Remembering Jayne Mansfield: Mariska Hargitay Shares Her Mother’s Legacy
When Mariska Hargitay was just three years old, her life changed forever when her mother, the legendary Jayne Mansfield, tragically passed away in a car accident. Even though Mariska was so young at the time, the 54-year-old actress says her mother's influence has been a guiding light throughout her life. "My mom was this incredible, stunning sex symbol, but people didn't know she played the violin, had an IQ of 160, and was a mom of five who adored dogs," Mariska revealed in a heartfelt interview. "She was truly ahead of her time. She inspired me with her zest for life, and I think I carry that same passion for living," she tearfully shared.
Mariska's connection to her mother runs deep. "Someone once told me, 'If you want to remember your mom, just look in the mirror.' She's always with me, even today," the star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit told People. Jayne was only 34 when she died in 1967, and losing a parent at such a young age has been an emotional journey for Mariska. "It hasn't been easy dealing with the loss of a parent, especially at such a tender age," she admitted.
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Learning to Lean Into Loss
Mariska has learned to embrace her grief rather than avoid it. "The way I've coped with loss is by leaning into it. As they say, the only way out is through. I've tried to escape pain and loss, but I've realized that confronting it is the key," she confessed. "It's not easy, and it certainly hasn't been for me. There have been dark times, but on the other side, things can shine so brightly." After Jayne's passing, Mariska was raised by her father, bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, who passed away in 2006 from cancer at the age of 80.
"Losing my dad, who was everything to me—my strength, my power, the person who believed in me—was monumental. But I was lucky enough to say goodbye. He looked at me calmly and said, 'Mariska... Always.' I was so much like him, and the gift I received was knowing that he lived in me. I carried his fire, his lessons, his compassion, love, and kindness. Even though he's physically gone, I feel him with me every day," she told People.
Mariska's late parents, Mickey and Jayne.
Living in the Shadow of Legends
In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Mariska admitted it hasn't always been easy living in the shadows of her famous parents. "Being the daughter of a Hollywood icon has been a burden at times. I used to hate the constant comparisons to my mom because I wanted to be known for myself. Losing my mom so young left a scar on my soul," she revealed. Though she doesn't share her mother's iconic blonde hair, Mariska did inherit Jayne's distinctive laugh. "Mariska was always a fun-loving, silly, sweet girl. She had this laugh that could light up a room, and she's had it her whole life," her half-brother Tony Cimber told Closer.
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Becoming a Mother: The Deepest Connection
Becoming a mother herself has brought Mariska closer to understanding her own mother. "Being a wife and mother is what defines me, and it brings me the most joy. It gives me a new perspective on my mom that brings me peace. Now I understand the depth of her love, and it makes me feel closer to her," Mariska told Closer. Like her mother, Mariska has carved out a successful career in Hollywood while balancing family life.
