Mariska Hargitay Net Worth, Early Life, Career

SVU star Mariska Hargitay is one of the shining stars in television. With her tempting performances, Hargitay has become much more popular in crime dramas. And her salary in every drama counts as impressive. As one of the highest television actresses, Mariska Hargitay net worth counted in multi-millions.

Who is Mariska Hargitay?

Mariska Magdolna Hargitay is an American-born Actress. She is popular on both the big and small screens. But mostly, Hargitay got widely popular due to her iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (SVU).

The role of Olivia Benson on “SVU” has not just made her famous. It has also set her status as one of television’s most respected and highly-paid actresses.

Beyond “SVU,” Mariska Hargitay has been a part of several successful movies and television shows. She has been also a  producer of SVU and has directed a few episodes of it. So far, the actress has worked in over fifty films and TV shows.

What is Mariska Hargitay Net Worth?

As of 2023, Hargitay owns a net worth estimated at around $100 million. While she has a $120 million net worth combined with her husband. Most of her earnings stem from her extensive acting career and producing credits.

Hargitay’s longstanding drama “SVU” has contributed significantly to her financial success. Currently, she reportedly earns $500K in slavery per episode of the show. That makes her annual earnings around $11 million.

Additionally, The actress is also a producer “SVU” in the show now. Meaning, she’s now earning from producing credits as well.

Early Life

Born in 1964, Mariska Hargitay hails from Santa Monica. Her mom, Jayne Mansfield, was a famous actress, and her dad, Mickey Hargitay, was a bodybuilder. Mariska’s names have a special meaning from Hungary, where her family is from.

She grew up with two big brothers, Miklós and Zoltán, and three half-siblings. Mariska’s parents got divorced and then got back together before Mariska was born.

When Mariska was just a little kid, her mom got into a bad car crash. After her mom died, Mariska, along with her brothers was raised by her dad.

Mariska went to a special school called Marymount High School. There she did lots of fun stuff like cheerleading, sports, and theater. After finishing high school, Mariska went to UCLA University. She even won a beauty contest called “Miss Beverly Hills USA”.

Even though she didn’t finish her degree, Mariska kept learning at a special place in LA called Groundlings Theatre and School. That’s when she got really good at acting and started her amazing career in TV and movies.

Acting Career: Source Behind Mariska Hargitay Net Worth

Before achieving iconic status as Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (SVU), Hargitay made her mark across various platforms.

Her entry into the limelight began when she was crowned Miss Beverly Hills USA, eventually leading her to the Miss California USA pageant. Even though she was fourth runner-up, this exposure opened doors to the entertainment industry.

Mariska started out appearing in a music video and “She Loves My Car” was her first project.

In 1985, Hargitay took a leap in cinema with a role in the horror film “Ghoulies.” Her television appearances were equally noteworthy. She appeared on several TV shows like “Freddy’s Nightmares,” “Ellen,” and “Baywatch.”

Her voice was even featured in a video game. She had a brief role in a movie and tried out different characters on different series. Also, she had a shot at being on “Seinfeld” too.

The big break came with “SVU.” Mariska shone as Detective Benson. She even won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her acting. Beyond the show, Mariska is known for her social work.

Hargitay’s star power isn’t limited to the screen. She got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, right by her mom’s star. Her recognition continued with  her contribution to Taylor Swift’s music video for “Bad Blood.”

In 2022, Mariska added a special touch to Disney’s Candlelight Processional as a guest narrator.

FAQs

How much does Mariska Hargitay make per episode of Law and Order?

Reportedly, Hargitay’s current salary per episode of the show is $500K.

How old was Mariska Hargitay when SVU started?

Hargitay was at her 35 years old when SVU started (in 1999).

Who was Mariska Hargitay’s first husband?

It’s Peter Hermann, an producer, writer, and actor. Peter and Mariska are still together.

What is Mariska Hargitay’s husband worth?

Just like Hargitay, her husband, Peter Hermann is a millionaire with a net worth of $20 million.

Final Thoughts

With her successful acting career, Mariska Hargitay net worth has indeed grown impressively. Her more than three-decade career has significantly contributed to her fortune. That eventually paid her off very well. Even though she had the privilege, Mariska made her own standing in the television world.