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Olivia Benson On SVU: Here's Who Plays The Fan-Favorite Character

butchkaliva January 01, 2025

Who plays Olivia on SVU? Mariska Hargitay is an American actress best known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU).

Hargitay has been a part of the SVU cast since its inception in 1999 and has appeared in over 500 episodes of the show. She has also directed several episodes of the show and has won numerous awards for her work on SVU, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

In addition to her work on SVU, Hargitay is also known for her roles in the films Lake Placid (1999), Perfume (2001), and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003). She is also the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Name	Birth Date	Birth Place
Mariska Hargitay	January 23, 1964	Santa Monica, California, U.S.

Hargitay's portrayal of Olivia Benson has been praised by critics and viewers alike. She has been credited with helping to raise awareness of the issue of sexual assault and has been a role model for survivors of sexual violence. In 2017, she was awarded the prestigious Peabody Award for her work on SVU.

Who Plays Olivia on SVU?

Mariska Hargitay is an American actress best known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Hargitay has been a part of the SVU cast since its inception in 1999 and has appeared in over 500 episodes of the show. She has also directed several episodes of the show and has won numerous awards for her work on SVU, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Name: Mariska Hargitay
Birth Date: January 23, 1964
Birth Place: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Occupation: Actress, director, producer
Known for: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Awards: Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, Peabody Award
Personal life: Married to actor Peter Hermann, has three children
Activism: Founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse

Hargitay's work on SVU has had a significant impact on popular culture. The show has been credited with helping to change the way that sexual assault is portrayed in the media and has helped to raise awareness of the issue. Hargitay's character, Olivia Benson, has become a symbol of strength and resilience for survivors of sexual violence.

1. Name

The connection between "Name: Mariska Hargitay" and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because Mariska Hargitay is the actress who portrays the character of Olivia Benson on the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Hargitay has played the role of Olivia Benson since the show's inception in 1999 and has appeared in over 500 episodes of the show. Hargitay's portrayal of Olivia Benson has been praised by critics and viewers alike and has helped to raise awareness of the issue of sexual assault.

Olivia Benson is a strong and compassionate character who is committed to helping victims of sexual assault. Hargitay's portrayal of Benson has helped to break down the stigma associated with sexual assault and has shown that it is possible to be a survivor of sexual assault and still live a full and happy life. Hargitay's work on SVU has also helped to educate viewers about the issue of sexual assault and has provided a platform for survivors to share their stories.

The connection between "Name: Mariska Hargitay" and "who plays olivia on svu" is important because it highlights the power of television to raise awareness of important social issues. Hargitay's portrayal of Olivia Benson has helped to change the way that sexual assault is portrayed in the media and has helped to create a more positive and supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault.

2. Birth Date

The connection between "Birth Date: January 23, 1964" and "who plays olivia on svu" is that it is the birth date of Mariska Hargitay, the actress who portrays Olivia Benson on the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Hargitay has played the role of Olivia Benson since the show's inception in 1999 and has appeared in over 500 episodes of the show. Hargitay's portrayal of Olivia Benson has been praised by critics and viewers alike and has helped to raise awareness of the issue of sexual assault.

Hargitay's birth date is significant because it marks the beginning of her life and career. She was born in Santa Monica, California, to actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay. Hargitay began her acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. She landed her breakthrough role in 1999 when she was cast as Olivia Benson on SVU. Hargitay has been playing the role of Olivia Benson for over 20 years and has become one of the most recognizable actresses on television.

The connection between "Birth Date: January 23, 1964" and "who plays olivia on svu" is important because it highlights the power of television to raise awareness of important social issues. Hargitay's portrayal of Olivia Benson has helped to change the way that sexual assault is portrayed in the media and has helped to create a more positive and supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault.

3. Birth Place

The connection between "Birth Place: Santa Monica, California, U.S." and "who plays olivia on svu" is that Mariska Hargitay, the actress who portrays Olivia Benson on the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), was born in Santa Monica, California. This connection is significant because it provides insight into Hargitay's background and the factors that may have influenced her career path.

