Mariska Hargitay on 26 Seasons as "Olivia Benson" and Her Character's Impact

Summary

Summary of "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist: Mariska Hargitay on 26 Seasons as 'Olivia Benson' and Her Character's Impact"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
• Host: Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY
• Episode: Mariska Hargitay on 26 Seasons as "Olivia Benson" and Her Character's Impact
• Release Date: January 12, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist," host Willie Geist engages in an in-depth conversation with Mariska Hargitay, celebrating her remarkable 26-season tenure as Captain Olivia Benson on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Willie highlights Mariska’s unparalleled achievement as the longest-running female actor in a single series in American television history, with an impressive 560 episode count. [00:51]

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Mariska Hargitay opens up about her upbringing in Southern California, shaped by her parents—bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay and iconic actress Jayne Mansfield, who tragically passed away in a car accident when Mariska was just three years old. She reflects on her early acting roles in shows like Falcon Crest and ER, detailing the perseverance required to land the pivotal audition for Olivia Benson in the spring of 1999. [00:15]

Notable Quote:

"Growing up in Southern California, especially after losing my mother at such a young age, taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance." – Mariska Hargitay [00:15]

The Birth and Evolution of Olivia Benson

Mariska delves into the genesis of Olivia Benson, describing how the character was crafted to embody strength, empathy, and resilience. She discusses the initial challenges of stepping into a role that required her to portray a complex, authoritative figure while simultaneously advocating for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Over the years, Olivia has evolved from a detective to a captain and eventually an executive producer, mirroring Mariska’s own growth both personally and professionally. [05:29]

Notable Quote:

"Olivia Benson is the perfect feminist story—someone who learns, grows, and ultimately steps into her power in every aspect of her life." – Mariska Hargitay [05:29]

Overcoming Early Challenges

The conversation transitions to the numerous obstacles Mariska faced during the early years of SVU. She discusses navigating the dynamics with producer Dick Wolf, managing relationships with seasoned actors like Chris Meloni, and maintaining her artistic integrity amidst the pressures of a long-running show. Mariska emphasizes the importance of asserting her voice and not compromising her creativity, which was crucial in shaping both her character and the show’s direction. [07:37]

Notable Quote:

"Learning how to grow into my role without compromising myself or my artistry was essential for me and for Olivia." – Mariska Hargitay [07:41]

Collaborating with Dick Wolf and the SVU Team

Mariska shares her deep respect and collaborative relationship with Dick Wolf, the creative force behind SVU. She attributes much of the show’s success to Wolf’s keen understanding of storytelling and his ability to balance complex characters. The synergy between Olivia Benson and her colleagues, particularly the dynamic between Benson and Detective Elliot Stabler, is highlighted as a cornerstone of the show's enduring appeal. [09:45]

Notable Quote:

"Dick Wolf understands that part, and he’s a visionary. His legacy with SVU will never be challenged because he knows what truly resonates with the audience." – Mariska Hargitay [10:06]

Impact of SVU and the Joyful Heart Foundation

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the societal impact of SVU and Mariska’s philanthropic efforts through the Joyful Heart Foundation. After attending an event where she was introduced to the staggering statistics of sexual assault and domestic violence, Mariska was moved to action. This experience led her to create a foundation dedicated to supporting survivors, advocating for legislative changes, and eradicating the rape kit backlog. She explains how SVU became more than just a television show—it became a platform for meaningful change and community support. [12:37]

Notable Quote:

"What happened to you mattered, and you matter. Your healing matters." – Mariska Hargitay [47:04]

Longevity and Connection with the Audience

Mariska discusses the factors contributing to SVU’s longevity, emphasizing the show's ability to tackle real and difficult issues that resonate deeply with viewers. She believes that by addressing topics like sexual assault and violence, SVU provides a sense of community and hope, making viewers feel less alone in their struggles. This emotional connection has allowed the show to remain relevant and impactful over its extensive run. [18:53]

Notable Quote:

"What happens to you doesn't define you. It makes you feel less alone and offers hope." – Mariska Hargitay [18:59]

Dealing with Fame and Personal Life

When addressing the challenges of fame, Mariska credits her late-in-life success with allowing her to handle celebrity status with humility. She acknowledges the deep connection her audience feels with her, not just through SVU, but also through her advocacy work. Mariska maintains that her grounded nature and gratitude for her opportunities have helped her navigate the complexities of fame effectively. [40:44]

Notable Quote:

"I was already kind of cooked as a person and had a lot of humble pie, which helped me handle the fame later in life." – Mariska Hargitay [41:12]

