Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role as Captain Olivia Benson in the long-running series “Law & Order: SVU,” is preparing for an exciting new chapter in her career with her debut on Broadway. The actress recently spoke about her impending role in the play “Every Brilliant Thing,” while also revealing her striking new bob haircut during an appearance on the “Today” show.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/mariska-hargitay-bob-051526-ca4c52e3556b4ce79a9475bd5ec76f06.jpg)
During the segment, which aired on May 14, Hargitay, who is 62, recounted the moment of inspiration that led to her dramatic hairstyle change. The decision was made during a promotional photoshoot for the play. She shared her experience with host Savannah Guthrie, explaining that she felt an overwhelming sense of clarity about the change. “Do you know that I was at the photo shoot for Every Brilliant Thing and I had my hair — I was still shooting SVU,” she recalled. “I got there, and it just came to me. I said, ‘I have to cut my hair off.’”
Hargitay was aided in her transformation by her hairstylist, Adir Abergel, who quickly arranged for a wig to be used for the photoshoot. “That photo shoot was a wig because I had to go back to SVU,” she added. Upon returning to her regular filming schedule, Hargitay decided to cut her hair. When asked if the change was difficult for her, she expressed that it was quite the opposite. “It was not at all hard for me. I had such clarity that I needed something new, and I wanted to get rid of it because there’s a different energy in this character.”
The new bob hairstyle, which features soft waves, has garnered attention on social media. Earlier this month, Hargitay’s stylist shared pictures on Instagram, showcasing her radiant look. With her transformed appearance, Hargitay was seen smiling, fully embracing the energetic shift in her character’s spirit.
The actress’s hair now also features honey-coloured highlights, capturing attention in various photographs. One particularly striking image shows Hargitay in front of a black backdrop, sunlight enhancing the shine of her new hairstyle.
Her haircut reveal comes just a month after the announcement of her Broadway debut, which will take place in “Every Brilliant Thing” following Daniel Radcliffe’s final performances on May 24. The promotional images for the play exhibit Hargitay with her newly cropped hairstyle, further solidifying her fresh transition into theatre.
In promoting her upcoming role, Hargitay eloquently expressed her excitement, stating, “I read Every Brilliant Thing and cried, rejoiced, laughed, cried some more, and loved it so much.” Her enthusiasm for the material’s themes of healing and renewal is evident, and she is particularly drawn to the complexities portrayed in the narrative.
“Every Brilliant Thing” is a play penned by Duncan Macmillan alongside Jonny Donahoe, which has received international acclaim, having been performed in over 80 countries. The production, which recently concluded a successful run in the West End, has now transferred to Broadway, following a previous adaptation into an HBO special featuring co-creator Donahoe.
As Hargitay embarks on this new venture, her recent transformation may echo the themes of renewal and personal growth that are central to her character in the play. Audiences will soon have the opportunity to see how she brings this dynamic energy to the stage, adding another layer to her illustrious career.
With her Broadway debut looming, the excitement surrounding Hargitay’s performance in “Every Brilliant Thing” is palpable. Fans and theatre lovers alike are eagerly anticipating how her fresh look and energy will resonate with audiences when the curtain rises on this celebrated production.