Geographic Influences: Santa Monica is a coastal city in Southern California that is known for its beaches, entertainment industry, and cultural diversity. Hargitay's upbringing in this environment may have exposed her to a wide range of people and experiences, which could have influenced her decision to pursue a career in acting.
Cultural Influences: Santa Monica is home to a large and vibrant arts community. Hargitay's exposure to this community may have fostered her interest in the arts and provided her with opportunities to develop her acting skills.
Family Influences: Hargitay's parents, Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay, were both actors. Growing up in a family of actors may have influenced Hargitay's decision to pursue a career in acting and provided her with valuable insights into the industry.
Educational Influences: Hargitay attended Marymount High School in Los Angeles, which is known for its strong arts program. Hargitay's education at Marymount may have provided her with the foundation and skills necessary to pursue a career in acting.

In conclusion, the connection between "Birth Place: Santa Monica, California, U.S." and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because it provides insight into Mariska Hargitay's background and the factors that may have influenced her career path. Hargitay's upbringing in Santa Monica, her exposure to the arts community, her family background, and her education all played a role in shaping her as an actress and ultimately led her to the role of Olivia Benson on SVU.

4. Occupation

The connection between "Occupation: Actress, director, producer" and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because it highlights the multifaceted nature of Mariska Hargitay's career in the entertainment industry. Hargitay is not only known for her role as Olivia Benson on SVU, but she is also an accomplished actress, director, and producer.

Actress
As an actress, Hargitay has appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career. Her portrayal of Olivia Benson on SVU has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Hargitay's acting skills have brought depth and authenticity to the character of Olivia Benson, making her one of the most recognizable and beloved characters on television.
Director
In addition to her acting work, Hargitay has also directed several episodes of SVU. Her directorial debut came in 2009 with the episode "Closet," and she has since directed several more episodes of the show. Hargitay's work as a director has demonstrated her versatility and her commitment to telling stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Producer
Hargitay is also a producer on SVU, and she has been involved in the show's production since its inception in 1999. As a producer, Hargitay has played a key role in the development and execution of the show's storylines and characters. Her work as a producer has helped to make SVU one of the longest-running and most successful dramas in television history.

In conclusion, the connection between "Occupation: Actress, director, producer" and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because it highlights the diverse range of Mariska Hargitay's talents and contributions to the entertainment industry. Hargitay's work as an actress, director, and producer has made her one of the most successful and respected figures in television.

5. Known for

The connection between "Known for: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because it highlights the central role that the character of Olivia Benson has played in Mariska Hargitay's career and in the success of the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) franchise.

Mariska Hargitay has portrayed Olivia Benson since the show's inception in 1999, and her performance has been integral to the show's enduring popularity. Olivia Benson is a strong, intelligent, and compassionate character who has dedicated her life to helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Hargitay's portrayal of Benson has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

The character of Olivia Benson has also had a significant impact on popular culture. Benson is a role model for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and she has helped to raise awareness of these issues. Hargitay's work on SVU has also helped to change the way that sexual assault and domestic violence are portrayed in the media.

In conclusion, the connection between "Known for: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because it highlights the central role that the character of Olivia Benson has played in Mariska Hargitay's career and in the success of the SVU franchise. Hargitay's portrayal of Benson has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, and the character has had a significant impact on popular culture.

6. Awards

The connection between "Awards: Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, Peabody Award" and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because these awards recognize Mariska Hargitay's outstanding performance as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Hargitay's portrayal of Benson has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, which have helped to raise the profile of the show and the issues it addresses.

The Primetime Emmy Award is one of the most prestigious awards in television, and Hargitay has won the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work on SVU. The Golden Globe Award is another prestigious award, and Hargitay has won the award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama for her work on SVU. The Peabody Award is a prestigious award that recognizes excellence in broadcasting and journalism, and Hargitay has won the award for her work on SVU.

Hargitay's awards are a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. Her portrayal of Olivia Benson has helped to raise awareness of the issues of sexual assault and domestic violence, and her work has made a positive impact on the lives of many people.

In conclusion, the connection between "Awards: Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, Peabody Award" and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because these awards recognize Mariska Hargitay's outstanding performance as Olivia Benson on SVU. Hargitay's awards have helped to raise the profile of the show and the issues it addresses, and her work has made a positive impact on the lives of many people.

