Mariska Hargitay’s Love Story with Peter Hermann: A Tale of First Sight and Lasting Love
Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay met the love of her life, Peter Hermann, on the set of her iconic show. While Hargitay has often described their meeting as love at first sight, Hermann had a slightly different initial impression.
Their First Impressions
Hargitay was instantly smitten when she first saw Hermann during season 3 of SVU, where he appeared as a guest star. On The Drew Barrymore Show, she humorously recalled her thoughts: “So, who is that Clark Gable Superman guy that I need to marry today?”
However, Hermann took a more measured approach. In an interview with Elle, he explained their complementary natures: “She is deeply intuitive and wonderfully impulsive, leaping towards life. I mull things over, looking at all sides. Mariska will say, very generously, ‘You’re very thoughtful.’”
Despite this, Hermann quickly realized he didn’t want to let Hargitay go. “Something in me knew right away that this was a person I didn’t want to let go of,” he said.
The Beginning of Their Relationship
Their first date, despite a rocky start, marked the beginning of their enduring relationship. Hargitay tried to break the ice with a joke, which she thought didn’t land. However, Hermann later appreciated her humor. “She came at me hard with her fantastic, incomparable humor, and I didn’t yet know it for the gift that it was,” he admitted.
Hermann, feeling he had no game, still found ways to talk to Hargitay. “I just invented some reason to talk. And we kept talking. We walked all over New York together. I still have the piece of paper that, eighteen years ago, the PA wrote her phone number on for the first time.”
Their connection deepened on a date to church, where Hargitay had an emotional revelation. “I just started sobbing. Peter thought I was crying because I was so moved by the service,” she told People. “No, it was because I was just overwhelmed, realizing he was the one.”
Keeping the Marriage Strong
Hermann understood early on that a successful marriage required more than chemistry. Quoting Nietzsche, he said, “Marriage is a conversation, and I knew right away that we had a lifetime of conversation in us.”
The couple, married for 19 years, continues to learn and rediscover what marriage means. Hermann emphasized the importance of curiosity and communication, even during disagreements. “If you can stay curious about why this particular thing makes you so mad, that creates a little bit of room,” he said. “Kindness, love, and listening are the basics. If you have the basics in place, that goes a long way.”
Hargitay and Hermann’s love story is a testament to the power of connection, understanding, and mutual respect. Their enduring bond and commitment to each other continue to inspire fans around the world.
