Mariska Hargitay Recalls Being ‘Thrown in the Slammer’ After Arrest in Her 20s

Mariska Hargitay’s Run-in with the Law in Her 20s

Mariska Hargitay, known for her iconic role as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU, recently shared a surprising story from her past on the latest episode of Call Her Daddy. The actress revealed that she was arrested in her 20s after filming a music video for Ronnie Milsap.

The incident occurred when Hargitay, clad in a bright pink costume and lots of makeup, was rushing home to see her parents before they left on a trip to Africa. She admitted to speeding through a stop sign, which ultimately led to her being “thrown in the slammer.” Reflecting on the experience, she described it as “an excellent story.”

During the podcast episode, Hargitay recounted the events that unfolded after she was pulled over for running the stop sign. She explained that the officer discovered she had outstanding parking tickets amounting to $3,000 from her time at UCLA. This, coupled with her unconventional outfit post-music video shoot, led to her arrest.

Despite pleading with the officer to let her go and see her parents before their trip, Hargitay ended up in jail. She highlighted the irony of the situation, as even someone like Olivia Benson found herself on the wrong side of the law at one point in her life.

Hargitay’s bail was set at around $180, but with her twenties’ habit of not carrying cash, she found herself “one $20 short of making bail.” This resulted in her spending time in a cell, where she struck up conversations with fellow inmates and ultimately made some memorable phone calls upon her release.

The actress managed to find humour in the situation, joking about her reason for being in jail being a mere speeding ticket when asked by other inmates. Her story serves as a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the consequences of their actions.

Hargitay’s documentary, “My Mom Jayne,” is set to debut on HBO Max on June 27, offering fans a deeper insight into her personal life and family history. Meanwhile, Alex Cooper’s documentary, “Call Her Alex,” is currently available on Hulu, providing audiences with another intriguing narrative to explore.

In a candid and light-hearted conversation on Call Her Daddy, Mariska Hargitay shared a glimpse of her past that showcased a different side of the beloved actress. Her willingness to recount this humorous yet insightful anecdote further endeared her to fans, highlighting her relatability and down-to-earth nature despite her fame.

As fans eagerly anticipate the release of her documentary and continue to follow her impressive career, Hargitay’s story serves as a reminder that life’s unexpected twists and turns can lead to memorable experiences that shape who we are today.