Mariska Magdolna Hargitay was born on January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California. Her Hungarian first name reflects her father’s heritage, while her life story reflects a blend of glamour and grit. As the daughter of Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield and Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay, she was born into fame, but her journey was destined to be defined by more than just lineage.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Mariska Magdolna Hargitay |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | January 23, 1964 |
| Birth Place | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Age | 61 |
| Height | 5 ft 7¾ in (172 cm) |
| Parents | Jayne Mansfield, Mickey Hargitay (legal), Nelson Sardelli (biological) |
| Siblings | Miklós Jr., Zoltán, Jayne Marie Mansfield, Antonio Cimber |
| Spouse | Peter Hermann (m. 2004) |
| Children | August, Amaya, Andrew |
| Net Worth | ~$100 million |
| Occupation | Actress, Philanthropist |
| Notable Work | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit |
| Social Media | Instagram: @therealmariskahargitay |
Loss at a tender age
At three years old, Mariska experienced the loss of her mother in a tragic car accident in 1967. She and her brothers, Miklós Jr. and Zoltán, were in the back seat and survived, but the trauma left a deep impression. The event became a touchstone in her life, shaping her resilience and empathy.
A stepmother’s embrace
Following the accident, her father remarried Ellen Siano, who quickly became a loving maternal figure. Ellen’s warmth provided Mariska with stability and emotional grounding during formative years marked by both grief and adaptation.
Growing up in Los Angeles
Mariska attended Marymount High School, where she was active in cheerleading and performance. In 1982, she was crowned Miss Beverly Hills USA, a hint of her charisma and stage presence. She later studied at UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television and trained with the Groundlings, building both technical skill and comedic timing.
First steps into acting
Her early screen career began in 1984 with a music video appearance for Ronnie Milsap and a role in the cult film Ghoulies. Through the late 1980s and 1990s, she built her resume with television appearances on shows like Falcon Crest, Tequila and Bonetti, Can’t Hurry Love, and ER. These roles laid the groundwork for her eventual breakout.
Height and presence
Standing around 5 feet 7¾ inches tall, Mariska carries herself with a blend of poise and approachability. Her expressive eyes and strong yet warm demeanor became hallmarks of her on-screen presence, essential to the complex characters she would later portray.
Reckoning with identity
For much of her life, Mariska believed her father was Mickey Hargitay in every sense. In her 2025 documentary My Mom Jayne, she revealed that her biological father was actually Italian entertainer Nelson Sardelli—a truth she learned in her twenties. Though the discovery was emotionally complex, her love and respect for Mickey never wavered.
The early spark of compassion
Her childhood, marked by loss and self-discovery, planted the seeds of empathy that would later influence her portrayal of Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. Her deep understanding of trauma and resilience made her performances resonate with authenticity.
Net worth and success
Today, Mariska’s net worth is estimated at around $100 million, a testament to decades of hard work and dedication. Her earnings from SVU, where she became one of the highest-paid TV actresses, reflect both her talent and her commitment to the craft.
Beyond the screen
In 2004, she married actor Peter Hermann, and together they have three children—August, Amaya, and Andrew. She is also the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, aligning her philanthropic work with the empathy she’s carried since childhood.
Social media and public voice
On Instagram, under the handle @therealmariskahargitay, she shares glimpses of her family life, behind-the-scenes moments, and advocacy efforts with over four million followers. Her posts reflect the same mix of warmth and strength that define her public image.
Fun facts and deeper truths
Despite her Hollywood upbringing, Mariska describes herself as a late bloomer. Receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, placed next to her mother’s, was an emotional moment that underscored the interwoven threads of loss, legacy, and love in her life.
Conclusion: A foundation of empathy
Mariska Hargitay’s youth was defined by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. Those early experiences didn’t just prepare her for a career in entertainment—they forged the compassion and resilience that have become her trademarks. From a young girl in the shadow of Hollywood to one of television’s most enduring icons, her story is proof that strength can be born from the deepest challenges.
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FAQs
What is Mariska Hargitay’s age?
She is currently 61 years old, born on January 23, 1964.
Who are Mariska Hargitay’s parents?
Her mother was Jayne Mansfield, and her legal father was Mickey Hargitay. Her biological father is Nelson Sardelli.
How tall is Mariska Hargitay?
She stands around 5 feet 7¾ inches tall.
What is Mariska Hargitay’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is about $100 million.
Is Mariska Hargitay married?
Yes, she has been married to actor Peter Hermann since 2004.
