Mariska Hargitay, a native of Santa Monica, California, stands as a prominent figure in American acting circles. The daughter of the legendary Hungarian Mr. Universe, Mickey Hargitay, and the acclaimed actress Jayne Mansfield, Mariska’s roots in the entertainment industry run deep. However, it’s her portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson in the acclaimed crime series, ‘Law & Order,’ that has truly etched her name in the annals of television history.
For an impressive 24 years, Hargitay has graced the screen with her compelling portrayal of Detective Benson, a role that catapulted her to stardom. Since the show’s debut in 1999, she has become an indispensable part of its success. This enduring commitment to her character has not only garnered widespread acclaim but has also translated into prestigious accolades such as the Golden Globe and Emmy Awards.
Beyond her artistic prowess, Mariska Hargitay has secured her position among the highest-paid women in television. Her remarkable journey from the vibrant streets of Santa Monica to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood has solidified her status as a true luminary in the world of entertainment.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Richest Celebrities | Actors |
| Net Worth | $100 Million |
| Salary | $500 Thousand Per Episode |
| Birthdate | January 23, 1964 (59 years old) |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica |
| Gender | Female |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.721 m) |
| Profession | Actor, Film Producer |
| Nationality | United States of America |
How much does Mariska Hargitay make per episode (before and now)?
When Mariska Hargitay embarked on her illustrious journey with ‘Law & Order,’ the financial landscape was quite modest, with her initial earnings per episode reflecting humble figures. However, the trajectory of her compensation swiftly ascended, reaching an impressive range of $375,000 to $385,000 per episode. As the show’s popularity soared and her portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson became iconic, it was evident that Hargitay’s value in the industry had grown substantially.
Upon the expiration of her initial contract in 2009, negotiations ensued, resulting in a new deal that elevated her per-episode earnings to approximately $400,000. With her unwavering commitment to the series, appearing in every single episode out of the 32 produced per season, Mariska Hargitay’s annual income surged to an estimated $11 million.
In the most recent contractual arrangement, Hargitay’s compensation has taken another leap, propelling her earnings per episode to even greater heights. The financial terms of this latest agreement have positioned her as one of the highest-paid actresses in television, further cementing her status as a powerhouse in the industry.
Does Mariska Hargitay get royalties?
In her latest contractual agreement to extend her tenure on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,’ Mariska Hargitay not only secured a substantial increase in her per-episode earnings, now standing at an impressive $500,000, but she also entered the realm of royalties. With this strategic move, Hargitay stands to earn additional income from the show’s broadcasts in various countries, a testament to the global impact of her portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson.
This pivotal decision to include royalties in her contract underscores Hargitay’s astuteness in recognizing the show’s international success and her integral role in its enduring popularity. As a result, her overall annual income has soared to a staggering $15 million per season, reinforcing her standing as one of the foremost actresses in the television industry.
With a reported net worth of $100 million, according to reputable sources such as Fortune and Forbes, Mariska Hargitay has not only carved out a legendary career but has also positioned herself as a savvy businesswoman in the entertainment landscape. As she approaches the age of 59, her legacy as one of the highest-paid actresses in television history is undoubtedly secure, marking an illustrious and prosperous journey in the annals of show business.
Law & Order: SVU Salary
Mariska Hargitay currently commands an impressive salary of $500,000 per episode for her role in ‘Law & Order: SVU.’ In the context of a standard 22-episode season, this translates to a robust base salary of $11 million annually, excluding any additional income from syndication royalties. When factoring in supplementary bonuses and considerations, Hargitay’s total earnings from ‘Law & Order: SVU’ typically range between $13 million and $15 million each year.
The pivotal moment in contractual negotiations occurred after the show’s tenth season in May 2009 when both Hargitay and her co-star Meloni were operating with contracts that stipulated earnings in the range of $375,000 to $385,000 per episode. Following the successful resolution of negotiations, Hargitay’s compensation was elevated to approximately $400,000 per episode, reflecting the growing recognition of her indispensable contribution to the show’s success. This marked a significant turning point that set the stage for her subsequent ascent to becoming one of the highest-paid actresses in television.
Mariska Hargitay entered the realm of Dick Wolf’s acclaimed police procedural drama, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” through a spring audition in 1999. Her pursuit was for the coveted role of Detective Olivia Benson, the show’s female lead. Among the contenders were notable names like Samantha Mathis and Reiko Aylesworth. In a decisive final round audition alongside Christopher Meloni, who vied for the male lead, Hargitay’s chemistry with Meloni proved undeniable to producers, securing them both the pivotal roles.
In preparation for the challenging role of Benson, Hargitay underwent specialized training to become a rape crisis advocate, demonstrating her commitment to authenticity and depth in portraying the character. Since then, she has etched her name in the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” cast with the longest tenure, maintaining a continuous presence since the show’s inception in 1999. Notably, her only hiatus occurred during the sixth season in 2006, when she temporarily stepped away during the final months of her pregnancy. Connie Nielsen briefly filled the void as the character Dani Beck during Hargitay’s maternity leave.
Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson has not only earned her critical acclaim but also prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Beyond the confines of SVU, she has made appearances in various other shows within the Law & Order franchise, as well as crossover episodes with “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Fire.” Her versatility extends to a cameo on “Saturday Night Live” as Olivia Benson.
The actress has also taken on a directorial role within the SVU realm, helming several episodes such as “Criminal Stories” (2014), “Padre Sandunguero” (2015), “Sheltered Outcasts” (2016), and “Mea Culpa” (2018), showcasing her multifaceted talents and enduring commitment to the series.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Mariska Magdolna Hargitay made her entrance into the world on January 23, 1964, in the sunny confines of Santa Monica, California. Her lineage boasts a connection to fame, being the offspring of Hungarian Mr. Universe, Mickey Hargitay, and the renowned actress Jayne Mansfield. In the familial tapestry, she shares the stage with two older brothers and three half-siblings. Unfortunately, the initial chapters of Hargitay’s life were marked by parental separation; her parents parted ways when she was just a baby.
Tragedy struck at a tender age of three and a half when her mother met a fatal end in a car accident. The incident, transpiring on a fateful night’s journey from Biloxi, Mississippi to New Orleans, Louisiana, left Hargitay in the backseat, asleep and untouched by the tragic collision. The car, colliding with a truck at high speed, claimed the lives of all three adults in the front seat but spared the lives of the three children in the backseat.
The aftermath left Hargitay with a distinctive zig-zag facial scar, a silent testimony to the life-altering events of that night. Raised by her father Mickey Hargitay and his third wife, Ellen Siano, Mariska’s early years were a testament to resilience and adaptation.
Her journey into the spotlight commenced in high school, where she first ventured into acting. The early 1980s saw her crowned as Miss Beverly Hills USA, hinting at the charisma that would later define her on-screen presence. After graduating from Marymount High School in 1982, she embarked on an academic path at UCLA, enrolling in the School of Theater Film and Television.
However, academic pursuits took a backseat as she delved into the world of entertainment, leaving college early to join the Groundlings improv group in Los Angeles.
By the late 1980s, Hargitay had begun to carve her niche in the television landscape, earning guest-starring roles in notable series such as “Falcon Crest,” “Tequila & Bonetti,” “Seinfeld,” and “ER.” These early experiences laid the groundwork for a career that would blossom into one of the most enduring and celebrated in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
In 2004, Mariska Hargitay exchanged vows with actor Peter Hermann, a union that blossomed after their on-screen collaboration on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Their shared journey expanded with the arrival of their son in 2006, and in 2011, the couple embraced parenthood again through the adoption of two children.
The actress faced a moment of physical adversity in 2008 when a stunt on “Law & Order: SVU” led to a partially collapsed lung. Undeterred, Hargitay demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from the incident.
Beyond her acting prowess, Hargitay has dedicated herself to philanthropy. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization focused on providing support for women who have experienced sexual abuse and victims of domestic violence. The foundation’s impact has been profound, offering a multitude of support structures that have touched the lives of over ten thousand women and children.
Her commitment to education is evident in her alma mater, the UCLA School of Theater Film and Television. In September 2011, Hargitay showcased her generosity by donating $100,000 to the school to bolster scholarships for aspiring students, reflecting her dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent.
In addition to her contributions in the realms of acting and philanthropy, Mariska Hargitay showcases her linguistic prowess by fluently speaking five languages: English, French, Spanish, Hungarian, and Italian. This multilingual ability adds another layer to the depth of her personal and professional accomplishments.
Real Estate
In 2012, Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann made a real estate move that echoed their discerning taste, acquiring a New York City townhouse near Central Park on the Upper West Side for a sum of $10.7 million. This expansive property, spanning six floors and boasting an impressive 18-foot width, featured luxurious amenities such as double-height ceilings, a rooftop deck, an inviting eat-in kitchen with additional seating space, an entertainment-friendly secondary kitchen, a library, a dining room, and a charming backyard.
However, their real estate journey took a turn in 2018 when the couple listed the townhouse for sale with an initial asking price of $10.5 million. Despite some negotiations, the property ultimately changed hands in February 2019 for $9.75 million, reflecting a $1 million loss on their original investment.
This transaction followed previous real estate ventures in the bustling city. In 2007, Hargitay and Hermann sold a New York City home for $5.1 million, and in 2008, another property fetched $8.15 million after merely a year of ownership.
Diversifying their residential portfolio, the couple established their current primary residence in 2010 with the purchase of a 7,000 square-foot home in East Hampton, New York. Situated on over an acre of property, this Hamptons retreat serves as a testament to their refined taste and strategic real estate choices