an indelible mark on television history.
### The Weight of Responsibility
Playing a character like Olivia Benson isn’t easy. Benson tackles some of the most heinous crimes, providing support and justice for victims of sexual assault and abuse. For Hargitay, embodying such a heavy role brought both emotional and physical challenges. In numerous interviews, she’s spoken candidly about how Benson’s journey affected her personally, as well as the immense pressure she felt to represent victims of trauma in a respectful and authentic way.
But as the seasons stretched on, the toll became more than Hargitay expected. She found herself feeling drained by the emotional weight of the stories and the expectations that came with being a leading lady in a groundbreaking series. *Law & Order: SVU* was unlike anything on television at the time, dealing with deeply sensitive and often controversial issues that resonated with viewers on a personal level. Hargitay wasn’t just an actor playing a detective—she had become a beacon for survivors.
### The Strain Behind the Scenes
As the years went by, the exhaustion began to build. Hargitay has mentioned how, at one point, the pressure felt unbearable. She was filming long hours, balancing her role on the show with motherhood, and simultaneously becoming a leading advocate for survivors of sexual violence off-screen. The weight of it all led her to consider whether continuing with *SVU* was the right choice for her health and well-being.
In addition to the emotional strain, physical injuries added to her burden. During one of the seasons, Hargitay suffered a serious injury while performing a stunt, resulting in a partially collapsed lung. This injury required surgery and an extended recovery period, making her question if pushing her body through such grueling demands was sustainable.
### A Turning Point
Amidst the exhaustion, Hargitay found herself at a crossroads. Was it time to walk away from *SVU* and Olivia Benson, a character she had helped mold into one of the most beloved in television history? Could she continue to bring her best to the role, knowing the mental, physical, and emotional sacrifices it demanded?
Ultimately, it was the connection she felt with survivors of abuse that reignited her passion. Over the years, Hargitay has shared numerous stories of women and men who have approached her, thanking her for representing their experiences on screen. Many told her how they felt seen, how Benson’s strength and empathy helped them through their own struggles. That bond with the audience was powerful, and it was one of the key reasons Hargitay decided to stay. She realized that by playing Benson, she was providing more than just entertainment—she was offering hope and validation to those who needed it most.
### An Advocate on and off the Screen
In 2004, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. This endeavor allowed her to channel the weight of the stories she was portraying into real-world action. Through the foundation, she’s advocated for ending the rape kit backlog and raising awareness about the long-lasting impacts of trauma.
Her off-screen advocacy became as much a part of her identity as Olivia Benson. It strengthened her resolve to continue with *SVU*, understanding that her work was making a difference both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
### The Decision to Stay
Looking back, Hargitay has said that she’s grateful she didn’t walk away from *SVU*. The role of Olivia Benson has allowed her to grow both as an actor and as a human being. She has credited the show with helping her find her voice as an advocate and leader.
Now, as *SVU* continues its historic run, Mariska Hargitay remains at the helm, showing no signs of slowing down. Her decision to stay all those years ago is one that fans, survivors, and the television industry are grateful for. Her portrayal of Olivia Benson continues to resonate, proving that sometimes the hardest decisions lead to the most impactful journeys.
### Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Though she once thought about giving up on *SVU*, she chose to stay, not just for herself, but for the millions of viewers who found strength in her portrayal of Olivia Benson. Her journey is a testament to the power of television to inspire change, and to the importance of fighting for what truly matters—on and off the screen.