**Mariska Hargitay Revealed Why Sometimes She Went Home and Cried After Filming ‘Law & Order SVU’**
Mariska Hargitay, the actress behind the iconic Olivia Benson on *Law & Order: SVU*, is no stranger to tackling some of the most difficult and emotionally charged cases depicted on television. Over the years, she has become synonymous with resilience, strength, and compassion. However, what many viewers may not know is the personal toll that playing such a complex and empathetic character can have on her.
In an interview, Hargitay opened up about the emotional weight that she carries home after a long day of filming. While Benson is tough and professional on the screen, Hargitay sometimes finds herself deeply affected by the storylines, which often deal with heart-wrenching issues like sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.
“There are days where I go home, and I just cry,” Hargitay confessed. It’s not hard to see why. As the central figure of *SVU*, Hargitay frequently dives into stories that mirror real-life traumas. These aren’t just fictional crimes; they’re representations of the pain and suffering experienced by countless people worldwide. And that weight can be overwhelming, even for someone as seasoned as Hargitay.
One of the reasons she finds the material so emotionally draining is her commitment to portraying victims with authenticity and respect. Hargitay has often spoken about her responsibility to give a voice to the voiceless. She’s not just playing a character; she’s representing real people who have been silenced or ignored by society. This sense of duty adds a layer of emotional intensity to her work that many actors may not face in their roles.
Moreover, it’s not just the fictional aspect of the show that impacts Hargitay. Over the years, her portrayal of Benson has led to an outpouring of stories from real-life survivors of assault and abuse. Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004, an organization dedicated to helping survivors heal and reclaim their lives. Through this foundation, she’s heard countless harrowing stories from people who have looked to her as a beacon of hope and justice. While this has been incredibly rewarding, it has also added to the emotional burden she carries.
“I think when you play a character like Benson, you can’t help but let some of the darkness in,” Hargitay explained. “There are times when I have to remind myself that I’m not Olivia, and these aren’t my experiences. But when you’re living in that world every day, it’s hard to keep that separation.”
Despite the emotional challenges, Hargitay remains deeply committed to her role. She has often credited her ability to channel her empathy and pain into her performances as a way of honoring the victims she portrays. It’s this genuine connection to the material that has made her portrayal of Benson so powerful and relatable, allowing audiences to feel both the sorrow and hope present in each episode.
In many ways, the tears that Hargitay sheds after a tough day of filming are a reflection of her deep care for the stories she tells. They’re not a sign of weakness but rather of her incredible strength. She continues to embody a character who stands for justice, compassion, and resilience—qualities that she, herself, exemplifies in her real life.
Ultimately, Mariska Hargitay’s emotional investment in *SVU* is what sets her apart. While playing Olivia Benson may come with its share of tears, those tears serve as a reminder of the importance of the stories she tells and the lives she touches. It’s that dedication that makes her one of the most compelling and beloved figures on television today.
