Mariksha Hargitay is an American actress, popular for her role as sex crimes detective Olivia Benson in the television drama, 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit', a character which won her plenty of awards and nominations including Golden Globe and Emmy award. She is the daughter of the famous actor and former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield. As a young child, she lost her mother Jayne Mansfield in a tragic car accident. In the accident, she along with her siblings survived with minor injuries. Mariksha as an actress, made her mark in television through the movie, 'Ghoulies (1985). She also became part of movies such as 'Leaving Las Vegas' (1995), 'Lake Placid' (1999) and 'Plain Truth' (2004). Mariska was fluent in English, Hungarian, French and Italian. Her actress mother, Jayne Mansfield was a popular sex icon of 1950s and 1960's. Her popularity made her termed as poor man's Marilyn Monroe. Read through the article to know more about lives.
Mariksha Magdolna Hargitay was born on January 23, 1964 is a popular American actress and a former beauty queen. As her mother, she too made a mark in television and movies and is mainly known for her characters in 'Ghoulies', a horror comedy film which was released in 1985. Her prominent television debut was through an adventure drama series which was released in 1986. Playing in numerous roles in the late 1980's and 1990's before she was cast as Olivia Benson. The character led her to be the founder of Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports sexually abused women.
Jane Mansfield literally had a short-lived career with plenty of box-office hits. She was honoured with Theatre World Award, Golden Globe and Golden Laurel. In 1955, she became part of the successful 'Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?' and also appeared in the film version of the same. She is also remembered for her role in 'The Girl Can't Help It'in 1956. Her performance in 'The Wayward Bus' (1957) isconsidered as one of the best. She also tried singing for albums like 'Shakespeare, Tchaikovsky & Me', the singles including 'Suey' and 'As The Clouds Drift By'. Mansfield's popular television works includes 'The Red Skelton Show' (1959-1963) and 'The Ed Sullivan Show' (1957).
Mariska Hargitay was honoured with Miss. Beverly Hills in 1982. In the following year, she became the Miss California USA pageant and in 1984, she became part of Ronnie Milsap's music video 'She Loves My Car'. In 1988, she played a character of Carly Fixx in the soap opera 'Falcon Crest'. Mariska was at her best in ''Tequila & Bonetti' in 1992 and appeared in an episode of the fourth season of Seinfeld. She also played the role of Didi Edelstein in 'Can't Hurry Love' in 1995, which also starred Nancy McKeon. In 1997, she also played the role of detective Nina Echeverria in a drama series, 'Prince Street', and had played the recurring role of Cynthia Hooper. Hargitay was married to Peter Hermann who was an actor and a writer. The couple have a baby named August Miklos Friedrich Hermann. In 2006, she received Emmy award.
On June 29, 1967, whenJayne Mansfield and Brody were going home after a nightclub performance in Mississippi, the vehicle that they were going, whipped around a curve and crashed into a slow-moving truck. Both of them were killed instantly. Jayne Mansfield was only 34 years and still in the peak of her career when her glamorous life was cut short by this shocking and tragic accident.
The story of Mariska Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield is an inspiring one for all the mothers and daughters.
Read about Mariska Hargitay and her mother Jayne Mansfield who was known as the poor man's Marilyn Monroe.