**Mariska Hargitay Shares How Many Years It Took to Get to Where She Is Now on ‘Law & Order: SVU’**
Mariska Hargitay’s journey to becoming one of the most iconic figures in television history wasn’t a rapid ascent, but a labor of love, patience, and relentless dedication. As the powerhouse behind Captain Olivia Benson on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU)*, Hargitay’s career is a testament to perseverance. The Emmy-winning actress has dedicated over two decades to the role, shaping Benson into a cultural icon. But how many years did it take her to reach this point? More than you might think.
When *SVU* premiered in 1999, few could have predicted that the show would become a television institution, or that Hargitay would emerge as its driving force. In fact, Hargitay wasn’t an overnight success. By the time she landed the role of Olivia Benson, she had been working in Hollywood for years, appearing in smaller TV roles and navigating the unpredictable terrain of a young actor’s career. It took Hargitay nearly a decade of hard work and minor roles to break through to the mainstream.
However, her journey didn’t end once she got the role on *SVU*. In interviews, Hargitay often reflects on the long and challenging road it took to get to where she is today—both as an actress and as a leader behind the scenes. When she first stepped into Benson’s shoes, she had no idea that this role would define her career or that she would stay with the show for over 20 seasons, growing from detective to captain, and eventually, a producer. It wasn’t just about landing a role; it was about cultivating a lasting legacy.
In a recent interview, Hargitay revealed that it took her about 10 years on *SVU* to fully realize the weight of her impact, not just as an actress, but as a voice for survivors of sexual assault and victims of trauma. “I didn’t start *SVU* thinking I’d be here 20 years later,” she said. “It took a good decade for me to truly understand the responsibility and the honor that came with playing Olivia Benson.”
During those early years, Hargitay threw herself into the role, learning from real-life survivors and becoming an advocate for sexual assault awareness. It was this deep connection to the subject matter that fueled her drive and kept her grounded, even when the emotional weight of the stories became overwhelming. As Hargitay built her character, she also built her influence, becoming a trusted figure both on-screen and off.
Her persistence and growth over the years didn’t just happen within the confines of the show. Outside of *SVU*, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. This foundation, which she launched in 2004, was a direct response to the real-life stories she encountered while playing Benson. Over the years, the foundation has grown into a powerful force for change, impacting public policy and raising awareness on a national level.
Hargitay’s climb to the top has also been marked by her role as a producer on *SVU*. In the later seasons, she took on more responsibility behind the camera, helping to shape the direction of the series and ensuring that the show’s stories remained socially relevant and emotionally resonant. “It took years of building trust with the team and proving that I was ready for more responsibility,” Hargitay said about her evolution into producing. “It wasn’t an overnight thing. I worked hard, I listened, and I learned.”
Now, 25 years into her role as Olivia Benson, Hargitay stands as a beacon of resilience and growth. Her journey wasn’t swift, but it’s been deeply impactful. The years of dedication have paid off, not just in terms of career success, but in the profound influence she’s had on viewers and survivors worldwide. Through the highs and lows, Hargitay has become a living example of how persistence, hard work, and passion can create a lasting legacy.
As *SVU* continues to thrive, Hargitay’s story serves as an inspiration, not just to aspiring actors but to anyone who’s working toward a dream. It took her years to get to where she is now, and every step of the way has contributed to the success she enjoys today. With no signs of slowing down, it’s clear that Hargitay’s journey is far from over.