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

Release Date: June 22, 2025

In this compelling episode of NBC's "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist," host Willie Geist engages in an in-depth conversation with Mariska Hargitay, the acclaimed actress renowned for her portrayal of Captain Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (SVU). Celebrating 26 seasons, the episode delves into Mariska's remarkable journey, the evolution of her iconic character, and the profound societal impact of both her role and her off-screen endeavors.

Early Acting Career and the Journey to SVU

Mariska Hargitay's path to SVU was anything but straightforward. Prior to landing the role of Olivia Benson, Mariska faced the typical grind of an aspiring actress, grappling with numerous auditions and rejections. Reflecting on her early days, she shares:

"[...] 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." (32:30)

Her perseverance paid off in the spring of 1999 when she auditioned for SVU. The chemistry between Mariska and co-star Chris Meloni was palpable from their first interaction with SVU creator Dick Wolf:

"I sort of sized him up and I said, 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." (24:46)

Auditioning and Landing the Role

The audition process for SVU was intense and transformative for Mariska. She recounts meeting Dick Wolf and Chris Meloni multiple times during the audition phases, ultimately feeling an immediate connection that signaled the birth of a legendary partnership:

"That day it was, go do a show." (23:21)

Her determination and the immediate rapport with the cast and crew set the stage for what would become the longest-running primetime drama in American television history.

Evolution of Olivia Benson: From Detective to Captain and Beyond

Over 26 seasons, Olivia Benson has transformed from a dedicated detective into the compassionate and resilient Captain of SVU. Mariska notes how the character's growth mirrors her own personal development:

"Constantly, and I see Olivia, as I always describe it, as sort of the perfect feminist story [...] trying to learn about being a cop and learn about being somebody of authority." (05:48)

This evolution allowed Mariska to explore deeper facets of her character, transitioning into roles behind the camera as an executive producer and director, further solidifying Olivia's legacy both on and off-screen.

Creating Impact: The Power of Storytelling

A pivotal moment in Mariska's journey was attending an event where Dick Wolf was honored by the Sexual Assault Violence Intervention Program at Mount Sinai Hospital. The staggering statistics of sexual assault she encountered propelled her to intertwine her character with real-world advocacy:

"That's when I created Olivia Benson to make her half cop and half rape crisis advocate. And that was the beginning of it." (12:47)

This dual role not only enriched the character but also highlighted critical societal issues, fostering a community of support and conversation around topics often stigmatized.

Joyful Heart Foundation: Extending the Mission Beyond Television

In response to the profound stories she encountered through SVU, Mariska founded the Joyful Heart Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. She emphasizes the importance of community and healing:

"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." (44:21)

Her advocacy extends to legislative reform, particularly in eradicating the rape kit backlog, a significant step towards justice for survivors.

Handling Fame with Grace and Purpose

Despite the immense fame garnered from SVU, Mariska maintains a grounded perspective. Having achieved success later in life, she attributes her resilience to humility and continuous learning:

"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." (41:16)

Her approach to fame is intertwined with her mission, ensuring that her platform amplifies her advocacy work rather than overshadowing it.

Longevity of SVU: A Testament to Authentic Storytelling

The sustained success of SVU can be attributed to its authentic storytelling and the unyielding commitment of its cast and crew. Mariska highlights the collaborative environment that fosters excellence:

"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." (36:23)

This dedication ensures that each episode resonates deeply with audiences, maintaining high standards over decades.

Interlude: Audience Engagement and Promotional Segments

Throughout the episode, interspersed promotional segments for podcasts like Crime Junkie and advertisements by brands like Mint Mobile provided a brief respite, which the summary purposefully omits to focus on the core content.

Impactful Moments and Fan Interactions

A memorable highlight is Mariska's recounting of discovering the profound impact of Olivia Benson on viewers, particularly survivors of abuse who found solace and strength through her character. Additionally, the episode touches on the mutual admiration between Mariska and pop icon Taylor Swift, underscoring the widespread influence of SVU.

"It's something we need 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." (53:19)

Conclusion: Celebrating a Legacy of Strength and Compassion

As the conversation wraps up, Willie Geist and Mariska Hargitay reflect on the extraordinary journey of SVU and its enduring legacy. Mariska's unwavering commitment to her role and her advocacy work exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have through dedication and empathy.

"What happened to you matters and you matter and your healing matters. It matters." (47:08)

Key Takeaways

• Mariska's Resilience: Overcoming early career struggles through perseverance and unwavering dedication.
• Character Development: Olivia Benson's transformation mirrors Mariska's personal growth, embodying strength and advocacy.
• Social Impact: SVU's authentic storytelling fosters community support and sparks essential conversations on sexual violence.
• Joyful Heart Foundation: Extending advocacy off-screen to support survivors and influence legislative change.
• Handling Fame: Maintaining humility and purpose amidst widespread recognition.
• Enduring Success: Collaborative excellence ensures SVU's place as a cornerstone of primetime television.

Mariska Hargitay's 26-season tenure on SVU stands as a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a positive societal impact. Her journey offers inspiration to aspiring actors and advocates alike, demonstrating the profound difference one dedicated individual can make.