Mariska Hargitay Then & Now: Photos Of The ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Star From Her Young Days To Today

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Mariska Hargitay: Photos

Mariska Hargitay: Photos — Mariska Hargitay is a beloved TV actress, known for her longtime part at Det. Olivia Benson in the Law & Order franchise. Born 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.

Here, Mariska looks fresh-faced during an early season of SVU. Over the years her character has risen up the ranks of the NYPD. For more photos of Mariska, chest out our gallery here.

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‘Law & Order: SVU’

‘Law & Order: SVU’ — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay In 2000

Mariska Hargitay In 2000 — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay In 2002

Mariska Hargitay In 2002 — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay At The Premiere Of ‘Insomnia’y

Mariska Hargitay At The Premiere Of ‘Insomnia’y — 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

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Mariska Hargitay At The Premiere Of ‘Secret’

Mariska Hargitay At The Premiere Of ‘Secret’ — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay In 2007

Mariska Hargitay In 2007 — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay At The 2005 Golden Globes

Mariska Hargitay At The 2005 Golden Globes — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay At The 2008 Emmys

Mariska Hargitay At The 2008 Emmys — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay At The 2009 Emmys

Mariska Hargitay At The 2009 Emmys — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay In 2009

Mariska Hargitay In 2009 — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay In 2009

Mariska Hargitay In 2009 — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay In 2009

Mariska Hargitay In 2009 — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay At The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards

Mariska Hargitay At The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay In 2019

Mariska Hargitay In 2019 — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay In 2018

Mariska Hargitay In 2018 — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay At The Premiere of ‘Gutsy’

Mariska Hargitay At The Premiere of ‘Gutsy’ — 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.

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Mariska Hargitay At The 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards

Mariska Hargitay At The 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards — 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.

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