In a poignant speech, Mariska Hargitay stated that Jane Fonda "invoked my mother." The actress, known for her role as Olivia Benson on the television series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, shared her thoughts during a ceremony where Fonda was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes. Hargitay's mother, Jayne Mansfield, was a well-known actress and sex symbol during the 1950s and 1960s. However, Mansfield's life was tragically cut short in a car accident when Hargitay was just three years old.
During her speech, Hargitay praised Fonda's activism, resilience, and fearlessness, which she said reminded her of her own mother. She expressed gratitude for Fonda's open-heartedness and how she had been able to channel her pain into powerful and positive change throughout her life. Hargitay added that Fonda's strength in challenging and pushing the boundaries resonated deeply with her, as she had witnessed her mother doing the same before her untimely death.
By stating that Fonda "invoked my mother," Hargitay emphasized that witnessing Fonda's dedication to social activism and her ability to create meaningful change reminded her of the qualities her own mother possessed. It is a testament to the impact both Fonda and Hargitay's mother had on the lives of women and their shared commitment to fighting for justice and equality.
2023/10/23
Mariska Hargitay was honored at the 2023 Women's Media Center Awards and expressed her appreciation for women who have inspired her, including Jane Fonda. She also mentioned her late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, and how she would have loved the event. Hargitay discussed her emotions ahead of the event and referred to her mentors, such as Gloria Steinem, as her "work mothers." The article also mentions Hargitay's experience of losing her mother at a young age and how it has influenced her portrayal of her character on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.