In her new documentary, “My Mom Jayne,” Mariska Hargitay reveals a lifelong secret: the man she knew as her father, Mickey Hargitay, was not her biological father.
Instead, Italian singer Nelson Sardelli is her biological dad.
The “Law & Order: SVU” star explained that while growing up, she idolized Mickey, believing him to be her father and feeling his deep love.
However, she also sensed something wasn’t right. The truth of her paternity led her to feel like she had been “living a lie [her] entire life.”
Her mother, Jayne Mansfield, divorced Mickey in 1963 and had a publicized romance with Sardelli, becoming pregnant with Mariska. Months before Mariska’s birth in 1964, Mansfield reconciled with Mickey.
Mariska, now 61, discovered the truth in her twenties when she saw a picture of Sardelli. “It was like the floor fell out from underneath me,” she recalled in the documentary, which premieres on HBO Max on June 27th. “Like my infrastructure dissolved.” However, when she confronted Mickey, he denied it.
At age 30, Mariska attended Sardelli’s concert and introduced herself. “I’ve been waiting 30 years for this moment,” he told her tearfully.
But Mariska, referencing her “SVU” character, said she “went full Olivia Benson on him,” stating, “I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything from you … I have a dad.” She explained her loyalty to Mickey.
Despite the revelation, Mariska emphasized her deep connection with Mickey. “I grew up where I was supposed to, and I do know that everyone made the best choice for me,” she said.
“I’m Mickey Hargitay’s daughter — that is not a lie.”
She described the documentary as a “love letter” to Mickey, her closest person on Earth.
Mariska, who has three children with her husband Peter Hermann, two of whom are adopted, reflected on her understanding of family.
“They are my kids. Now I understand so much, and, boy, is it sweet,” she declared.
Jayne Mansfield passed away in 1967 at age 34, and Mickey Hargitay died in 2006 at 80.
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
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