Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role as Olivia Benson on the hit NBC series Law & Order: SVU, has an inspiring journey to success. With Season 22 just around the corner, fans eagerly anticipate more gripping episodes. However, Hargitay’s path to stardom wasn’t always lined with red carpets. She had a variety of “odd jobs” before her acting career took off, showcasing her relatable and humble beginnings.
The Humble Beginnings
On the official Law & Order: SVU YouTube channel, Hargitay candidly answered fan questions, revealing some of her past jobs that might surprise even her most ardent fans. In a video posted in 2013, she was asked about her “odd jobs,” and her responses did not disappoint.
“Did I have any odd jobs?” Hargitay pondered. “They were all odd jobs. I worked so many places. I worked at Book Soup for a long time, which is a bookstore in my hometown. I worked at many a restaurant. I worked at a restaurant called Bon Appetit in Westwood. I worked at the Chart House,” where she was a hostess.
Building Meaningful Connections
One particularly fulfilling job involved working with elderly people, where she “made some really cool relationships.” She explained, “I worked for some elderly people. I would go over their house and make sure that they were OK in the night and give them their medication, which was really fulfilling and made some really cool relationships, sort of unexpected.”
A Jack of All Trades
Hargitay’s work history is a testament to her hardworking nature. “You know, waitress, waitress, waitress. Hostess, hostess, hostess. Wrapped presents for a while,” she recalled. She also mentioned working at a bookstore and being a “cashier” as well.
Early Acting Gigs
Before becoming a household name, Hargitay appeared in numerous shows and movies, according to IMDb. She made her film debut in 1984 with Ghoulies, playing Donna. She starred in the series Downtown as Jesse Smith from 1986 to 1987 and played Carly Fixx in Falcon Crest in 1988. She even made a memorable appearance on Baywatch in 1989.
The 90s: A Decade of Diverse Roles
Throughout the 90s, Hargitay continued to build her acting resume. She played Officer Angela Garcia in Tequila and Bonetti in 1992, made an appearance on Seinfeld in 1993, and portrayed Cynthia Hooper in the hit series ER from 1997 to 1998. She also appeared in the 1999 movie Lake Placid and starred as Detective Nina Echeverria on Prince Street from 1997 to 2000.
The Big Break
Hargitay’s big break came in 1999 with her starring role on Law & Order: SVU. Since then, she has become synonymous with her character, Olivia Benson. The series is now about to premiere its 22nd season, much to the delight of fans.
A Long Way to the Top
Hargitay’s journey from odd jobs to iconic TV star is truly inspirational. Fans are thrilled to see how far she’s come and eagerly await the new season of Law & Order: SVU. Catch Mariska Hargitay and the rest of the cast when Season 22 premieres on Thursday, November 12, at 9 p.m. E.S.T.