Mariska Hargitay’s journey to motherhood is truly inspiring. Known for her iconic role on “Law & Order: SVU,” her real-life story revolves around love, resilience, and the joy of raising three children. The actress’s path to building a family is filled with unexpected blessings and deep gratitude.
Mariska Hargitay’s journey into motherhood began in her early 40s when she gave birth to her first child. Despite the challenges of being a first-time mother later in life, she wholeheartedly and joyfully embraced motherhood.
Her family grew when she and her husband, actor Peter Hermann, welcomed two more children within a year. Each child brought unique blessings into their lives, and Mariska cherishes the unexpected path that led her to become a mother of three.
Long before becoming a mother, Mariska always envisioned having her own family. From a young age, she knew motherhood was part of her life plans, a desire deeply rooted in her own upbringing.
A Childhood of Glitz and Heartbreak: The Early Life of Mariska Hargitay
Mariska is an actress, who added producing and directing to her list of talents. She was born to the glamorous actress Jayne Mansfield and the former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay on January 23, 1964.
Being born into Hollywood royalty, Mariska’s early life was surrounded by fame and glitz. This set a unique backdrop for her childhood. However, her early years were also marked by tragedy.
When Mariska was just three years old, her mother died in a car accident on June 29, 1967. This loss left a lasting scar on the actress, both physically and emotionally.
The actress expressed, “I clearly was in that frozen place for a lot of my childhood—of trying to survive, actually trying to survive. My life has been a process of unpeeling the layers and trust and trusting again.”
Despite this tragic beginning, Mariska’s parents’ legacy played a significant role in shaping her character. Her father, Mickey, raised her with discipline and love, teaching her the importance of hard work and resilience.
He ensured she had a normal upbringing. Mariska joined the swim team, ran cross-country, played volleyball, and by 1982, she was crowned Miss Beverly Hills. Despite her accomplishments, she was always aware of the darker side of life.
The actress later explained that she learned about crisis early and realized that life offers no guarantees, but we must keep moving forward and transform our experiences.
She considers this ability to be her superpower and sees it as a gift from experiencing trauma early in life. Despite these challenges, Mariska went on to live a full and fulfilling life.
Embracing Motherhood: Mariska’s Journey from Daughter to Mom
For Mariska, 2004 marked the beginning of a new phase in her life. That year, she married Peter, and on June 28, 2006, the actress welcomed her first child, August Miklos Friedrich Hermann, at 42.
Starting this journey into motherhood was easy for Mariska as she knew from a young age that she was meant for it. Despite losing her mother, she never lacked a maternal figure in her life. The actress was raised by her father’s third wife, Ellen Siano Hargitay, who never made her feel like an outsider.
Mariska reminisced, “I called her Mom. She really claimed us. She never had biological kids of her own, and to this day we are her kids. So we were blessed that she really embraced us and loved us so quickly. And I was very fortunate to have a maternal figure in my life after such a horrific accident.”
Additionally, while Ellen’s motherly act prepared Mariska for being a mom, it also stirred in her the desire to have children by other means. The actress had grown up realizing that being a mother did not have to be biological.
A Dream Fulfilled: The Adoption of Amaya Josephine
After a few years of becoming parents, Mariska and Peter, who came from big families, decided it was time to expand theirs. They were also not the only ones clamoring for more kids around the house. Their son August also wanted siblings.
However, the actress was over 40, and at her age at the time, pregnancies were never easy. Knowing she and her husband had so much love to give, Mariska was hopeful. She said, “I was really letting the chips fall as they might, because I do think so much is up to God.”
Mariska didn’t know how she was going to have more children, but she knew it was something that would happen. The actress remarked, “I always said, ‘I don’t know how this is going to end up. I don’t know if I’m going to get pregnant and have twins.’”
Despite having no clue, there was something she was sure of, and that was adoption. She recalled not knowing if someone would leave a baby on her doorstep. Nevertheless, she said, “But I really did think that down the line, Peter and I would adopt a child. That was always part of the plan.”
In early April 2011, Mariska and Peter’s plan came to fruition as they welcomed their second child, Amaya Josephine Hermann. Their daughter had been born in the United States about a week before her adoption.
As soon as the couple decided to adopt, they did not limit themselves as they considered international and domestic adoption. Mariska revealed they had talked about the idea of mixed-race adoptions, and were excited to become a multi-racial family.
The actress’s excitement began even before Amaya joined the family. Mariska had revealed, “I’m deliriously happy. From the minute she was born, she was just surprisingly alert and so full of love.”
The second time Mother was not alone in her excitement. August, who was less than five at the time, was also happy to have a baby sister. His Mom disclosed, “He is over the moon. He calls her his baby because he says the whole thing was his idea. He always talks about how he’s going to protect her. He’s going to be a great big brother.”
A Brother’s Dream: The Joyous Arrival of Andrew Nicolas
August, who prided himself as a big brother, was very hands-on in his sister’s life. He reportedly even participated in picking out her name. However, seeing as he thought it was his idea for her to join the family, he wanted yet another sibling.
