Mariska Hargitay

Photo of Mariska Hargitay

Biography

Prior to her success, Hargitay went through a long string of forgettable movies like "The Perfect Weapon" (1991), and failed shows like "Tequila and Bonetti" (CBS, 1992) and "Can't Hurry Love" (CBS, 1995). She eventually began taking on detective roles in procedural dramas, including on the short-lived "Prince Street" (NBC, 1997). But after going through extensive auditions with executive producer Dick Wolf, Hargitay was cast as the tough but …
Read More »

Job Title

Actor

Born

January 23, 1964

Career Milestones

2008

Made a cameo in the comedy feature "The Love Guru"

2005

Guest starred as her "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" character on the short-lived NBC spin-off "Law & Order: Trial by Jury"

1999

Acted in the thriller "Lake Placid"

1999

Co-starred with Christopher Meloni on the NBC crime drama spin-off "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

1997

Signed deal to develop a sitcom with DreamWorks

1997

Landed a recurring role as Cynthia Hooper during the fourth season of NBC's "ER"

1997

Appeared in the pilot for the ABC series "Cracker"; replaced when the series was picked up

1997

Was regular on the short-lived NBC drama "Prince Street"

1995

Played Nancy McKeon's sexy neighbor on the CBS sitcom "Can't Hurry Love"

1995

Cast as a hooker in Mike Figgis' "Leaving Las Vegas"

1992

Co-starred on "Tequila and Bonetti" (CBS)

1988

Played recurring role on the CBS primetime soap "Falcon Crest"

1986

Had first shot at being series regular on "Downtown" (CBS)

1983

Made screen debut in small role in "Star 80"

1982

Named Miss Beverly Hills

Awards

2011

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2010

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series in Law & Order

2010

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2009

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2009

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2008

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama in Law & Order

2008

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2007

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2007

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2006

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2006

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2005

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2004

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2004

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2004

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit