Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” has opened up about the profound impact her late father, Mickey Hargitay, had on her life and the devastating toll that multiple myeloma has taken on families like hers. This reflection comes as she partners with Bristol Myers Squibb to raise awareness about the incurable blood cancer which claimed her father’s life in 2006.
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Mickey Hargitay, a celebrated bodybuilder and actor, was not only a figure of health but also a source of inspiration for his family. However, after Mariska’s wedding to Peter Hermann in 2004, she noticed a change in her father’s energy levels. “Something was different about him,” she recalled. “He was very powerful and vibrant, but at my wedding, I noticed he was kind of low energy. I initially thought it was just an emotional reaction to me getting married.”
Following the wedding, Mickey confided in his daughter about his deteriorating health. He experienced exhaustion and persistent bone pain, symptoms that led to a shocking diagnosis for the family: multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Mariska described the diagnosis as “truly shocking,” particularly given her father’s previously robust health and dedication to physical fitness, having won the Mr. Universe title in 1955.
“His strength had always been a cornerstone of our lives,” she expressed. “When we learned of his illness, it was hard to comprehend. He had always said he would live to be 150, and we believed him. Watching his steady decline was devastating; he lost weight and his energy diminished. It was an incredibly challenging time for all of us.”
Despite the grim prognosis, Mariska noted her father’s remarkable spirit. “It was extraordinary to witness how he approached his illness with dignity and strength. He continually expressed a positive attitude, insisting, ‘We’re going to deal with this.’”
Mickey Hargitay succumbed to the disease in September 2006 at the age of 80. Mariska described the loss as a profound heartbreak. “He was our hero and our north star,” she said, reflecting on the legacy he left behind. “My siblings and I still feel his guiding presence. The experience ultimately deepened our family bond, allowing us to say our goodbyes, a gift that I cherish.”
Each year, approximately 36,000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Mariska emphasized the challenges that accompany such a diagnosis. “People often shut down, isolating themselves when they receive scary news like this. This shouldn’t be the case. It’s essential to remain engaged with one another, support one another, and consult with medical professionals to understand available options.”
In tribute to her father’s memory, Mariska is launching the “Investigating Myeloma” campaign in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb. This initiative aims to raise awareness of multiple myeloma and underscore the importance of continued research into the disease.
“I have always felt strongly about discussing topics that are often overlooked,” she stated. “Talking about our vulnerabilities is not just powerful, it’s liberating.”
While recognising the complexities of living with multiple myeloma, Mariska reassured that advancements in treatment are underway. “Though the disease remains incurable, it is treatable, which marks a significant difference,” she explained. “Bristol Myers Squibb’s CELMoD research is at the forefront of this effort, aiming to harness the immune system to combat cancer cells effectively.”
“There’s a notable shift in hope now as compared to when my father was diagnosed,” Mariska added. “There are promising developments that I believe can transform the landscape of this disease. I feel compelled to share this message of hope widely.”
In sharing her story and advocating for research into multiple myeloma, Mariska Hargitay not only honours her father’s legacy but also inspires others facing similar battles. Her courage in confronting difficult subjects serves to illuminate the path toward understanding and overcoming the challenges posed by this complex condition.