Six months after Amaya came home as a newborn, August’s wish was fulfilled as he welcomed his baby brother, Andrew Nicolas Hermann, in October 2011. This time, Andrew was not a newborn, as he had been born in the summer of that year.
Mariska noted, “August thinks this was all his idea! He said, ‘I want a baby sister,’ and Amaya came. Then he said, ‘I want a baby brother,’ and Andrew came. August is feeling pretty good and pretty powerful!”
While August Miklos Friedrich Hermann felt powerful, Mariska was feeling a range of positive emotions. She said, “We adopted Amaya, and Andrew, I always describe it as this angel that fell out of the sky, because he was a little unexpected. [sic]”
Andrew Nicolas, Peter Hermann, and Mariska Hargitay at the ceremony honoring Mariska Hargitay with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 8, 2013, in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images
The adoption of Andrew was not something Peter and Mariska had planned for at the time it happened. The couple had initially planned to adopt another baby a year or more after Amaya joined their household.
However, things happened differently. The actress revealed that their lawyer suddenly called them to inform them about Andrew. Their lawyer noted that it was an amazing opportunity, and the couple, in that moment, had never been more sure about having him in their lives.
The swiftness and timing of Andrew joining their family makes the actress believe her son “fell out of the sky.” Nevertheless, Mariska knows that it’s not an easy journey.
She once remarked, “I’m not gonna lie, there were wrenching moments. I say to everybody, ‘Adoption is not for the faint of heart.’” But, on some days, the actress feels like she’s living in a dream world. She said, “I just sit and pinch myself.”
Mariska Hargitay with Amaya, Andrew, and August at The Children’s Museum Of The East End 5th Annual Family Fair on July 20, 2013, in Bridgehampton, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Family and Fulfillment: Mariska Hargitay on Life as a Mother of Three
At 47, Mariska, who initially didn’t think it was possible to love more than one kid, had become a mom of three. She said, “You know you have one kid, and then you think, oh my gosh, I’ll never love another kid, and then the second one comes, and you can’t believe that you love them, and then the third one fell out of sky.”
Becoming a mother did not only teach Mariska about her capacity to love, it did more. She noted, “Becoming a parent erased many of my negative childhood feelings and filled them in with something new,” some of which include trying out new cultures when it comes to their cuisines.
The actress is not the only one to have spoken to the media about their family of five. Peter Hermann’s love for his family is always evident even though gets private about their kids. However, he expressed his thoughts on the unconventional manner in which their family grew.
The actor divulged, “It’s funny, I always get so private about our kids, but I think that the easiest way or the easiest answer is we just wanted a bigger family and we feel incredibly blessed.”
In 2018, Mariska also opened up about her life with the kids as she graced the cover of People’s magazine. She said, “The thing that’s made me a better parent is my kids. Because they taught me to really listen. My husband is my North Star, and my kids are my teachers.”
Not only did they make her a better parent, they also gave her something perfect in life. The actress revealed, “Our family is so perfect, or at least perfect for me. Together we’re just this whole, happy, joyful, chaotic, crazy unit. I’ve never known anything that was more right.”
Despite having a crazy and chaotic unit, Mariska and Peter work together to get the results they desire. Even though they have different parenting styles, the couple complement each other, with the actress revealing that her husband knows everything she doesn’t know.
Shortly before turning 60 in 2024, Mariska reflected on her life’s journey, career, motherhood, and more. The actress had countless reasons to be thankful.
Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay with their children, August, Andrew, and Amaya at the 2023 Stuttering Association For The Young (SAY) Benefit Gala on May 22, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
One of the things Mariska was thankful for was the timing when she started her family. She said, “I’m so grateful that I’m an older mom. Grateful that I became successful older. I don’t know if I could have handled it when I was younger.”
The actress then compared what she was like in her younger days. She remembered that in her younger years, she struggled to be present, but as she got older, she learned to accept and appreciate life more deeply.
She noted, “And now I’m going to savor this moment. I want to share my lessons and where there is pain that I can fix that really inspires me to lighten the load.”
Mariska’s journey shows her strength and love. Starting her family in her early 40s, she faced the challenges and joys of raising three children with Peter. Their story is full of unexpected blessings and deep gratitude. As she cherishes her family, Mariska inspires us to embrace life’s surprises and the power of love at any age.
I Spotted Something Strange About the Bride at My Best Friend’s Wedding – Lifting Her Dress Revealed a Shocking Surprise to All
Weddings are supposed to be filled with joy, but as I watched Shanize approach the altar, a knot formed in my stomach. Something was wrong, and I couldn’t ignore it. When I finally stepped forward to lift her gown, the truth I found left me frozen in shock.
I’ve known Dave for over 30 years. We grew up together, shared secrets, and laughed through awkward teenage years. So, when he told me he was getting married to Shanize, this stunning, graceful woman he met a year ago, I was thrilled for him.
Honestly, I didn’t think anyone could ever tie him down, but here we were on his wedding day.
The ceremony was perfect — almost too perfect. Shanize looked like she had stepped right out of a bridal magazine, her long white dress gliding down the aisle. I should’ve been lost in the beauty of it all, but something wasn’t right.
