Mariska Hargitay recently paid tribute to her mother, the iconic actress Jayne Mansfield, in honour of what would have been her 93rd birthday. Mansfield, a prominent figure in Hollywood during the 1950s and 60s, was known for her glamorous image and vibrant personality before her tragic death in a car accident at the age of 34, when Mariska was just three years old.
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On Sunday, 19 April, Hargitay took to Instagram to share a poignant black-and-white photograph of her mother on a film set, accompanied by a heartfelt message. “Happy Heavenly Birthday mama Jayne,” the 62-year-old actress wrote, celebrating her mother’s legacy. Mariska is widely recognized for her role as Olivia Benson in the long-running NBC series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” which she has starred in for 27 seasons.
Jayne Mansfield was not only a Hollywood star but also a devoted mother to three children, including Mariska, Miklós, and Zoltan, whom she had with husband Mickey Hargitay. The couple married in 1958, and Mickey, a former Mr Universe, became notable in his own right, featured alongside Mansfield in films such as “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” and “The Loves of Hercules.”
Reflecting on the profound impact of her mother’s untimely passing, Mariska has often mentioned how it has influenced her life. In an interview with PEOPLE in 2018, she discussed her approach to loss: “The way I’ve lived with loss is to lean into it. As the saying goes, the only way out is through. I’m not saying it’s easy, and it certainly hasn’t been for me. There’s been a lot of darkness. But on the other side things can be so bright.”
Mariska has also spoken about the strong resemblance she feels with her mother, stating, “Someone once said about [remembering] my mother: ‘All you have to do is look in the mirror.’” This connection to her mother has become an integral part of her identity and continued to shape her personal and professional life.
In April 2025, Mariska announced the release of a documentary titled “My Mom Jayne,” which premiered on Max in June 2025. The documentary aims to explore the life of Jayne Mansfield through the eyes of her daughter, offering intimate insights and reflections. “This movie is a labour of love and longing,” Mariska said, describing her efforts as a way to reconnect with the mother she lost too early. “I’ve always believed there is strength in vulnerability, and the process of making this film has confirmed that belief like never before.”
Mickey Hargitay, who passed away in 2006 after a prolonged illness, also played a significant role in shaping Mariska’s resilience. She has credited him with instilling a sense of perseverance, especially in her career. “I could have quit a million times, but my dad drilled into me that our family doesn’t quit,” Mariska revealed in a 2019 interview with Parade, reflecting on the challenges she faced before landing her iconic role in “Law & Order: SVU.”
As she continues to remember and celebrate her mother’s life and legacy, Mariska Hargitay serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of family, love, and the strength derived from overcoming personal loss. The recent anniversary of Jayne Mansfield’s birth not only highlights her impact as a Hollywood star but also underscores her lasting connection with her daughter, who carries her memory forward in both her personal life and professional pursuits.