The Joyful Heart Foundation's Mission and Achievements

Mariska elaborates on the mission of the Joyful Heart Foundation, highlighting its focus on supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. She underscores the importance of listening and believing survivors, sharing that one of the foundation’s key achievements has been influencing legislative changes in 49 out of 50 states to eliminate the rape kit backlog. Additionally, the foundation has launched initiatives like "Heal the Healers" to support those experiencing vicarious trauma. [43:45]

Notable Quote:

"You never underestimate the power we have to change the trajectory of another person's life by being kind and listening." – Mariska Hargitay [44:17]

Influence on Pop Culture and Personal Reflections

Mariska shares heartwarming anecdotes about the influence of Olivia Benson on fans, including celebrities like Taylor Swift, who named her cat after the character. She reflects on the profound impact the role has had on young girls, providing them with a powerful and empathetic figure to look up to. This mutual admiration between Mariska and her fans fuels her passion for both her acting and advocacy work. [49:20]

Notable Quote:

"Seeing my daughter and every little girl go there and just weep is spectacular. It’s an intimate part of a little girl's tender journey." – Mariska Hargitay [51:10]

Maintaining Excellence and Team Cohesion

Mariska emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards on set, insisting on honesty and excellence from her team. She describes the SVU cast and crew as a family committed to telling impactful stories, often pushing each other to perform at their best. This culture of trust and constructive feedback has been essential in sustaining the show's quality over two and a half decades. [36:35]

Notable Quote:

"I demand honesty. If something isn't working, we just go again. We don't accept mediocrity." – Mariska Hargitay [38:55]

Conclusion

Willie Geist concludes the episode by expressing gratitude to Mariska Hargitay for her candid and inspiring conversation. Mariska reciprocates the sentiment, celebrating the enduring legacy of SVU and her ongoing commitment to advocacy through the Joyful Heart Foundation. The episode serves as a testament to Mariska’s dedication, resilience, and the profound impact she has made both on and off the screen.

Final Notable Quote:

"What happened to you matters, you matter, and your healing matters." – Mariska Hargitay [47:04]

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This comprehensive discussion not only honors Mariska Hargitay’s exceptional career but also sheds light on her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of survivors. Through her portrayal of Olivia Benson and her real-life advocacy, Mariska has created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide.

Transcript

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[Willie Geist]

Hey guys, Willie Geist here with another episode of the Sunday Sit Down Podcast. My thanks as always for clicking and listening along. I am very excited to bring you my conversation today with Mariska Hargitay doesn't need much of an introduction, of course. She's been playing detective now Captain Olivia Benson on Law and Order, Special Victims Unit SVU for 26 seasons. Yeah, they're in the middle of their 26th season. That series premiered in September of 1999. It is now officially the longest running primetime drama series in the history of of American television. And Mariska is the longest running female actor in a single series in the history of television. She's been in 560 episodes. Incredible run. So we talk about the birth of that role. We go back even further to her growing up in Southern California, the son of a bodybuilder, Mickey Hargitay, and an iconic actress, Jane Mansfield, who died in a car accident when Mariska was only three years old. So we talk about her rise and kind of her slow burn. She was working as an actor for a long time on shows like Falcon Crest and ER before she got this audition in the spring of 1999 to become Olivia Benson. Also talk about how the growth of the character Olivia Benson has mirrored her own growth as a woman, becoming an executive producer on Law and svu, directing a whole bunch of episodes and creating the Joyful Heart foundation, the work that Olivia Benson does on the show. Becoming now Outside in many ways an inspiration for the work that Mariska does. So much to talk about her. A big milestone. She turned 60 last year. 20 years of marriage, 20 years of the Joyful Heart Foundation, 25 years of SVU. Just such a dynamic and smart person. So fun and inspiring to sit down and talk with. I think you'll really enjoy the Conversation right now with Mariska Hargitay on the Sunday Sit down podcast.

[Mariska Hargitay]

Mariska, so nice to meet you. I feel like I already know you from our little pre chat.

I feel the same way.

I'm so.

And I've heard good things.

Likewise.

Real good things about you.

Mutual friends.

Yes, mutual friends. And just good. Like, solid and good.

Well, I hope that's a lot to live up to.

So I'll do my best.

I'll do my best. I'm so happy to be sitting here with you in the middle of your 26th, sixth season on SVU, which is just an astonishing thing. The longest running primetime drama in the history of network television and all the accolades that have come with it. When you hear things like that and when you Hear the number 26, are you able to stop and reflect on what that means?

