PERSON: Mariska Hargitay

Actress, Producer, Director

Mariska Magdolna Hargitay (born January 23, 1964) is an American actress, philanthropist, producer, and director. Hargitay has starred as Olivia Benson on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999, making it the longest-running character in American primetime drama in history. Her accolades for the role include an Emmy and a Golden Globe. In 2013, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Outside of acting, Hargitay co-produced the HBO documentary I Am Evidence (2017), winning a News and Documentary Emmy for the project. In 2025, she launched the production company Mighty Entertainment, under which she directed the documentary My Mom Jayne. Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to people who have been sexually abused. She is a certified rape counselor and has engaged in initiatives to support domestic violence shelters and raise awareness about untested rape kits.

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