7. Personal life

The connection between "Personal life: Married to actor Peter Hermann, has three children" and "who plays olivia on svu" lies in the personal life of Mariska Hargitay, the actress who portrays Olivia Benson on the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Hargitay's personal life has had a significant impact on her career and her portrayal of Olivia Benson.

Marriage to Peter Hermann
Mariska Hargitay has been married to actor Peter Hermann since 2004. Hermann is known for his roles in shows such as Younger and Blue Bloods. The couple has three children together. Hargitay's marriage to Hermann has provided her with a stable and supportive home life, which has allowed her to fully focus on her career and her role as Olivia Benson.
Motherhood
Mariska Hargitay is the mother of three children: August, Amaya, and Andrew. Hargitay has said that motherhood has changed her perspective on life and has made her more compassionate and understanding. Her experiences as a mother have also helped her to bring depth and authenticity to her portrayal of Olivia Benson, who is also a mother.
Family support
Mariska Hargitay's family is very supportive of her career. Her husband, Peter Hermann, often accompanies her to events and red carpets. Her children are also very proud of their mother's work. Hargitay's family support system has helped her to maintain a healthy work-life balance and to continue to excel in her career.

In conclusion, the connection between "Personal life: Married to actor Peter Hermann, has three children" and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because Hargitay's personal life has had a positive impact on her career and her portrayal of Olivia Benson. Hargitay's marriage, motherhood, and family support system have all contributed to her success as an actress and have helped her to create a well-rounded and authentic character in Olivia Benson.

8. Activism

The connection between "Activism: Founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse" and "who plays olivia on svu" lies in the dedication and passion of Mariska Hargitay, the actress who portrays Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Hargitay's personal experiences and her commitment to helping survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence have greatly influenced her portrayal of Olivia Benson, a character who is also a strong advocate for victims of these crimes.

Personal Experiences: Hargitay herself is a survivor of sexual assault, and her own experiences have driven her to become an outspoken advocate for survivors. She has used her platform to raise awareness of these issues and to help survivors find the support and resources they need.
The Joyful Heart Foundation: In 2004, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides support and services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The foundation's mission is to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives, and it provides a variety of programs and services, including counseling, legal assistance, and financial aid.
Olivia Benson as an Advocate: Hargitay's activism has also had a significant impact on her portrayal of Olivia Benson on SVU. Benson is a strong and compassionate character who is dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Hargitay's own experiences and her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation have helped her to bring depth and authenticity to the character of Benson.
Raising Awareness: Through her work on SVU and her activism with the Joyful Heart Foundation, Hargitay has helped to raise awareness of the issues of sexual assault and domestic violence. She has used her platform to educate the public about these crimes and to challenge the stigma that often surrounds them.

In conclusion, the connection between "Activism: Founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse" and "who plays olivia on svu" is significant because Hargitay's personal experiences and her commitment to helping survivors have greatly influenced her portrayal of Olivia Benson. Benson is a strong and compassionate character who is dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and Hargitay's own activism has helped to bring depth and authenticity to the character.

FAQs about "Who Plays Olivia on SVU"

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Mariska Hargitay, the actress who plays Olivia Benson on the television show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU).

Question 1: Who is Mariska Hargitay?

Mariska Hargitay is an American actress, director, and producer. She is best known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU).

Question 2: What is Mariska Hargitay's birth date and birthplace?

Mariska Hargitay was born on January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California, U.S.

Question 3: What is Mariska Hargitay's occupation?

Mariska Hargitay is an actress, director, and producer. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career, but she is best known for her role as Olivia Benson on SVU.

Question 4: What is Mariska Hargitay known for?

Mariska Hargitay is best known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). She has played this role since the show's inception in 1999 and has won numerous awards for her performance, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Question 5: What is Mariska Hargitay's personal life like?

Mariska Hargitay is married to actor Peter Hermann and has three children. She is also the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Mariska Hargitay. For more information, please visit her official website or follow her on social media.

In conclusion, Mariska Hargitay is a talented actress, director, and producer who has dedicated her career to helping others. She is a role model for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and her work has made a positive impact on the lives of many people.

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Conclusion

Mariska Hargitay is a talented actress and a dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual assault. Her work on SVU has made a positive impact on the lives of many people, and she continues to be a role model for survivors of sexual violence.