The short answer is no. And the long answer is every year a little more. And there's been some markers that have actually allowed me to take some of it in. Obviously, it feels like running a marathon. And when you're in it, all you see is this much ahead of you. And so I think that's been the beauty of it, is that I've been so busy, so challenged, so engaged, committed, and it requires so much of me that all I could do is be on the treadmill of trying to keep up. And so sometimes I can sit back and just take in these different chapters of it. And it's really been a gift because although it's 26 years of one show, you know, there was the first 12 years with Chris Maloney and Belzer and Dan Florek and all these other people, and, you know, Stephanie March and Tamara Tunney, all these people. And then when that changed, getting a whole new cast, it was a whole new show. And we got to, you know, reinvent it. And so much happened to the character, and there was so much evolving and so there was so much newness to take in and navigate. But I'm starting to. I'm starting to.

I've been watching this current season, the 26th season, and then this morning I went back and watched the very first episode on September 20, 1999. And I was thinking, as you just mentioned, about the evolution of your character, that sort of mirrored your evolution as well, which is to say moving up the ranks and becoming a director and executive producer. At the beginning, she's the detective. Now she's Captain Olivia Benson. Do you see those parallels in your own life?

Constantly.

Do you?

Constantly. And I see Olivia, as I always describe it as sort of the perfect feminist story, right. And trying to inhabit something, trying to learn about these issues, but also learn about being a cop and learn about being somebody of authority and trying to catch up and build that and create that. And then finally you sort of step into it and inhabit it and it becomes second nature. And it's been such a beautiful evolution, such a beautiful journey. It feels like there's so much that has happened that I couldn't have imagined. Just the way I feel now. You know, there's these stepping stones of growth and integration and owning something and sitting in it, and I feel very, very grateful and whole, and so much of it has been earned and hard won. But I'm grateful for all the challenges now. I'm grateful for all the obstacles because that's sort of built me, if you will.

What kind of obstacles? What kind of challenges do you feel in your way now?

Now?

Yeah.

Oh, I don't have. I don't have them now.

You're good now?

No, I'm good. You know, listen, it was. Listen, when I started the show, I was dealing with a titan, a television titan, you know, Dick Wolf. And going into the show that had, you know, very long legs and incredible credibility and dealing with such a powerful person like Chris Maloney. And it was a lot to manage, and all these seasoned actors and just the business of saying, okay, yes, on their terms. Everything was on other people's terms. And I think that we have to sacrifice ourselves or what to fit in often. And so the evolution for me is learning how to grow into that and not compromise myself, my artistry, my creativity, my opinion, and most of all, my intuition and knowing. And to listen to that inner voice and to listen to my voice and know that. That. And I think this is part of just growing up is. Is when we start to go, yeah, no, I don't agree with you. Right. Actually, I see it differently. And, yeah, let's talk about it, because now. And learning that no is a complete answer and learning. So that's been. I've had such amazing teachers, you know, and I look at. I'm so incredibly close to these people that I did sort of put up, you know, on this pedestal, and for good reason. They're brilliant, incredible artists. And, you know, Dick is a visionary. And now he's my. He's my friend and equal, and we are partners in this. And that's been a beautiful, sacred journey.

People see the name Dick Wolf in the credits. They hear the name Dick Wolf. They understand that it's associated with Law and Order and all the success that you all have had together. But what is the magic of Dick Wolf? What does he understand about television and production that has made this so successful? With all of your help, of course.

He couldn't have done it without me, let's be honest.

See, I was opening the door for you to give yourself.

Thank you for that. You set me up. I think he respects his audience with intelligent writing. I think that we're all fascinated between the complexities of the human condition. Good versus evil, justice. It's something we need. We need it. And I think, you know, he has a legacy that I think will never be challenged, because he understands that part, and yet he's such a businessman. But he. I think that the genius of the conception of my show was the architecture of the angry, protective father and the nurturing, loving, empathetic mother right between us. It was a perfect balance. You want him to fight and protect you, and you want me to hold you, to hold a space for those most tender feelings after we've been violated. And you want, as we all want to be seen. Probably one of the most important things, I think, in the human condition, that we all want to be seen.

You talk about this being a feminist story, and it really is. But I'm thinking back to when, you know, you're an actor, you audition, you get the part. You're not setting out to become a feminist icon. You just want to do a good job.

You just want to do. You just try to keep up. Just trying to play this character, truly, it was just like, you know, I'm from la, this is a New York cop. I mean, there was so much for me to sort of grok, if you will. There was so much of me that I. Parts of me that I hadn't. That hadn't matured in me, things that I didn't have experience with, things that I had to, you know, dig deep. And it took a minute for me to do that, to step into my power, to step into all of that, to my authority, to step into clarity, which I think comes with age as well.

So at what point then, Mariska, did you start to feel that she was something more than a New York City sex crimes detective, that she represented some strength and hope, and you could use a ton of other words to describe her. When did you feel like she became something bigger than the character, that she became a symbol to people?

