Mariska Hargitay has revealed a profound family secret regarding the identity of her biological father. The actress, known for her role on Law & Order: SVU, previously believed that her father was Mickey Hargitay, a Hungarian bodybuilding champion and actor who wed her mother, the late Jayne Mansfield, in 1956.
Hargitay’s life took a tragic turn at the age of three when she and her mother were involved in a fatal car accident that claimed Mansfield’s life. Following this, Mickey raised their three children, earning Mariska’s unwavering admiration. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she reflected on this relationship, stating, "He was my everything, my idol. He loved me profoundly, and I felt that love deeply."
As time passed, Mariska sensed a disconnection between herself and her siblings—Jayne Marie, Zoltan, and Mickey Jr. This feeling intensified in her twenties when she came across a photograph of Nelson Sardelli, an Italian entertainer with whom Mansfield briefly dated after filing for divorce from Mickey in the early 1960s. Mariska intuitively concluded that Sardelli was her biological father. Despite her inquiries, Mickey dismissed her suspicions, leading to years of silence on the subject.
At the age of 30, Mariska sought out Sardelli in Atlantic City, introducing herself shortly before he expressed his long-held anticipation for their meeting. Recalling the encounter, she remarked, “I went full Olivia Benson on him,” emphasizing her loyalty to Mickey, who passed away in 2006.
In time, Mariska fostered a meaningful relationship with Sardelli and his daughters, ultimately realizing that her mother’s decision to reconcile with Mickey stemmed from a desire to provide stability for her. "I grew up where I was supposed to, and I know that everyone made the best choice for me," she affirmed. "I am Mickey Hargitay’s daughter—that is not a lie."
This newfound understanding is also explored in her documentary My Mom Jayne, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and will debut on HBO on June 27.
Vocabulary List:
- Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): Having or showing great knowledge or insight.
- Fatal /ˈfeɪ.tl/ (adjective): Resulting in death; causing death.
- Disconnection /ˌdɪs.kəˈnɛk.ʃən/ (noun): A lack of connection or relationship.
- Intuitively /ɪnˈtjuː.ɪ.tɪv.li/ (adverb): In a way that is based on feelings rather than facts or proof.
- Anticipation /ænˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The action of anticipating something; expectation or prediction.
- Stability /stəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The state of being stable consistent or secure.
