Mariska Hargitay, American actress and producer
Mariska Magdolna Hargitay (; born January 23, 1964) is an American actress, director and philanthropist. The daughter of bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield, her accolades include a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Hargitay made her film debut in the 1985 horror comedy film Ghoulies and her major television debut in the 1986 adventure drama series Downtown. She appeared in numerous film and television roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s, before landing the starring role of Olivia Benson on the NBC drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999–present), for which she has received widespread acclaim. Outside of acting, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to people who have been sexually abused.