For nearly 25 years, Mariska Hargitay has embodied the role of Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. Even at 60, the actress shows no signs of slowing down, driven by a profound connection to her character and the show.
A Reluctance to Retire
Despite turning 60 earlier this year, Mariska Hargitay remains steadfast in her dedication to SVU. An insider revealed to RadarOnline.com, “Mariska refuses to retire and is prepared to take this show as far as it’ll go. She is Olivia Benson, and Olivia Benson is her, and she can’t let go.” Her commitment is unwavering, as she plans to participate fully in the upcoming season’s 20 to 25 episodes. “She dreads the day they might shut down production, but luckily that seems to be a long way off,” the source added.
Love, Family, and Joyful Heart Foundation
Hargitay’s connection to SVU goes beyond her role. She met her husband, actor Peter Hermann, on set, and they married in 2004. The couple has three children: August, 18, Amaya, 13, and Andrew, 12. The insider shared, “Her kids, her wealth and stability, and her Joyful Heart Foundation that she founded 20 years ago to help women in crisis are all rooted in SVU.”
A Commitment to Cast and Crew
Hargitay feels a deep responsibility towards her cast and crew, recognizing that their livelihoods depend on the show’s continuation. “She also feels a responsibility towards the cast and crew. They’d be out of a job if it weren’t for her and this show,” the source noted. Her dedication to her colleagues is a testament to her loyalty and leadership.
Growth and Reflection
Ahead of SVU‘s 25th anniversary, Hargitay reflected on her growth within the show. She told People, “I was the second detective alongside Elliot Stabler [played by Christopher Meloni]. He was the male lead and a little more experienced, and I was trying to catch up. As I became more comfortable with the character, you saw this powerful woman emerge.”
The Legacy of Olivia Benson
Olivia Benson is the longest-running character in a prime-time drama series, a milestone that Mariska Hargitay treasures. However, she remains humble, attributing her success to the journey she shares with her character. “We’ve been on a parallel journey. There’s a thing, WWOBD—What Would Olivia Benson Do? The fans would always talk about it, and one day it hit me. I also have those moments where I’ve sort of slipped into her. If there’s a crisis, I just take over and lead like that. Being strong and fearless. It’s sort of this perfect feminist story,” she explained.
Mariska Hargitay’s dedication to Law & Order: SVU and her portrayal of Olivia Benson exemplify her passion, resilience, and impact on both television and real life. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence, love, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.