“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” Star Mariska Hargitay Opens Up About the Impact of Her Role
Mariska Hargitay, known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” recently revealed that she has experienced “secondary trauma” from playing the character for over two decades. In an interview with Selena Gomez for Interview magazine, Hargitay shared how her portrayal of a detective investigating sexual crimes took a toll on her mental well-being.
“When I started the show, I wasn’t aware of how deeply it would go into me,” Hargitay admitted. She explained that even in her personal life, she became hyper-aware of crime rates wherever she went. The dark subject matter began to overwhelm her, leading to what she describes as secondary trauma.
“There have been times when I didn’t know how to protect myself,” Hargitay said. “I think I was definitely a victim of secondary trauma from being inundated with these stories and knowing that they were true.”
Since joining the cast in 1999, Hargitay’s experience on the show inspired her to create a nonprofit organization called Joyful Heart Foundation. The foundation aims to provide support and resources for victims of abuse while also working towards transforming society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Speaking about balancing motherhood with acting, Hargitay shared how she has integrated her children into her demanding schedule. She believes this has led to a happier and fuller life overall.
After 25 years on ”Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” with season 26 on its way, Hargitay expressed disbelief at how quickly time has passed. Despite the challenges that come with portraying such intense storylines year after year, she remains dedicated to her role.
Hargitay’s career spans beyond “Law and Order.” Born in Santa Monica in 1964, she has appeared in various shows throughout the years before landing her iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson. She is also known for winning an Emmy and Golden Globe Award for her performance on the show.
Married to actor Peter Hermann since 2004, they have three children together—two of whom were adopted.
