Mariska Hargitay, the iconic star of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," recently shared her deeply personal story of overcoming childhood trauma. She recounted the tragic car accident that claimed the life of her mother, the legendary actress Jayne Mansfield, when Mariska was just three years old. Despite this harrowing experience, Mariska has emerged as a beacon of strength and resilience.
In a heartfelt conversation on "The Drew Barrymore Show," Mariska, now 60, celebrated reaching this significant milestone in her life. "This is my badass era," she exclaimed with a smile. "Sixty is the new fifty, and let me tell you, fifty was pretty fantastic—it prepared me for this incredible chapter." Mariska went on to explain how aging has brought her clarity and empowerment. "As we grow older, we really step into our power. We start to focus on what truly matters, and that gives us time and space back," she added.
Host Drew Barrymore, 49, was curious about whether one could achieve such profound self-awareness at a younger age. "Do you think it's possible to get there earlier in life?" Drew asked. Mariska paused thoughtfully before responding. "For me—and I know both of us had unique childhoods filled with pain and trauma—it wasn't about running away," she confessed. "As a young person, I spent years trying to escape those feelings. But eventually, I realized the only way out is through."
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Mariska vividly recalled the tough years when she faced her demons head-on. "There were times when it felt like an endless well of pain, like I'd never find my way out. But then something shifted," she said with a sense of triumph. "I went through the fire, and on the other side, I found clarity and strength. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it."
A Childhood Shaped by Tragedy and Love
Mariska's early life was marked by tragedy when, at just three years old, she survived a car crash that took her mother's life in 1967. Jayne Mansfield, who was only 34 at the time, left behind a legacy of beauty and talent. Mariska herself sustained a scar on her head from the accident, a permanent reminder of that fateful day. Her two older brothers also survived the crash.
Despite the loss, Mariska has always maintained a positive outlook. "I have so many blessings in my life," she told Redbook in 2009. "Every experience, even the painful ones, has taught me something valuable. Being exposed to tragedy at such a young age has made me incredibly grateful for everything life has given me. I truly feel like the luckiest person in the world."
An insider shared with Life & Style that Mariska's upbringing was filled with love and support. "Even though her mom's death was tragic, Mariska had her dad, Mickey Hargitay, who was a bodybuilder and Mr. Universe, along with her stepmom and stepsiblings," the source revealed. "She grew up in a stable home where she was surrounded by love and encouragement."
Family and Healing
Mariska found immense healing in her role as a mother to her three children—August, Amaya, and Andrew. She married actor Peter Hermann on August 28, 2004, after they met on the set of "Law & Order: SVU" in 2002. "Becoming a parent erased so many of my negative childhood feelings and replaced them with something new and beautiful," she shared with Redbook. Her husband has been a pillar of support throughout her journey. "Everything in my life led me to meeting Peter," she said with gratitude. "I am so thankful for him."