Well, I learned that pretty quickly. Pretty quickly. So I tell this story because it's really the moment that it happened in the first Few months of the show, Dick was being honored by an organization. Actually, it was at Mount Sinai Hospital. It was an organization called the Sexual Assault Violence Intervention Program. And Dick was getting an award. And so he asked, you know, he bought a table and asked me to join. And I did. And that was the night that I learned the statistics of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. And I remember being so staggered by the statistics that I couldn't comprehend how everyone wasn't talking about this, because it was an epidemic. If one out of four women is sexually assaulted by the time they're 18, if one out of six men, one out of six men is sexually assaulted in their lifetime. And you know, you go to lunch and it just changes the dynamic because you're sitting there. And I realized that it was so prevalent, it was everywhere. And then I started receiving a different kind of fan letter. And that was the sort of pleasure. And at the time, you know, I had come off er, I think most recently. And then, you know, I'm used to, I love your show. Can I get an autograph picture? And all of a sudden I started receiving letters of people disclosing their stories of abuse. And I was so sort of overwhelmed and not knowing how to respond, but I wanted to respond because these were stories of shame and isolation. And so many of them contained the words I've never told anyone. And here they were reaching out to this person on television. And so that's when it started. And so I, after that, quickly did a training that they offered at Savi and training for Rape victim advocates. And it was so illuminating. And I remember saying, wow, I feel like every human should take this training because it was really about listening and learning how to listen. And you know, so many people are like thinking about what they're going to say, what are they going to listen? Ain't okay. We don't say and we do that or somebody gets assaulted or somebody's violated. And people say like, I know how you feel. Well, guess what? You don't. You don't know how they feel. And it was profound for me, this training, it was just a 40 hour training. And then I did it pretty quickly after. And that's when I decided to as I created Olivia Benson to make her half cop and half rape crisis advocate. And that was the beginning of it. And that's when I realized this show is necessary. The show was speaking to a huge audience, much bigger than I ever imagined. And I just wanted to learn how to respond. How do I respond? Because the issues that so often Historically, people had swept under the carpet, and for good reason. All of a sudden we're on television and in our culture and we're water cooler talk. And so it was easier to metabolize. It was more palatable if it was on television. And then all of a sudden there was community around it. And all of a sudden you're not alone. And if it's on tv, then we can talk about it. And I understood the power of that. And that's when I created the Foundation, Joyful Heart foundation, to respond to being inundated with subject matter every day. And of course, the stories were ripped from the headlines at the time, so they were true. And obviously, our show is a bit of an amalgamation of stories to fit it into 42 minutes. And, you know, sex crimes detectives don't necessarily deal with homicide. So there were things, obviously we took creative license, but it was just this profound and progressive and beautiful gift that was handed to me. And I understood very early that it was so much more than a television show.

And I guess just listening you talk right now, thinking about the longevity of the show, part of it is, while the subject matter is difficult a lot of times, and the scenes are difficult and the stories are difficult, so many people see something in them that they.

Recognize that is exactly right.

And so why has it been on for 26 years? Because you're telling stories that hit people.

Yeah. Hard.

Yeah.

And the beauty is, is that it makes them feel less alone. It makes them know that there's community around it and hope. And what happens to you doesn't define you. It's something that happened. And the blame, most importantly, belongs with the perpetrator. And it's been, you know, one of the greatest gifts of my life to tell these stories and to hold that space and connect with people on such a deeply personal and tender level. It's been profound and something I never could have even dreamed of.

Yeah, that's the thing, isn't it? I mean, you're a working actor on a good show, that's usually enough. And then it becomes this whole other thing.

Exactly. And it was funny because I'd come off er, I did that for, I think, maybe 17 or 18 episodes. And the 97, 98 season had such an extraordinary time with those, you know, magnificent lights. And then I was. I had a development deal for sort of a dramedy because I really thought that I was going to go into comedy. I thought that was my shtick. I thought it was very funny. And as we were in that and sort of nearing the end of it, I got the script and with the caveat that I don't know if you're gonna like it, it's very dark. It's not you. I think we're going in a different direction here because the show that I was interested was more like, I hate putting things in categories, but maybe a little more like Ally McBeal kind of thing, sort of that both that human, you know, running the full gamut. And this came along and they thought that I would turn it down. And I read it and I said, oh, no, this is, this is what I want to do. This is probably one of the most important things that I've read in a long time. And then I met Dick and Chris and the rest is history.

[Willie Geist]

Hey guys, thanks for listening to the Sunday Sit down podcast. Stick around to hear more from Mariska Hargitay right after the break.

