MARISKA HARGITAY: The Heart Behind SVU And A Lifetime In Character

Mariska Hargitay reflects on the unexpected path that led her from ballet training to a lifelong career in acting, sharing how an early documentary on Sanford Meisner sparked her commitment to the craft and how formative early roles, including on "ER," helped shape her voice on screen. She opens up about the deep preparation behind her work, the importance of empathy and emotional truth and what it means to sustain a 27-year legacy on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," a role she says she “manifested” and continues to find meaning in every day. Mariska also speaks about the profound love she has for her "SVU" cast and crew, and the gift of working alongside both longtime collaborators and new generations of actors. She closes on her recent documentary about her mother, "My Mom Jayne," and how telling that story deepened her understanding of legacy, grief and authenticity in her own life and work. Love what you hear? Follow I AM AN ACTOR on Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/iamanactorpod ), TikTok ( https://www.tiktok.com/@iamanactorpod ), Threads ( https://www.threads.com/@iamanactorpod ), X ( https://x.com/iamanactorpod ), Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-an-actor/id1895304979?at=1000lHKX&ct=linktree_http&itsct=lt_p&itscg=30200&ls=1), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/45puvTn7nALtn0R3V85yqw?si=14f5eb929d79417b) and Youtube @IAmAnActorPod so you never miss an episode. I AM AN ACTOR is produced in partnership with SAG-AFTRA and SickBird Productions. Hosts: Jon Brockett Jamie Chung Executive Producers: Jon Brockett Diona DaCosta Jade Watson Produced By: Sarah Stoecker Kayla Forman Nic Vivas Talent Producer: Sarah Cowperthwaite Head of PR & Marketing: Nic Vivas Edited By: Rachel Derbyshire

Added 18 Oct 2026