Mariska Hargitay Reveals Family Secrets at Cannes Film Festival

Mariska Hargitay, known for her role in “Law and Order: SVU,” disclosed some surprising family history at the Cannes Film Festival. This revelation came during the premiere of her new documentary, “My Mom Jayne.” For over 30 years, she kept her biological father’s identity a secret, which is revealed to be Nelson Saldelli, a former Las Vegas entertainer. Hargitay was raised by Mickey Hargitay, an actor and bodybuilder who passed away in 2006.

The actress shared with Vanity Fair, “I know I’ve been lying forever,” she expressed, grappling with the weight of this truth that finally came to light.

Reflecting on her upbringing, she said, “I grew up in the place I was supposed to be. Everyone made the best choice for me.” Hargitay describes her late father as “everything I was, my idol,” someone who loved her deeply. She poignantly noted, “No one has ever approached this planet,” highlighting the unique bond they shared.

As a child, Hargitay felt a disconnect with her siblings, a feeling that didn’t settle until she was in her 20s when she learned about her true lineage. In the 1960s, after her mother, Jane Mansfield, divorced Mickey, she began dating Saldelli. Interestingly, Hargitay was born shortly after Mansfield reconciled with Mickey.

In her 20s, Hargitay encountered a photo of Saldelli and felt an instant connection. “It was like the floor fell from underneath me,” she recalled about discovering who her biological father was.

Mansfield, who tragically died in a car accident in 1967 when Hargitay was just three, left a void in her life. Despite the early loss, Hargitay had strong memories of her father’s love. She later approached Mickey about Saldelli, but he denied the connection, which was an emotionally fraught moment for her. “I never mentioned Mickey to Saldelli again,” she added with a heavy heart.

Years later, Hargitay attended one of Saldelli’s performances. In an emotional reunion, he told her, “I’ve been waiting for 30 years for this moment.” As they formed a bond, she felt a strong sense of loyalty towards Mickey, who raised her. “I’ve had something about loyalty. I don’t need anything from you… I have a dad,” she revealed about her first meeting with Saldelli.

While she opened up about her family in the documentary, she initially hesitated to share her story. However, with encouragement from both families, interviews with her brothers featuring in the film helped share this heartfelt account. The emotional toll was profound for Hargitay, who admitted, “I’m not good at lying, so I made this film to cover all of us too.”

Hargitay took a moment to express how difficult the journey of revealing these network of familial ties had been, especially related to Saldelli’s sisters, who were deeply moved at a private screening. “That’s so heartbreaking for me,” she said.

The documentary not only explores her familial connections but also assists Hargitay in navigating the grief of losing her mother. “I don’t remember the accident or being told my mother passed away,” she reflected on her childhood memories, showing how trauma can cast long shadows.

Premiering on May 17th at Cannes, “My Mother Jane” is set to air on HBO and HBO MAX on June 27th. The documentary paints a nuanced picture of Hargitay’s life, a blend of heartache and love that many can resonate with, balancing the light and heavy moments in an evocative narrative.