Ep 10. Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy Award-winning actress known for her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is the guest on this episode of Inside the Actors Studio. Host James Lipton sits down with Hargitay to discuss her life, career, and craft.

The episode begins with a brief overview of Hargitay's background. Born to famous parents (actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay), Hargitay grew up around show business. She attended UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television, and made her acting debut in the 1985 horror film Ghoulies.

Lipton then turns to Hargitay's breakthrough role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Hargitay explains how she initially auditioned for a different role on the show, but was later cast as Olivia Benson. She talks about the challenges of playing a character who confronts sexual violence on a daily basis, and how she manages to stay emotionally invested in her work.

Throughout the conversation, Hargitay repeatedly emphasizes the importance of empathy in her acting. She talks about visiting women's shelters and speaking with survivors of sexual assault in preparation for her role on Law & Order, and how those experiences have shaped her understanding of the character. She also discusses her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization she founded to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Lipton and Hargitay then delve into her other roles, including her performances in the films Leaving Las Vegas and Love Guru. Hargitay reflects on what draws her to certain characters, and how she approaches each new project with a sense of discovery.

The episode concludes with Lipton asking Hargitay the show's famous questionnaire (originally devised by French host Bernard Pivot). Hargitay's answers reveal her love of books, fondness for her dogs, and admiration for her mother's resilience.

Overall, this episode of Inside the Actors Studio provides a thoughtful look at Mariska Hargitay's life and career, and highlights the importance of using one's platform for good. Whether you're a longtime fan of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit or simply interested in the craft of acting, this episode is well worth watching.