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[Willie Geist]

Now more of my conversation with Mariska Hargitay.

[Mariska Hargitay]

Well, the story goes, and you can correct me if I'M wrong in the story. In that audition in the spring of 99, you and Chris get in a room together and Dick Wolf says, that's it.

Yeah, that day it was, go do a show.

Did you feel that way too?

Absolutely, yeah. Absolutely, yeah. It was sort of a once in a lifetime experience. And it was like that with Dick too. You know, the first time I read for it, it was very funny. I walked in there and. Because after er, I said, what am I gonna do? This is the greatest show ever. There's no other show. Oh, except for Law and Order, I said to myself. And then the audition came. So I read with Dick the first time and he gave me a couple notes and I remember going, that was good, that's good. And he was like, oh, really? Is it good? Is it a good note? So we kind of hit it off. And then the second time I came back to meet with him and everyone, there was this stunning girl in the waiting room and I panicked and I walked in, I go, listen, I don't know what you're doing, but you're a little confused. This is my role, this is my part. I am Olivia Benson. And he was sort of laughing, I could tell. And I was like, no, no, you don't understand. And then the third time was the callback where they had three actors and three actresses and they paired us up. But in the room when he walked in, I sort of sized him up and I said, that's the guy.

Really?

Right away, that's the guy. That is the guy. That is the guy. It was so obvious to me that that was the guy. And apparently he felt the same way.

Sounds like everyone in the room did.

And so when they paired us, I was like, oh, this is dumb. And we walked in the room and he started talking to me and he's telling me a story, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And then they're like, are you ready to begin? And Chris is like, one, I just want to finish the story. And here we were at the network and it was insane. And I was like, give us a minute. And because Chris and I connected also in comedy. That's the thing, is that he and I are both lovers of comedy. And that's where we kind of. Yeah, that's where that happened. So it was just felt meant to be. And then it turns out that that gorgeous girl that was in the lobby, she was there for another part. Her name was Millie Avital. She's this incredible actress, but she was there for a different part and she was the one in the pilot.

Oh, is that right? So you got spun up for no reason?

No reason. But I was just. I knew. I never knew. I've never known. I knew it. I knew it was right. I knew it. I've never known. Never, never.

You're working with Dick. You've got the partner in Chris that you know is going to work. At what point do you guys know you've got a hit show? In other words, does it take a couple of seasons to feel that or right away? Is the audience responding? The ratings are good, all the things are happening. At what point? You never think it's going to be 26 seasons, I guess. But when did you know you were on a show that was going to go, that it was going to be a success? Did it take a while or was it pretty quick?

That's a great question.

When did you feel comfortable?

Well, I knew quickly that we had this kind of magical chemistry. I knew that because I felt it. And we were so close so fast. And again, it's that thing we talked about of that thing that happens with somebody where you're like, we are so different. And I know you and I get it, all of it. And Chris and I are polar opposites in terms of who we are as people. I mean, you can't get two people more different. And yet there was this yin yang. We just fit. And so everyone had talked about that very early on, so that wasn't a surprise because we knew it. We're like, I know we have good chemistry. Even at times when we were, like, fighting or had a difference of opinion or things getting tense, we still had it. It's chemistry, right? And we were just always very important people's people in each other's lives. And we knew it. We knew it from minute one. And we're still very close, very close. And so I guess I knew maybe, maybe, I don't really remember, but maybe season two or three, we've got something. Yeah. Yeah, I think we had something. Yeah, I think so. Have you. Had you talked to him about it?

I have not. No.

You would love him. He's very funny.

I know. Everyone loves him.

Yeah, you should have him. Have him on.

We will have him on. Yeah. You like him, we'd have a good chat.

He's good, but I can't remember. And again, this sort of harkens back to there was so much going on and I personally was navigating so much at the beginning and trying to figure out this new city. Don't forget, I was an LA girl in My car. And all of a sudden I'm like trying to figure out this system and living downtown and I mean, the weather, the light, the light was soul crushing in February. I wasn't used to that. Being from Los Angeles. I couldn't believe how much it affected me. Not having sunshine or dealing with the cold, dealing with. I'm freezing and I have to act and I'm so tired. And at the beginning, you know, we worked very long days before there were sort of systems in place that we worked very long hours. And it was, it was so all consuming. It was so all consuming. And I was trying to keep up. I was trying to keep up for a long time.

You mentioned that.

Until I went like this. I got this. Got it, got it.

And then you were good.

[Willie Geist]

You were talking about jobs right before.

[Mariska Hargitay]

This came along and changed your life. Er, you had good jobs. You were on Falcon Crest. Like there were very well known shows, but for a lot of people, your career begins with this. That's how they know you. Of course. What were your early days as an actress like? I mean, there's struggles for everyone. I know you got into it early when you were in college, but what was that like the time between UCLA and Law and Order? It's a grind, isn't it?

