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Mariska Hargitay Then & Now: Photos of the ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Star From Her Young Days to Today

By:
January 23, 2024 8:40AM EST
Mariska Hargitay
Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay has been playing Det. Olivia Benson for over two decades. See all her best photos over the years, right here.

Mariska Hargitay is a beloved TV actress, known for her longtime part at Det. Olivia Benson in the Law & Order franchise. Born on January 23, 1964, she was the daughter of bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield.

Mariska first appeared on screen in the 1985 horror comedy Ghoulies. Her major television debut was 1986’s Downtown. After working steadily during the 80s and 90s, the star landed her breakout role as Det. Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 1999. The show is still on TV to this day, making it one of the longest-running primetime series in history.

Her work on SVU inspired her to create the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to people who have been sexually abused. The star has been married to Peter Hermann since 2004 and the pair have three children. For more photos of Mariska, check out our gallery here.

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Mariska Hargitay on ‘SVU’

Mariska Hargitay on ‘SVU’
©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collectio

Mariska Hargitay began playing Det. Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU when the show premiered in 1999. She remains the center of the series 25 years later.

January 21, 2023, 11:57AM
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Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay

Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay
©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collectio

Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay looked so stylish in this 1999 promo shot for Law & Order: SVU. Their characters Benson and Stabler were partners, with undeniable chemistry.

January 21, 2023, 11:57AM
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Mariska Hargitay in 2000

Mariska Hargitay in 2000
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay looked so great at the premiere of Coyote Ugly in New York on Jul. 31, 2000. Her silver top and leather pants were a classic nighttime combo.

January 21, 2023, 11:57AM
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Mariska Hargitay in 2002

Mariska Hargitay in 2002
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay was chic at the amfAR Seasons Of Hope Benefit on Feb. 4, 2002. She wore a white coat with a silver silk dress.

January 21, 2023, 11:57AM
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Mariska Hargitay at the Premiere of ‘Insomnia’

Mariska Hargitay at the Premiere of ‘Insomnia’
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay went with a Dolce & Gabbana sweater and a big cross necklace at the premiere of the movie Insomnia on May 11, 2002. Her hair was short and she gave a big smile

January 21, 2023, 11:57AM
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Mariska Hargitay at the Premiere of ‘Secret’

Mariska Hargitay at the Premiere of ‘Secret’
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay bundled up for the premiere of Joe Gould’s Secret on Mar. 3, 2000. She wore a silk jacket and pink scarf for the outing.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM
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Mariska Hargitay in 2007

Mariska Hargitay in 2007
Everett Collection

Mariska Hargitay attended The New York Times’ 3rd Annual Great Children’s Read on October 14, 2007. Her hair was in a short, sculpted bob and she donned a grey cable-knit cardigan with a pendant necklace.

January 21, 2023, 12:00PM
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Mariska Hargitay at the 2005 Golden Globes

Mariska Hargitay at the 2005 Golden Globes
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay glowed during the 2005 Golden Globes, on January 16, 2005. Her pink silk dress crossed in the front elegantly and she wore diamond drop earrings.

January 21, 2023, 12:00PM
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Mariska Hargitay at the 2008 Emmys

Mariska Hargitay at the 2008 Emmys
Dee Cercone/Everett Collection

Mariska Hargitay went with a bright look during the 2008 Primetime Emmy Awards on September 21, 2008. Her one-shouldered sunshine yellow dress was perfect with teased hair and gold jewelry.

January 21, 2023, 11:57AM
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Mariska Hargitay at the 2009 Emmys

Mariska Hargitay at the 2009 Emmys
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay looked angelic in a silver Carolina Herrera gown at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards on September 20, 2009. Her hair was long and she wore a striking diamond collar.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM
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Mariska Hargitay in 2009

Mariska Hargitay in 2009
Desiree Navarro/Everett Collecti

Mariska Hargitay was electric in blue at the American Ballet Theatre’s 69th Annual Spring Gala at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Cente on May 18, 2009. Her strapless number showed off several cool shades and she teamed the look with layers of diamonds and sleek hair.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM
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Mariska Hargitay in 2009

Mariska Hargitay in 2009
Kristin Callahan/Everett Collect

Mariska Hargitay was in full bloom during American Women in Radio & Television’s The Gracies awards on June 3, 2009. Her white dress had ruffles and was decorated with dark flowers.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM
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Mariska Hargitay in 2009

Mariska Hargitay in 2009
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay looked super cute for the opening night of Guys And Dolls on Broadway on March 1, 2009. Her patterned dress was sleeveless and went great with peep-toe pumps.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM
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Mariska Hargitay at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards

Mariska Hargitay at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay offered up some attitude during the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2015. She dressed up her sleek black sweater dress with necklaces and bangles.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM
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Mariska Hargitay in 2019

Mariska Hargitay in 2019
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay was so sharp during the NBC Entertainment Upfronts 2019 on May 13, 2019. She donned a crisp white jacket over a silk camisole and trousers.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM
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Mariska Hargitay in 2018

Mariska Hargitay in 2018
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay was the center of attention during The Paley Center For Media’s talk titled Creating Great Characters: Dick Wolf & Mariska Hargitay on June 4, 2018. she wore a shiny jacket with a top embroidered with tigers. Lace socks under her heels offered a quirky touch.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM
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Mariska Hargitay at the Premiere of ‘Gutsy’

Mariska Hargitay at the Premiere of ‘Gutsy’
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay was sensational in a suit during the premiere of Gutsy on September 8, 2022. Her faded grey suit and silk blouse looked classic and contemporary.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM
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Mariska Hargitay at the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards

Mariska Hargitay at the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards
Shutterstock

Mariska Hargitay went all out during the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards held at Cipriani South Street on November 7, 2022. Her sleek black mermaid-style dress had angular shoulders, a fitted body, and dramatic tuft of tulle at the bottom.

January 21, 2023, 11:58AM