One of several permanent fixtures of the television landscape is the NBC crime procedural "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Also known as "Law & Order: SVU," the show premiered in 1999 and has aired for over 20 seasons, setting the record for in the US along the way. Through it all, the show's emotional core has been Olivia Benson, a main character since the first episode that continues to remain on the show, with no indication that she'll depart any time soon.
The actress behind Olivia, , has seen her star rise as well, as her portrayal has become an immediately recognizable aspect of television, even among those who aren't regular viewers of the show. However, Hargitay was an established performer even before the show began, and her path to the role of Olivia Benson has had many twists and turns along the way. Here's a look at the transformation of Mariska Hargitay from her childhood to her iconic run on "Law & Order: SVU.
Mariska Hargitay was born in January 1964 to and Mickey Hargitay. Her parents were no strangers to fame on their own, as Mickey was a former Mr. Universe championship winner, and Mansfield was a famous Hollywood actress. However, tragedy struck for Hargitay in 1967, when Mansfield died in a car accident.
Hargitay also followed in her father's footsteps, becoming Miss Beverly Hills USA in 1982 and going on to compete in the Miss California USA pageant in 1983, where she was less successful. She also went to the UCLA School of Theater Film and Television, but quit before she finished her degree.
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