It's such a grind. It was such a grind. And I had a. I would say I had a rough beginning because I got out. I started working too early, before I knew what I was doing. And I was still in UCLA when I started getting jobs and remembering going, oh, do I leave? Do I take a quarter off? What do I do? But, you know, you're so excited to have a job that you're like, no, I'm doing it. But then I started working and then I think I got a. I got a series. I can't even remember the chronology of it, but I got a series called Downtown. And then I. A Falcon Crest. I can't remember which one was first. Somebody look that up.

We'll look that up. Call up our IMDb page.

Yeah, but I, But I did those and it was funny. On Falcon Crest, I had a brother named Brett Cullen who was of course blonde and blue eyed, but. And then we just. He just did svu, so it was so much fun because he was there at the beginning. Beginning.

Oh, that's so cool.

And he's had such a wonderful career and such a great actor. So that was fun. I love that. That is one of my favorite things is that when people from the beginning come back and we get to work together, but I did those. And then I, you know, short lived Fountain Crest. I don't even know how long I did it. And then I did Downtown. I think it went maybe 13 maybe. And then after that, I did a bunch of guest stars, and then the work didn't come, and it just stopped. And I just auditioned. I auditioned. And then. And then you become scared and you need the job. And I was working at a bookstore, and then every time I worked at a bookstore, I would get a job, and then I'd have to tell the bookstore, and then I'd get a job, and then I wouldn't get a job, so I'd have to go back to the bookstore and all that. But so my 20s were hard because there was just a lot of time of rejection and not doing. And then there was a time when I would do an audition, I'd kill it, and then I'd go back and I wouldn't do as well on the callback. And it started. It became a little bit of a pattern, I think, maybe because I became so nervous.

Got in your head a little bit?

Yeah, I got in my head a little bit. So that was hard. And then there were certain jobs that where I go, I can do this, I can do this. I remember one I did, a guest star called in the Heat of the Night with James Earl Jones. And I was so inspired and moved and found a way to find this character again very far from me. But I remember going, that little inner voice going, stay with it. Like, stay with it. I think you could do this. You just have to work harder and better and study harder. And so I did. And my father, who, you know, I was sort of raised with the motto of we don't quit in this family, and if that's what you want to do, then you do it and you work harder and you click your heels together three times and say, that's the best I can do. But we don't quit. It takes that much more, he kept saying to me. And I was a swimmer in high school, and that's what he would say to me. It takes this much more to win in the swim meet, which was super challenging for me. And there was always a girl named Lisa Larinetta. She was my friend, but I just couldn't. I mean, she was so fast and so strong and so nice. But no matter how hard I worked, I couldn't beat her. I couldn't even come close to her time. But my dad kept the inspiration and the work ethic in there by Giving me something to strive for. And I do believe that my sports in high school and even in middle school have helped me so much with the longevity and not giving up and setting a goal and going, yeah, it's hard. It's super hard. No one said it was easy. And we get up and we go again. And we get up and we do it better. Even if it's 1% better. We get up and we go again, and we don't get discouraged. I mean, we do get discouraged, but we get up and we go again. And that's a muscle. That's a muscle that we have to learn. So I think that high school sports and my father's training taught me how to get back on the horse and have the stamina. Have the stamina to do svu. Because there were hard years, I'm sure very hard. And there were times when I, like, I don't know if I have it. I don't know if I can continue this. But then we would do an episode, and I fell so madly, deeply in love with my co stars, and I was working with such great actors and figuring out how to fix the scene or being inspired by a director that challenged me or being engaged and seeing, I can't do this. The scene's not working. I don't know. And then going, okay, best idea wins. Guys, this isn't working. Boom. Start over. Let's go. And learning how to trust that voice. And just keep digging. Just keep digging. And that's why I'm still there. Because we have an extraordinarily invested and committed team at svu, and that's probably the thing that I'm most proud of and that I hear the most from guest stars. They say, I cannot believe that you're still invested. This invested. Because I don't move on if something's not working. I won't move on.

Because it would be easy for you to kind of show up, go through the motions.

Yeah.

I'm the star of the show. You can't do it without me. Here we go. But the show doesn't work. Right. If you're in that space.

No.

Can't pull it off.

You can't. But I'm still so challenged. And the gift of caliber and the. What's the word? I want to say the. What's the word?

Generosity.

