Mariska Magdolna Hargitay (born January 23, 1964) is an actress, director, and philanthropist from the United States. Her achievements include a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She is the daughter of bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield.
Hargitay made her significant television debut in the 1986 adventure drama series Downtown and her film debut in the 1985 horror-comedy flick Ghoulies. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she acted in several films and television shows until winning the lead role of Olivia Benson on the NBC drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999–present), for which she has gained critical praise.
Aside from performing, Hargitay is the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, which helps people who have been sexually abused.
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