Mariska Hargitay, the talented actress known for her role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), is not just a hero on screen. She also embodies the same spirit in real life. During the filming of one of the final episodes of SVU’s historic 25th season in New York City, Hargitay, 60, was approached by a young girl who believed her to be a real police officer. This adorable child mistook Hargitay for a true hero because of the badge she wore as part of her character’s outfit.
The incident took place when the little girl got separated from her mother in the Anne Loftus Playground in Fort Tryon Park. Seeking help, she turned to Hargitay, completely oblivious to the film crew and even Ice-T, Hargitay’s scene partner. In the eyes of the child, Hargitay was an on-duty police officer, ready to save the day.
Showing her true character, Hargitay immediately halted production for 20 minutes to assist the child in finding her mother and to comfort them both. This kind gesture showcases Hargitay’s incredible dedication, not only to her role but also to those around her.
Ahead of the premiere of SVU’s 25th season, Hargitay expressed her gratitude for the show’s historic run. Her iconic character, Olivia Benson, became the longest-running character on a prime-time drama series, while the show itself became the longest-running drama series in TV history. Hargitay revealed that she often finds herself slipping into the role of Benson in real-life crisis situations, taking charge and leading with strength and fearlessness. The impact of her character reaches far beyond the screen, with fans inspired by the question, “WWOBD – What would Olivia Benson do?”
Reflecting on the remarkable 25-year journey of SVU, Hargitay admitted to having mixed feelings. On one hand, she can’t believe it’s been a quarter of a century, but on the other hand, she can’t imagine the show coming to an end. She cherishes the opportunity to continue this incredible journey with her cast and crew. Hargitay recognizes that there is still much to look forward to and believes in the power of growth and embracing all aspects of oneself.
Despite the ongoing success, Hargitay remains humble and grounded. Even before the completion of filming for season 25, the show was renewed for an unprecedented 26th season, breaking records as the longest-running primetime live-action series in history. Hargitay’s co-star, Ice-T, who has been part of the show since its second season, credits SVU with transforming his career into a 25-year journey. He highlighted the show’s unique ability to entertain and serve as therapy for survivors, leading to deep connections with viewers.
Mariska Hargitay’s real-life heroism and dedication on and off-screen are truly inspiring. She continues to make a significant impact through her portrayal of Olivia Benson and her genuine compassion for others. Don’t miss Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order: SVU, airing Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.
