Interest in Mariska Hargitay’s parents and family story surged Tuesday after NBC announced the Law & Order: SVU star will host the 78th Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026, making her the first woman to emcee the ceremony in 15 years.
The announcement caps a remarkable year in which Hargitay, 62, confronted her own family history on screen. Her documentary My Mom Jayne, about her mother, Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield, is in contention at this year’s Emmys, with nominations set to be announced Wednesday, July 8.
Who Is Mariska Hargitay?
Mariska Magdolna Hargitay, born January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California, has played Captain Olivia Benson on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for 27 seasons, the longest-running primetime live-action drama in American television history.
The role earned her the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama in 2006, eight additional nominations, and a Golden Globe in 2005. The series returns for its 28th season on October 8, 2026, and is on track to surpass 600 episodes.
Mariska Hargitay’s Parents and Family Story
Jayne Mansfield was one of the biggest stars of 1950s Hollywood, a blonde bombshell whose fame rivaled Marilyn Monroe’s. Behind the pin-up image was a reportedly gifted, multilingual woman and classically trained musician.
Mansfield died in a car crash in June 1967 at age 34. Mariska, then just three years old, was asleep in the back seat with her brothers and survived. She has spoken openly about growing up in the shadow of that loss and reclaiming her mother’s story as an adult.
Mickey Hargitay, born in Budapest, Hungary, was a bodybuilder who won the Mr. Universe title in 1955 before transitioning to acting. He met Mansfield while performing in Mae West’s stage revue, and the two married in 1958.
After Mansfield’s death, Mickey raised Mariska, who has consistently described him as her hero and moral anchor. He died in 2007 at age 81.
The My Mom Jayne Revelation
In her 2025 HBO documentary My Mom Jayne, her directorial debut, Hargitay publicly confirmed a long-held family secret: her biological father was Las Vegas entertainer Nelson Sardelli, not Mickey Hargitay.
Hargitay revealed she discovered the truth at 25 but chose to keep it private for decades out of loyalty to the man who raised her. The film, which explores her mother’s life and legacy, has already won awards and is submitted for Emmy consideration in the documentary special category.
Emmy Hosting Announcement: What We Know
NBC confirmed Tuesday that Hargitay will host the 78th Emmy Awards, airing live from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live on Monday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
She becomes the first woman to host the Emmys since Jane Lynch in 2011, and the first host not primarily known for comedy since 2008. The choice aligns with NBC’s celebration of its 100th anniversary.
In a statement, Hargitay said bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of her career, calling it a great honor to host in NBC’s centenary year. NBC executive Jen Neal praised her decades of bringing strength, compassion and humanity to one of the most beloved characters on TV.
Career Highlights and Recent Milestones
Hargitay recently concluded her Broadway debut in the interactive solo play Every Brilliant Thing at the Hudson Theatre, a live-stage experience that positions her well for the hosting job.
Her producing career includes I Am Evidence, the documentary on untested rape kits that won a News and Documentary Emmy, adding to a résumé that spans acting, directing, and advocacy filmmaking.
As Olivia Benson, Hargitay has become a cultural touchstone for survivors of sexual violence. The character’s longevity, 27 seasons and counting, has made her one of the most recognizable figures in television history.
Personal Life: Marriage, Children, and Advocacy
Hargitay has been married to actor Peter Hermann, whom she met on the SVU set, since 2004. The couple has three children: son August and adopted children Amaya and Andrew.
Off screen, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The organization has been central to national efforts to end the backlog of untested rape kits — advocacy born directly from her years playing Benson.
FAQ
Who are Mariska Hargitay’s parents?
Her mother was Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield and the father who raised her was Mr. Universe-turned-actor Mickey Hargitay. In 2025, she revealed her biological father is entertainer Nelson Sardelli.
How did Jayne Mansfield die?
Mansfield died in a car crash in Louisiana in June 1967 at age 34. Three-year-old Mariska survived the accident.
Is Mariska Hargitay hosting the 2026 Emmys?
Yes. NBC announced on July 7, 2026, that she will host the 78th Emmy Awards on September 14, becoming the first woman to do so in 15 years.
What is My Mom Jayne about?
The HBO documentary, Hargitay’s directorial debut, explores Jayne Mansfield’s life and legacy and includes Hargitay’s revelation about her biological father. It is in Emmy contention this year.
Is Law & Order: SVU still running?
Yes. Season 28 premieres October 8, 2026, on NBC, and the series will pass 600 episodes, a record for a primetime live-action drama.
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Last Updated on July 7, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
