Hargitay Reflects on Personal Growth at Shine Away Event

Los Angeles, CA — Mariska Hargitay, known for her role as Olivia Benson in ‘Law & Order: SVU‘, spoke at Hello Sunshine‘s Third Annual Shine Away Event on Saturday, Oct. 11, about the profound impact her character has had on her personal life.

During the panel discussion titled “Connecting Passion to Purpose,” Hargitay shared how portraying Benson for nearly three decades has influenced her growth. “It’s changed me in so many ways. I look at it sort of as the perfect feminist story… I’ve grown into this character and into this person right onscreen and off,” Hargitay said.

Hargitay emphasized the parallels between her character’s journey and her own, saying, “I think I’ve changed in ways that I know, and in so many ways that I don’t know or don’t have words for.” She noted that the experience has allowed her to shed limitations and embrace her ambitions.

Reflecting on her resilience, Hargitay credited her survival from childhood trauma and the strength she’s gained from witnessing the journeys of others. “From experience in early childhood trauma, we learn to survive. I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of watching survivors for the last 27 years,” she said.

Hargitay, who also recently directed a documentary about her mother, Jayne Mansfield, shared, “I’ve been preparing to make it my entire life… Building the infrastructure inside me so I could tell the story in a clear, concise way while battling all these demons.” The documentary, titled ‘My Mom Jayne,’ has generated Oscar nomination buzz.

‘Law & Order: SVU’ airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. ‘My Mom Jayne’ is currently streaming on HBO Max.