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Mariska Hargitay’s journey to becoming Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU wasn’t what she had planned. After her time on the show ER, she was exploring new opportunities when a script for a new show came her way. She had no idea that this role would end up changing her life. As soon as she read the script, she felt a deep connection to the character.
Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order: SVU | Credits: NBCIt was clear to her that this was the role she was meant to play. But getting the part wasn’t as simple as it seemed. And she knew she had to take bold steps to make sure the role was hers.
How did Mariska Hargitay know Olivia Benson was her role?
Mariska Hargitay is best known for her iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson on the long-running TV show Law & Order: SVU. However, her journey to landing this role wasn’t something she had planned. It all started after she finished her time on ER and was considering her next big project. She had no idea that the role she was about to step into would change her life forever.
Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order: SVU | Credits: NBCWhile Hargitay was working on a development deal with another network, her agent called her with news about a potential new show. The agent wasn’t sure if it was something she would be interested in but suggested she read the script just in case. The actress recalled the moment she first read the script for Law & Order: SVU, and added via an interview with Marie Claire:
I read the script, and I was absolutely done. I didn’t know a lot about s*xual assault or domestic violence back then, but I knew I’d never connected to a script more. I felt the part in my soul.
Hargitay felt a deep connection to Olivia, even though the subject matter was something she hadn’t personally experienced at the time. The character spoke to her in a way no other role had before, and she knew she had to pursue it. When the time came for her to audition for the role, she found herself in a waiting room filled with other actresses.
While she was waiting, she knew she had to make it clear to the show’s creator, Dick Wolf, just how much she wanted the part. Hargitay didn’t hesitate and confidently told him “I need you to understand, this is my role.”
Her determination paid off, and she was cast as Detective Olivia Benson. From that moment on, the role became a part of her, and she would go on to define the character for millions of viewers around the world.
Mariska Hargitay’s pregnancy changed her outlook on life
Mariska Hargitay experienced a life-changing transformation when she became pregnant. The excitement of expecting her first child was an emotional and physical journey that not only brought joy to her and her husband, Peter Hermann but also reshaped the way she viewed the world around her.
Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU | Credits: NBCIn 2006, Hargitay and Hermann welcomed their son, August, and the experience was one she’ll never forget. Even before the physical signs of pregnancy appeared, Hargitay was already fully embracing the changes ahead. As she shared with Self (via People):
Nobody wanted to be pregnant more than me. From the minute I found out, I was wearing full-on maternity pants. My stomach was totally flat, mind you, but I was just so excited.
But it wasn’t just her own journey that left an impression. As her pregnancy progressed, she noticed something surprising.
Complete strangers would go out of their way to make her feel comfortable, which deeply impacted her. She recalled in an interview via USA Today:
When I was pregnant, I was so huge and people on the bus would get up for me. That made me feel so precious and valued and valuable. I try to treat everyone like they’re pregnant.
Her pregnancy experience instilled in her a sense of empathy and respect for others. This lesson in kindness wasn’t something she kept to herself and has always tried to instill this in her children as well.
You can watch all the seasons of Law & Order: SVU on Apple TV and Hulu.
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