Mariska Hargitay Opens Up About Her Childhood Trauma And Finding Strength At 60

Mariska Hargitay Reflects on Her Painful Childhood

Mariska Hargitay, the beloved star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, recently opened up about her deeply personal journey and the trauma she endured as a child. In a candid conversation on The Drew Barrymore Show, Mariska shared how her life was forever changed by a tragic car accident that claimed the life of her mother, the iconic actress Jayne Mansfield, when Mariska was just three years old. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Mariska has emerged as a beacon of resilience and strength, embracing her 60th birthday with grace and gratitude.

On the show, Mariska expressed her excitement about reaching this milestone age. “This is my badass era,” she declared with a smile. “I turned 60. And you know what? Sixty is the new 50, but let me tell you, 50 was pretty fantastic too. It prepared me for this badass era.” Her words resonated with viewers as she explained that aging brings clarity and focus. “As we grow older, we step into our power. Our priorities sharpen, and we reclaim time and space. For me, the greatest gift has been clarity,” she said.

The Journey Through Pain and Trauma

Drew Barrymore, who also experienced a challenging childhood, asked Mariska if it’s possible to find this kind of clarity at a younger age. Mariska paused thoughtfully before responding. “For me, and I know we both had unique childhoods filled with pain and trauma, I spent much of my younger years running from it. But here’s the truth: the only way out is through,” she emphasized. “There were some tough years where I had to confront my demons head-on. It felt like an endless well of pain, but eventually, you emerge stronger. You go through the fire, and on the other side, you find yourself.”

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Mariska’s ability to face her past and transform it into something meaningful is nothing short of inspiring. “I remember there were moments when I thought I’d never make it out of that darkness,” she recalled. “But I did, and now I feel more grounded and powerful than ever. It’s not about denying the pain; it’s about learning to live with it and letting it shape who you are today.”

A Life Shaped by Tragedy and Love

Mariska’s story begins with tragedy. At just three years old, she was in the car with her mother during the accident that took Jayne Mansfield’s life. Mariska survived with a scar on her head, a physical reminder of that fateful night. Her two older brothers also survived the crash. Despite the loss, Mariska grew up in a loving home surrounded by family, including her father, Mickey Hargitay, and her stepmother. “As tragic as her mom’s death was,” an insider shared, “Mariska had a stable home filled with love and support. That foundation helped her become the incredible person she is today.”

In a 2009 interview with Redbook, Mariska reflected on her journey. “I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities and experiences. Even the losses I’ve faced have taught me gratitude. When you’re exposed to hardship at such a young age, you learn to appreciate the good things in life. I truly feel like the luckiest person in the world,” she said.

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Family and Love: A Source of Healing

Mariska found love and healing in her family life. She married actor Peter Hermann in 2004, and together they have three beautiful children: August, Amaya, and Andrew. “Becoming a parent has been transformative for me,” Mariska shared with Redbook. “It erased many of the negative feelings I carried from my childhood and replaced them with something new and beautiful.”

Peter, she explained, has been her rock. “Everything in my life led me to meeting Peter. I’m so incredibly grateful for him. He’s been my partner in every sense of the word.” Their love and partnership have provided a solid foundation for Mariska as she continues to navigate life with strength and purpose.