Olivia Benson isn’t stepping down anytime soon! After 25 seasons as the fiercely dedicated NYPD detective on Law & Order: SVU, Mariska Hargitay shows no signs of slowing down. “She refuses to retire and is determined to keep the show going as long as she can,” an insider exclusively reveals to Closer. “She can’t imagine life without SVU.”
Hargitay’s connection to the show runs deep. In 2004, she married actor Peter Hermann, whom she met on set, and together they have three children. She’s also the godmother to one of her former co-star Christopher Meloni’s kids. “She is Olivia Benson, and Olivia Benson is her,” the insider adds, highlighting just how intertwined her identity has become with the character she portrays.
Beyond the screen, Hargitay’s real-life mission mirrors her character’s fight for justice. Her Joyful Heart Foundation, founded in 2004, champions causes close to Benson’s heart—ending sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. This commitment reflects her passion both on and off the set.
But it’s not just about the role for Hargitay—it’s about the people who bring the show to life. “She feels a deep responsibility to the crew,” says the insider. “Without her, many of them would be out of work.” This sense of duty is what keeps her going, driving her to continue leading the long-running series.
For Hargitay, SVU is more than a job; it’s a calling. And as long as she’s at the helm, Olivia Benson isn’t going anywhere. Fans can rest assured that their beloved detective will continue to fight for justice, both on-screen and off, for as long as Hargitay has anything to say about it.