Mariska Hargitay Biography

Ever feel like the luckiest person in the world? Some people may, whiles others do not. Mariska Hargitay is among the people who do, “I look at all the things life has allowed me to do and I feel like the luckiest person in the world.” (Silverman). This quote comes from her journey throughout her childhood, Career, and her family. Mariska was born January 23, 1964 in Santa Monica, California. She has two brothers Zoltan and Mickey Jr., and she was the youngest (Vixen). Mariska had a rough childhood, which would affect her the rest of her life. In June 1967, Mariska and her brothers were in a fatal car accident. As a result of the accident, they lost their mother, Jayne Mansfield (Vixen). When asked about the accident, Mariska replies, “Losing my mother at such an early age is the scar of my soul, but I feel like it ultimately made me into the person I am today.”. The accident resulted in injuries to Mariska’s lungs
Her marriage is part of the reason she is busy off set with her family and other causes. Two years later in 2006, Mariska and Peter would welcome their first son, August. Five years later in 2011, Mariska and Peter would adopt their first daughter, Amya. In the same year, they would adopt another son, Andrew (Moore). In 2004, with the lessons learned by her role as Liv Benson, Mariska established the Joyful Heart Foundation in Hawaii. When Mariska is not busy at home with her family, she is helping people in the world through the Joyful Heart Foundation. The Joyful Heart Foundation’s goal is to heal and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The Joyful Heart Foundation takes on child abuse in Hawaii with the One Strong Ohana Campaign (Ting). Mariska quotes, “I am grateful that I didn’t let fear get the best of me. It only holds you back from possibilities and greatness.” (Wright), when talking about her family and success in helping the