Mariska Hargitay is famous, and certainly financially secure, but the star of Law & Order: SVU on NBC tells More magazine, “I constantly worry about money. I make a lot now, but I don’t feel that way, because I was poor and had no money for a lot longer than I’ve had it.”

She says that the fickle acting industry is part of what drives her fears. “As an actor, if this show ends next year, then what? As an aging woman, then what? I’m saving money to live on, for the future. There are not that many roles for women, and I’ve been blessed with one of the great ones.”

And in these tough economic times, who isn’t stressed about cash? The down-to-Earth actress, who has cultivated a cultish fan base for her role as Olivia Benson, also opens up about her appearance. “I think I’m a very attractive person, but I don’t put myself in the realm of the beauty. That’s not where I get my esteem. I’m a size 8, and I feel proud of that, because it’s healthy. I’ve never felt compelled to be a skinny actress.”  She even told someone off who questioned her looks! Marishka says, “A guy at ABC told me to change my name and get a nose job. I said, ‘You get a nose job.'”

It’s so refreshing to see a sensible actress who actually accepts her body AND sticks up for it!