Mariska Hargitay Quotes

A collection of quotes by Mariska Hargitay.

Mariska Hargitay is an American actress best known for her role as Olivia Benson on the long-running TV series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Born on January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California, Mariska is the daughter of legendary actress Jayne Mansfield and former Mr. Universe bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay.

Mariska had a passion for acting from a young age and pursued her dreams by attending the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. She gained recognition for her roles in several films and TV shows before landing the iconic role of Detective Olivia Benson in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" in 1999.

Hargitay's portrayal of Benson, a dedicated detective investigating sexually-based offenses, has garnered critical acclaim over the years. Besides her successful acting career, she has used her platform to advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Inspired by the stories she encountered while portraying Benson, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004, aiming to support and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Mariska Hargitay's contributions to both the entertainment industry and her activism have earned her numerous accolades and honors, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her dedication to raising awareness about crucial social issues has made her a respected figure both on and off the screen.

Yes. I did more research than I ever wanted to and saw some

Yes. I did more research than I ever wanted to and saw some things I wish I didn't. I went on ride-alongs, spent time with Homicide, Cold Case, and SVU detectives, hung out in subways learning how to spot pervs and pick-pockets, viewed an autopsy, went to a police firing range, and witnessed court cases and I read, read, read.

Mariska Hargitay

Learning

I think because I became a mom later in life, everything in

I think because I became a mom later in life, everything in life means more.

Mariska Hargitay

Mom

Everything has combined to make my life in New York an amazi

Everything has combined to make my life in New York an amazing experience. I told my manager a few years ago that I wanted to move here and try acting in the theater.

Mariska Hargitay

Amazing

I want to be a fun mom. Not a gasping for air mom.

I want to be a fun mom. Not a gasping for air mom.

Mariska Hargitay

Mom

Chocolate is the first luxury. It has so many things wrapped

Chocolate is the first luxury. It has so many things wrapped up in it: Deliciusness in the moment, childhood memories, and that grin-inducing feeling of getting a reward for being good.

Mariska Hargitay

Good

You know how you wake up in the morning and sometimes you lo

You know how you wake up in the morning and sometimes you look gorgeous and other times you look like you got hit by a mack truck? I realized that my mack truck is food. If I have no sugar, yeast or wine, I have no undereye bags and my skin is perfect.

Mariska Hargitay

Food

You've got to kick fear to the side, because the payoff is h

You've got to kick fear to the side, because the payoff is huge.

Mariska Hargitay

Fear

It's a life's journey of finding ourselves, finding our powe

It's a life's journey of finding ourselves, finding our power, and living for yourself, not for everyone else.

Mariska Hargitay

Power

I am grateful that I didn't let fear get the best of me. It

I am grateful that I didn't let fear get the best of me. It only holds you back from possibilities and greatness.

Mariska Hargitay

Fear

When I was in my early 20s, I had my hair permed. Bad idea!

When I was in my early 20s, I had my hair permed. Bad idea! It turned into total frizz. My advice to women is, if you have nice hair already, don't get a perm, leave your hair alone!

Mariska Hargitay

Alone