Mariska Hargitay, renowned actress and star of the long-running TV series Law & Order: SVU, has shared personal insights about her family one year after the release of her impactful documentary, My Mom, Jayne. In this film, she took a poignant journey to explore the life of her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, and revealed her biological father, Nelson Sardelli.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/mariska-hargitay-dad-1586b8166ae8415d8eb953fb54a0c29b.jpg)
The actress recently spoke with PEOPLE, reflecting on her relationship with her father and their emotional reconciliation. Following the documentary, Hargitay stated that she and Sardelli have reached a supportive and fulfilling relationship. “Nothing has been left unsaid and we arrived at a very beautiful place,” the 62-year-old actress explained, highlighting the depth and complexity of their bond.
The documentary not only examined Mansfield’s life—who tragically died in a car accident in 1967 at the age of 34—but also introduced viewers to Sardelli, a 91-year-old entertainer based in Las Vegas. Although the actress had known about her biological father for over three decades, it was her documentary that allowed her to publicly share this aspect of her life for the first time.
As Hargitay prepares for her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing, set to open on 26 May, she expressed gratitude for her renewed relationship with Sardelli. In the interview, she shared that he is “very excited” about her upcoming performance. “I just saw him a few weeks ago,” she recalls, describing a surprise visit during a recent trip to Las Vegas. “He was so happy.”
The actress conveyed her affection for Sardelli, noting their shared sense of humour and a strong familial connection. “Every moment is a gift… we always laugh,” she remarked. This heartfelt sentiment underscores the importance of their relationship, which has grown stronger since the documentary was released.
Hargitay also emphasised that her entire family is rallying behind her as she embarks on this new chapter in her career. Her husband, Peter Hermann, and their three children, August, Amaya, and Andrew, are all cheering her on, with Sardelli watching proudly from the sidelines. “He’s very excited… I think he’s always very excited when I’m doing new things,” she added, expressing the joy of shared experiences with her father.
The play itself resonates deeply with Hargitay, tackling themes of grief, loss, and the “brilliant things” that infuse life with meaning. Reflecting on her late mother’s own Broadway debut at the age of 22, Hargitay expressed a sense of awe at the parallels between their journeys. “I used to see myself as so different from how she was,” she reflected. “But now I feel like your determination and fearless spirit are extraordinary.”
As she faces this milestone at the age of 62, Hargitay has developed a newfound admiration for Mansfield’s achievements. “Looking back on what she accomplished, it’s astounding,” she admitted. “I see the determination, the focus, and the drive to achieve what she did.”
Tickets for Every Brilliant Thing are now available, making this a momentous occasion not only for Hargitay but also for those who have followed her career and the legacy of her mother.
For more updates on Mariska Hargitay, readers can find further coverage in the latest issue of PEOPLE. This insightful connection between past and present, alongside the celebration of her father’s presence in her life, marks an important chapter in Hargitay’s personal and professional journey.