Mariska Hargitay Discusses the Perceived Connection Between Her Character Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU and Her Deceased Mother Jayne Mansfield
Mariska Hargitay, the acclaimed actress known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU, has delved into the similarities and differences between her mother, the iconic Jayne Mansfield, and her groundbreaking character.
Jayne Mansfield, a 1950s bombshell and sex symbol, was often typecast in hyper-feminized roles with a glamorous but complicated public persona. Her put-on, breathy voice masked a more complex self that Hargitay came to understand through her documentary, My Mom Jayne. In contrast, Olivia Benson is a tough, compassionate advocate for victims of abuse, symbolising a markedly different legacy from her mother's Hollywood image.
However, despite the contrasting public images, Hargitay's work as Benson is inspired by a deep sense of championing women's stories. This reflects a more complex and compassionate side that she discovered in her mother through revisiting her life beyond the bombshell stereotype.
Both women, in their respective ways, have become icons of strength. Mansfield as a glamorous, larger-than-life figure who defied convention, and Benson as a symbol of justice and hope for survivors of trauma.
Hargitay's journey to confront her mother's legacy—through making the documentary and uncovering family secrets—helped her appreciate the "other part" of Jayne Mansfield beyond the public image. This understanding enriched both her personal life and her artistic portrayal as Benson.
Law & Order: SVU, featuring Hargitay as Olivia Benson, is currently streaming on Peacock with a subscription. My Mom Jayne, Hargitay's documentary, is available to stream on HBO and HBO Max.
[1] My Mom Jayne, directed by Mariska Hargitay, examines the life of her late mother, Jayne Mansfield. [2] In the documentary, Hargitay subverts or examines Mansfield's legacy, particularly in her portrayal of Olivia Benson.
[1] Mariska Hargitay's documentary, "My Mom Jayne," provides a daily blend of interviews and insights into the life of her late mother, Jayne Mansfield, offering a deeper understanding of her complex persona.
[2] This examination of Jayne Mansfield's legacy, as reflected in Hargitay's documentary, intertwines with her portrayal of Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU, creating a unique link between movies-and-tv, entertainment, and the lives of celebrities.
