In a light-hearted exchange during the latest episode of the “Actors on Actors” series, Mariska Hargitay and Jamie Lee Curtis engaged in a playful debate over the correct pronunciation of Los Angeles. The episode was released on June 15, 2025, showcasing the camaraderie between the two accomplished actresses known for their respective leading roles in “Law & Order: SVU” and “Scarpetta.”
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The conversation took an amusing turn when the pair turned their attention to the name of California’s most populous city. Curtis, aged 67, recounted a conversation they had previously regarding Hargitay’s documentary project, “My Mom Jayne.” However, Hargitay, 62, interjected, teasing Curtis for her apparent pronunciation of the city.
“You’re saying Los Angeles,” Hargitay asserted, humour evident in her voice. This prompted a brief playful exchange, with Hargitay insisting on the correct diction while Curtis rebutted with her own interpretation. “We had this argument,” Curtis chimed in, prompting more laughter from Hargitay as she reiterated, “You say Los Angeles!”
In a bid to settle their friendly dispute, Hargitay turned to the crew present during the filming of the interview, asking their opinions on how to pronounce the name. Hargitay’s insistence on her view was clear as she remarked, “Nobody says that. You guys, please God, let’s move on.” Curtis attempted to steer the conversation back to more serious matters but was met with Hargitay’s cheeky interruptions.
Beyond their playful banter, the discussion also delved into Hargitay’s recent ventures. The actress spoke excitedly about making her Broadway debut in the play “Every Brilliant Thing,” noting that it was a long-held ambition realised. “This was a dream come true for me,” Hargitay shared, emphasising how different she felt performing on stage compared to her long-time role as Olivia Benson.
Reflecting on her journey, Hargitay reminisced about advice she received in her youth from esteemed stage actress Kathleen Chalfant, who warned her against becoming too comfortable with television. “An hour after our conversation, I got the call offering me a role on ‘SVU’,” she recounted, illustrating the tension between her aspirations for theatre and the success she found in television.
Hargitay expressed a sense of exhilaration at the challenges posed by performing live on stage, describing it as being akin to “going out without a net.” She acknowledged the familiarity of her role on “SVU,” where she feels confident enough to direct the flow of the shoot. However, on Broadway, the stakes felt different: “I can’t stop the show and ask for a redo, but that’s the excitement,” she insisted.
The actress also revealed that she connected with her Broadway character on a personal level. “I found so many elements of myself in this role,” Hargitay explained. Audiences can expect a unique versatility from her performance as she navigates the intricate nuances of a live theatre setting.
Curtis, renowned for her work in film and television, echoed the sentiment of mutual appreciation during their exchange. Their interaction encapsulated not just the chemistry between two remarkable actresses but also spotlighted Hargitay’s exciting new chapter in her career, encouraging her fans to witness a different facet of her talents.
As the conversation seamlessly blended between humour and heartfelt revelations, it became clear that both Hargitay and Curtis are not just celebrated actresses — they are also passionate advocates for their craft, keen to explore new challenges and share their experiences with each other and their audiences.