Mariska Hargitay
ActingAbout Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay (born January 23, 1964) is an American actress, producer, director and activist, best known for her role as New York City sex crimes Detective Olivia Benson on on the NBC television drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role that has earned her multiple awards and nominations, including an Emmy and Golden Globe. The daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor/bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, Hargitay is a former beauty queen who made her film debut in the 1985 horror-comedy film Ghoulies, and her major television debut in the 1986 adventure drama series, Downtown. She appeared in numerous roles in film and television shows throughout the late 1980s and 1990s before being cast as Olivia Benson, a role that led to her founding the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to women who have been sexually abused.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Mariska Hargitay reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 28 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Mariska Hargitay's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 21% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Mariska Hargitay remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Strawberry Road, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Mariska Hargitay Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Mariska Hargitay's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Mariska Hargitay.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | My Mom Jayne | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Winona Ryder: The Ghosts She Called | Actress on the Stage (archive footage) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | BLKBX: wht r u hding? | Dr. Hart | Flop | Similar → |
| 2020 | 30 Rock: A One-Time Special | Mariska Hargitay | Average | Similar → |
| 2020 | The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | I Am Evidence | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live | Self - Special Guest | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Stuck | Narrator | Flop | Similar → |
| 2010 | F--k | Mariska | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | The Love Guru | Mariska Hargitay (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2004 | Plain Truth | Ellie Harrison | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Perfume | Darcy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1999 | Lake Placid | Myra Okubo | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Advocate's Devil | Rendi | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Night Sins | Paige Price | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Leaving Las Vegas | Hooker At Bar | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Gambler: Playing for Keeps | Etta Place | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Bank Robber | Marisa Benoit | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Come the Morning | Church Woman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Blind Side | Melanie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | Hard Time Romance | Anita | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | Strawberry Road | Jill Banner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | The Perfect Weapon | Jennifer | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Finish Line | Lisa Karsh | Flop | Similar → |
| 1988 | Mr. Universe | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Jocks | Nicole | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Welcome to 18 | Joey | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Ghoulies | Donna | Flop | Similar → |
Mariska Hargitay - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Mariska Hargitay?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Mariska Hargitay is "Strawberry Road" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Mariska Hargitay acted in?
Mariska Hargitay has been featured in at least 28 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Mariska Hargitay?
Other notable films include "The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU", "Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live", and "My Mom Jayne".