Mariska Hargitay’s Absence Explained During Maternity Leave

NEW YORK, NY — Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Captain Olivia Benson in NBC‘s long-running series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” recently shared insights regarding her character’s absence from the show during her maternity leave. Hargitay took time off to welcome her son August, which prompted the producers to create an in-universe explanation for Captain Benson’s temporary disappearance.

In a recent interview, Hargitay reflected on the challenges she faced as an expectant mother working in television. “In the beginning of 2006, I was like a lot of women in America — pregnant and still on the job,” she explained. Hargitay emphasized that while many actresses have their pregnancies written into scripts, it was not an option for her character. “There’s no time for morning sickness when you’re running through the streets of New York lugging a gun,” she noted.

The writers opted for a different storyline rather than having Olivia Benson become a mother during Hargitay’s pregnancy. To maintain the character’s commitment to her work, Hargitay went undercover, allowing for the introduction of a temporary partner, Detective Dani Beck, played by Connie Nielsen, over the course of six episodes. This decision helped to preserve the essence of Benson’s character without derailing the show’s ongoing narrative.

Hargitay eventually embraced motherhood in a way that aligned with her character’s story arc. Seven seasons later, Benson adopted Noah, the orphaned son of a trafficking victim, marking a pivotal moment in both her personal and professional life. “One of the greatest things about becoming a mother is that it redefines you. I never knew I was capable of loving another person so much,” Hargitay shared in a TV Guide article about her experience.

Fans of the series are encouraged to catch new episodes of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC and streaming the following day on Peacock. This show remains committed to depicting issues surrounding crime and justice while highlighting the personal growth of its characters.