SVU star Mariska Hargitay on Her Mom, Jayne Mansfield: A ‘Burden’ in Life
Mariska Hargitay, star of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” is widely recognized for her role as Olivia Benson on the hit primetime show. The accomplished actress has also starred in “ER,” “Falcon Crest,” and more. However, beyond her Hollywood success, she is famously the daughter of legendary actress and Playboy Playmate, Jayne Mansfield.
Jayne Mansfield was a Hollywood sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s, starring in films like “The Girl Can’t Help It,” “The Wayward Bus,” “Promises! Promises!,” and “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” Yet, many overlook her impressive IQ of 160 and her talent as a violinist.
In an interview with Closer Weekly, Mariska Hargitay opened up about her famous mother, the impact of losing her at a young age, and how her connection to Mansfield has shaped her life—for better and for worse.
Mariska Hargitay on the Burden and Trauma of Being Jayne Mansfield’s Daughter
Mariska Hargitay expressed to Closer Weekly that she aspired to make a name for herself in Hollywood based on her own merits, not her family connections. Being the daughter of an icon was challenging, as expectations were high. She stated:
“In some ways, being the daughter of a Hollywood icon has been a burden. I used to hate constant references to my mom because I wanted to be known for myself. Losing my mother at such a young age is the scar of my soul…”
Hargitay was just a young girl when she lost her mother; Mansfield was only 34 years old when she tragically died in a traffic collision.
Leaning into Loss and Understanding Mansfield as a Wife and Mother
Hargitay explained that her grieving process has been a journey, and she has learned to “lean into it” rather than run from the pain. She told Closer Weekly:
“The way I’ve lived with loss is to lean into it. As the saying goes, the only way out is through. In my life, certainly I’ve tried to avoid pain, loss, feeling things. But I’ve learned instead to really lean into it, because sooner or later you have to pay the piper. I’m not saying it’s easy, and it certainly hasn’t been for me. There’s been a lot of darkness. But on the other side things can be so bright.”
Despite the darkness, Hargitay has embraced the pain and emerged stronger, building a successful career. Living with the loss of an iconic mother has been a challenging journey, especially under Hollywood’s watchful eye.
Hargitay also mentioned that becoming a wife and mother has brought her closer to understanding Jayne Mansfield. She now sees her mother in a “new way,” which brings her peace and a deeper appreciation for the legacy she left behind.
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