Sharing. No. The amount of great actors, the pool of talent that I get to play with, the people that come on our show and who I get inspired with. It's like an acting class, right? When people come on I'm still learning so much. And I love helping the young ones, kicking them off the ledge and teaching or showing or inviting them to see what it costs to tell someone else a story and what it costs to be an actor. Not comfortable, not easy. It costs something to be good, obviously.

Yeah. So still do. You're just watching season 26. I mean, it's there. The intensity is there. The passion is there. The writing. It's all there. It's all there.

Everyone cares so much. Everyone is an artist. And I count my lucky stars every day. I'm so grateful. And everyone is grateful to be there. We are all so grateful. And we. You know, it's. You know, people say it's a family, and I'm like, guess what, though? I win. It's a family. We've been doing this a long time, and there's such an intimacy. And, you know, even when, like, the scene's not working, I'll look at the camera operator. I was like, is that good? And he's like, go again. You know what I mean? It's that close. Where we're like, we could do better, right? We don't want to have a free one. Let's just try to get it.

And the fact that he feels like he can be honest enough with you to say no, that's not.

Oh, no. I demand. I think that's a thing. I demand honesty.

Totally agree.

I have no time for bullshit.

Benefits no one.

It benefits no one.

That's not helpful.

It benefits no one. I'm like, that doesn't help me for you to be polite or go, no, it was great. I'm like, no, it wasn't. It was really bad. Let's go again. And so I do that with. I'm like, guys, I think we can do better. I think we can dig deeper, take a breath. Let's go again.

I love it.

My little tricks that I do.

Good leadership on the side. Yeah, it is.

Yeah.

[Willie Geist]

Stick around for more of my conversation with Mariska Hargitay, right after a quick break.

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[Willie Geist]

To the rest of my conversation with Mariska Hargitay.

[Mariska Hargitay]

I'm curious how you've dealt over the years, Mariska, with the fame side of being on one of the most popular TV shows in the history of television. What it's been like for you to be a working actor who came to a show and then to have it be this thing that's touched not just America, but all corners of the globe. It's on everywhere, it seems to me from the outside like you live your life and you handle it pretty well. Is that fair to say?

Completely. You know, I got my fame later in life, so I was already kind of cooked as a person and I had a lot of humble pie. And it took me so long to achieve what I achieved. And fortunately, I was aware and mature enough to know how lucky I was. And I was breathing rarefied air to be here and to have this opportunity and to work with this caliber of actor and talent and writers and directors. And I've just always been somebody who, like my dad used to say, if you, you need to learn something new every day, every day, you can learn from everyone and anyone and somebody this tall, you know, kids. And I've, I've really, that's really turned out to be true for me. So, you know, listen, also, the fame thing is, I don't want to call it fame. I think that my audiences are deeply connected to me. So it's not a random like with me, I just have a different kind of person that feels connected to me because of, because of the show and because of joyful heart and what I do on and off the camera and what I'm fighting for, for women and how I want Everyone to be the best that they can be and inspire everyone to do the work, because the only way out is through. And I'm in a place where I never thought I would be ever in my wildest dreams. I never thought that I would be here. And I'm so grateful and also so aware of the people that have been my mentors and who have supported me and who have been kind to me. And I think I have things somewhat in perspective.

It sure feels like it. You mentioned joyful Heart for people who don't know about that side of your life and the work you all do at that amazing foundation for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and trafficking and many others. For somebody who may be watching this or listening to it on the podcast in their car or riding the subway, what is the message of joyful heart for people who may not have told their stories or shared them or they've been a victim of something like this?

Well, I think the first message is, you are not alone, and there is so much community for you and something that happened to you that somebody perpetrated on you doesn't define you. And I think that is, I think, the most important thing. And for somebody who wants to help or support somebody who has been violated, I think the most important thing, again, is to listen and believe. Because one of the things I talk about is you never. We never, and this is a lesson I learn every day, is that we never, never underestimate the power we have to change the trajectory of another person's life, another person healing by being kind, by being present, by listening and just believing them. You may be the first person that they've ever told their story to. And again, so many times, survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, they internalize this and they blame themselves. And so it's the shift of, this is not my fault. This is not my fault. This is something that was done to me. The blame belongs here. And unburdening themselves of that. And it's an incredibly powerful thing to. And quite a gift to bear witness to someone's story. And just by listening, just by listening, you're helping them heal. And I think that not everybody knows that, but I've seen it over and over and over and over again, and it is an incredibly powerful and incredibly beautiful thing. And so I'm. I'm so grateful to be part of somebody's healing journey.

I think it's incredibly admirable what you do with your platform. And for people listening, Joyful Heart, you can go online. There's Lots of resources to help. And if you are ready to tell your story or share or whatever, it's a good place to do that.

