Mariska Hargitay is best known for her iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, a series that has now been running for an impressive 22 seasons, making it the longest-running prime-time drama to date. What many fans might not know is that her father, Mickey Hargitay, also made a guest appearance on the show.
Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1926, Mickey Hargitay had an extraordinary life. He started as an acrobat and fought for the underground resistance against the Nazis during WWII. In 1947, he fled to escape the Soviet military draft. Mickey later found success as a bodybuilder, winning the Mr. Universe title in 1955, and also pursued a career in acting. He was married three times: to Mary Birge, Jayne Mansfield (Mariska’s mother), and Ellen Siano. He had four children: Tina from his first marriage, and Mariska, Zoltan, and Mickey Jr. with Mansfield.
Mariska’s parents met at The Mae West Revue, where Mickey was performing. They married in 1958 and divorced in 1964, after appearing in four movies together. Tragically, in 1967, Mansfield died in a car accident, with her three children in the vehicle, all of whom survived. Following the accident, Mickey raised Mariska and her siblings with his third wife, Ellen. Mickey passed away in 2006 at the age of 80 due to bone marrow cancer.
Mariska, who has captivated fans as Detective Olivia Benson, had the unique opportunity to work alongside her father on SVU. In Season 5, Episode 9, titled “Control,” Mickey appeared as a witness in a case. The episode begins with Mickey’s character, a grandfather, riding an escalator in the subway with his granddaughter. They see a man named Horace Gorman, whose genitals have been severed, fall down the stairs. Mickey’s character describes the scene to his daughter, explaining how he saw the man bleeding and then collapsing, leading him to call 911.
The episode reveals that Gorman had abducted women and kept them in his dungeon. Hilary Barclay, a woman Benson knew, had been one of his victims. Initially, ADA Casey Novak charges Hilary’s mother, Juliet, with the crime, but Juliet’s lawyer later proves that Hilary was elsewhere at the time of the murder. In a twist, Hilary confesses to castrating Gorman but not killing him, while Juliet admits to the murder but can’t be charged again due to double jeopardy.
Fans of the show discussed this memorable episode on Reddit, expressing excitement over Mariska acting alongside her father. One fan commented, “It must be so special to act with your family, especially a parent.” Another fan added, “I had no idea! So cool!!”
Mariska Hargitay’s role as Olivia Benson has defined her career, and having the chance to share the screen with her father on Law & Order: SVU is a touching highlight. Watching episodes from the early days of the series, especially this one, is a nostalgic and heartwarming experience for fans.
