Mariska Hargitay Reflects on Iconic Role and Life Lessons
The verdict is in, and this hairstyle is definitely memorable.
After more than 25 years as Olivia Benson on “Law and Order: SVU,” Mariska Hargitay shared that she almost went drastic with her look back in Season 3.
At 61, she’s now sporting a pixie cut, which, interestingly, the producers felt was a bit too much. Hargitay humorously pointed out, “My hairstylist should have really known me because he had wine,” in an interview with Allure Magazine. She mused, “Maybe he thought I’d be more aerodynamic while chasing suspects.”
While the hairstyle is viewed as “cool and cop-like,” it didn’t quite win over everyone on set. “Not everyone is impressed with Olivia’s style when she shows her badge,” she remarked. “But hey, a fresh coat of nail polish always makes me feel better, even if filming can get hectic.”
“Law and Order: SVU” dives into gender-based crimes, often inspired by real events. Created by Dick Wolf, the show debuted in 1999, featuring notable cast members like Christopher Meloni, Dan Florek, Richard Belzer, and Ice-T.
The third season kicked off on September 28, 2001, and concluded in May 2002.
Hargitay continues to lead the series alongside Ice-T and Meloni, who reprised his role as Stabler a decade later. Currently, Meloni stars in the spinoff, “Law and Order: Organized Crime.”
As viewers gear up for the premiere of Season 27 on September 25, there’s excitement brewing over a potential reunion between Benson and Stabler—and Florek’s return at 75 adds to the anticipation.
Meloni teased fans on Instagram about a recent get-together, noting, “Hanging with friends on Friday night,” tagging Hargitay and Florek. The excitement in the comments was palpable, with one follower saying, “Welcome Home Captain Cragen!”
Season 27 will also see some cast changes, including the exit of Detective Joe Verasco and Detective Juliana Martinez.
Hargitay has described the experience of working on the show as intense, almost like running a marathon. “When you’re in it, it envelopes you completely,” she reflected, adding that the challenges keep her motivated.
She expressed gratitude for the privilege of working in a role that resonates with so many, stating, “I feel privileged to wake up every day and do what I want to do.” She loves her work and the family-like atmosphere it fosters.
In an industry as transient as this, Hargitay’s long tenure is somewhat of a rarity. “It’s incredible to think this is real,” she pondered.
Her role as a detective has also spilled into her real life. Two decades ago, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which aids those affected by sexual violence. “SVU” has sparked cultural conversations, and Hargitay feels lucky to contribute to that dialogue.
Interestingly, her influence on mainstream culture has grown; Taylor Swift even named one of her cats after Olivia Benson. In a lighter moment, Hargitay admitted that she became a cat person thanks to the singer. “I used to judge cat people,” she joked, “but look at me now!”