And may I just add is I say to survivors, and what we all need to say is what happened to you matters and you matter and your healing matters. It matters. And so that's why sort of our number one advocacy priority was eradicating the rape kit backlog, because they found hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits in police storage facilities. Untested. After a woman or man does everything right, goes through all the channels, goes to the hospital, gets a rape kit, very oftentimes re traumatizing exam, which can last between four and six hours, and then especially in America, you just assumed that the kit would be tested. And to find out that it was sitting on a police storage facility, that is sending a message to survivors that they don't matter. So that is our number one thing that we are working to eradicate. And we've been incredibly successful. And at the beginning it seemed like this, you know, huge sort of very ambitious endeavor that people were like, really?

And.

And now it's just a matter of when, not if anymore. And we have changed legislature in 49 of the 50 states. So it's been exciting. It's been exciting. And now Joyful Heart is sort of moving into image based abuse, which is quite prevalent as well. And we just started a program called Heal the Healers for all the people that experience vicarious trauma and secondary trauma.

And you've been at it for over 20 years.

This is our 20th anniversary.

Congratulations.

I'm married for 20 years this year. Joyful Heart is 20 years old. And, and SVU, of course, things go in your way. Yeah.

I could talk to you all day, but I'm going to release you. I have one more question for you. We shared an experience last weekend. Friday night I went to Taylor Swift in Toronto. Saturday night you were there as well. When you first heard that Taylor was obsessed with your character, Olivia Benson, to the extent that she named her cat after the character, what did you think?

I was just so honored and so flattered and you know, it's of course the mutual admiration society. She is, she is a unicorn. She is so magnificent and has so much light and beauty. And my husband came for the first time, this was my fourth at time. And he just also was so taken with her, obviously her talent and her artistry and her prolific. Her prolificness. What's the word? But also he kept saying, she's just so playful, this wonderful spirit that she has. And, yeah, I'm just like, everybody, get in line. I'm just so incredibly in awe of her. And she's just. Talk about a feminist story has paved the way for so many people and just unlocks such a beautiful and tender part, especially of little girls. Like, to see my daughter. To see my daughter and every little girl go there and just weep, just weep is so spectacular. And so I just feel so privileged to witness such an intimate part of a little girl's tender garden. Right?

Yeah.

So it was so magnificent. And I mean, she just has. She just resonates with everyone. I mean, to see men and women and children and adults and everyone. It's just so spectacular.

It's funny, I had the same reaction as your husband, which is, my God, the production. Three and a half hours, every song, her little Broadway show.

It's not like it's a Broadway show.

It's incredible.

And this time, the Tortured Poets.

Let's add that club.

What is it called?

Yes.

I don't want to say it right.

Apartment Tortured Poet department.

Thank you. The Tortured Poets department this time resonated in such a big way, and it's so deep and profound and the storytelling is stunning.

There's that side of it. And then the other part for me, which your husband described as well, was just the joy, which was. We were in Toronto that day, and at 9:00 in the morning, little girls, teenage girls, moms, groups of friends dressed up and happy and complimenting each other. And I thought if the whole world were a Taylor Swift concert, we'd be okay.

But also just the. Again, I keep saying, like, the tender, the magic, the glitter, the pink, the purple, the cowboy boots, the spirit. And these little kids dressing up like her and what. The permission. The permission that she gives little girls, and quite frankly, all women, too. I had my husband. I said, oh, you're not going without a pink sweatshirt. He's like, because my husband always wears black. And I said, oh, no, Peter, this is. No, no, no, time out. You need to get yourself a pink sweatshirt, a pink something. And he did. And I was like, you're so cute.

Was there any glitter on it at all?

He didn't have glitter. That's where he had to draw the line. But. But it was. I had a glitter. I had a pink glitter skirt, naturally. But it was just something we needed right now. Agree that also to be in that community where everyone is together and rooting for the same thing and feeling so vulnerable and human and united. And united, yes. The whole world was a Taylor Swift concert.

Yes. Thank you so much for being so generous with your time. And congrats on 26 seasons of your incredible show. Thank you. This was fun.

Yeah. Really fun. You're good. I'm into it. Okay.

Passed.

Passed. I'm with colors.

[Willie Geist]

My big thanks again to Mariska for a great conversation. You can watch SVU on NBC, of course, and streaming on Peacock. And my thanks to all of you for listening again this week. If you want to hear more of my conversations with our guests every week, be sure to click follow so you.

[Mariska Hargitay]

Never miss an episode.

[Willie Geist]

And don't forget to tune in to Sunday Today every weekend on NBC to see these interviews with your own two eyes. I'm Willie Geist.

[Mariska Hargitay]

We'll see you right back here next.

[Willie Geist]

Week on the Sunday Sit down podcast.

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