In a recent episode of Variety’s Actors on Actors series, two prominent figures from Hollywood, Jamie Lee Curtis and Mariska Hargitay, came together to reflect on their remarkable friendship and the shared experiences stemming from their upbringing as actresses in famous families. The discussion shed light on the intriguing connections between their pasts and how they ultimately forged a close bond as adults.
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Both Curtis and Hargitay navigated the pressures of growing up alongside well-known parents, a topic that initially brought them together. While Jamie is the daughter of legendary actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Mariska comes from the talented lineage of Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay. Intriguingly, the two actresses discovered that their families once lived next to each other in Los Angeles—a revelation that adds an unexpected twist to their longstanding camaraderie.
Jamie, who was born in 1958, reminisced about the past, revealing, “You grew up in a house that was pink at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Carolwood. The house next door was owned by Sonny Bono and Cher before it was purchased by Tony Curtis.” She recalled a childhood encounter, saying, “We met but we don’t know that we met,” referencing a photograph of them together from that time. “Clearly there was a playdate made,” she added, alluding to the playful ambitions of their parents.
Many years later, it was a mutual friend, actress Amy Landecker, who introduced the two women as adults. Landecker recognised the unique connection they could share and encouraged Jamie to reach out to Mariska. Hargitay, now 62, expressed a sense of destiny in their reconnection, stating, “We were sisters from another mother, or sisters from another father.” The serendipity of their meeting seemed almost orchestrated, drawing both women into a friendship that felt as if it had been waiting to happen.
During their initial phone conversation, Hargitay spoke of an instant connection that felt like a vital missing piece of her life. “That first phone call was so emotional,” she explained. “When we have histories like ours, we are in such a unique and singular position that people just can’t understand it unless they’ve lived it.” Their shared experiences as daughters of iconic figures provided them with a level of understanding that few others could comprehend, fostering a bond steeped in empathy.
Despite their newfound friendship, both Jamie and Mariska face the challenge of maintaining their relationship given the geographical distance. Curtis lamented, “We’re not going to get that kind of girlfriend time,” referring to the difficulties of time spent together as both actresses reside on opposite sides of the United States. Nevertheless, they have embraced their time together, creating moments of intimacy in what can be a fast-paced life in Hollywood.
Their friendship blossomed further as Hargitay embarked on the creation of her 2025 documentary, My Mom Jane. The film delves into the life of her mother, Jayne Mansfield, who tragically lost her life in a car accident in 1967 when Mariska was just three years old. The process of making the documentary uncovered longstanding secrets, including the revelation of her biological father, Italian actor Nelson Sardelli—an identity Mariska had only recently disclosed after keeping it private for three decades.
In a cover story with PEOPLE published in May 2026, Mariska shared her emotional journey in documenting her family’s story. “The only way to heal is to be in a community and in the present, and not live in the past,” she explained, reflecting on the cathartic nature of her work. “It gave me a lot of internal space back. I think it changed my nervous system and I did feel so relieved and so free,” she added, emphasising the personal growth she experienced through the filmmaking process.
The friendship between Curtis and Hargitay continues to evolve as they support one another in navigating their respective careers and personal lives. Their shared history as daughters of notable actors not only binds them together but also offers a profound understanding of the intricacies of fame. As their bond deepens, both women remain committed to nurturing their relationship, proving that even in the fast-paced world of Hollywood, genuine connections can thrive against all odds.