At first, I thought it was just nerves. Weddings are nerve-wracking, right? But as Shanize took one step, then another, I noticed her walking oddly. It wasn’t the poised, confident bride’s walk you’d expect. Her steps were small, unsure, almost as if she was stumbling.
I leaned over to whisper to Dave’s sister, Heather.
“Do you see that?” I murmured, trying to keep my voice low.
Heather frowned, glancing at the aisle. “See what?” she asked, oblivious.
“Shanize,” I said, gesturing subtly with my chin. “She’s walking weird. Like… like something’s wrong.”
Heather squinted and then shrugged. “You’re overthinking it. She’s just nervous, Janice. I mean, it’s a big day.” She gave me a reassuring smile, but it didn’t calm the uneasy feeling bubbling inside me.
Maybe. But something about the way Shanize’s dress moved gnawed at me. Was her dress too tight? Had something happened before the ceremony? I tried to push the thoughts away, but as she got closer to the altar, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. Her steps weren’t just slow; they were almost labored.
I leaned over again, unable to resist. “Heather, I swear something’s off.”
“Janice, stop it,” Heather whispered, her tone sharp. “You’ll ruin the moment. Don’t make a scene.”
I looked back toward the altar. Dave was standing there, his eyes sparkling with love. When our eyes met, he gave me a thumbs-up and mouthed, “Can you believe it?”
I forced a smile back at him, nodding, but inside, something wasn’t sitting right.
The closer Shanize came to the altar, the more unsettled I felt. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who noticed.
“She’s gliding!” someone whispered behind me, a man’s voice laced with amusement. Something about that comment chilled me to my core. I leaned in toward Heather again, my voice barely above a whisper. “Did you hear that? Gliding? That’s exactly it. She’s not walking right.”
“Janice, for God’s sake,” Heather hissed, her patience thinning. “You’re going to embarrass Dave. Stop acting like this!”
But I couldn’t stop. As Shanize drew nearer, I squinted at her feet, trying to make sense of it. The flow of her dress was unnatural. I couldn’t take it anymore. My body moved before my mind could catch up.
“I have to check,” I muttered, stepping forward. I heard Heather’s sharp intake of breath as I edged past her, my eyes locked on the bride.
“Janice!” Heather hissed behind me, her voice tight with panic. But it was too late. I was already there.
My heart pounded, and my hands trembled as I reached out. The world seemed to slow down as I bent over and lifted the hem of Shanize’s gown just a few inches. I wasn’t even sure what I expected to see — maybe some malfunction with her shoes or a wardrobe mishap. But what I found defied all logic.
The entire church fell into stunned silence.
Underneath the beautiful white gown was something so out of place and shocking that my mind went blank for a second. Men’s shoes. Large, polished men’s shoes.
I blinked, half convinced I was hallucinating. I glanced up, but no one moved. No one breathed. Shanize — no, this person — didn’t react, but I did. I knelt down further and looked closer. My stomach churned as I noticed the fabric of the suit pants, slightly hidden by the dress. And then, my eyes darted upward to the face.
That’s when I realized.
This wasn’t Shanize.
It was a man. A man in a wig, a veil covering most of his features, but now that I was up close, I could see the truth. My throat went dry. I stood, my hands trembling at my sides, and met Dave’s eyes.
“Janice…?” Dave’s voice wavered, his happiness crumbling into confusion as he watched me. “What’s going on?”
I didn’t know how to answer him.
For a moment, no one moved. The entire church was frozen, mouths agape, eyes locked on the man standing at the altar, dressed as the bride. The weight of what I’d uncovered hung in the air like a bomb waiting to explode.
Dave’s face was pale, his eyes wide, darting between me, the man in the wedding dress, and the confused guests. He staggered backward, nearly tripping over his own feet.
“What… What the hell is this?” His voice cracked, thick with disbelief.
The guests started whispering, their voices like a swarm of bees filling the room.
The man in the dress — the fake Shanize — stood tall, a smirk spreading across his face. Slowly, deliberately, he reached up and pulled the veil from his head, letting it drop to the ground. The wig came off next with a flourish, revealing short, dark hair. The transformation was complete, and the church erupted in confused chatter.
“Surprise,” he said, his voice filled with smug satisfaction. “You didn’t even notice, did you?”
Dave blinked, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “Where’s Shanize?” he demanded, his voice barely holding together. “Where is she?!”
The man — Dave’s best man — chuckled, shaking his head. “She’s gone, Dave. Left days ago. But don’t worry, she knew about this. She’s the one who asked me to do it.”
The murmurs in the church grew louder, and I could hear people shifting uncomfortably in their seats. I stood there, numb, unable to process what I was hearing. Dave’s best friend — the one standing there in Shanize’s wedding dress — had been in on this?
Dave’s face twisted in confusion and anger. “What the hell are you talking about? What did you do to her?” His voice rose in panic as he stepped forward, his fists clenched. “Where is she?!”
The best man held up a hand, signaling for calm, though his eyes glinted with triumph. “Oh, she’s safe. Don’t worry. But she wanted you to feel this moment, Dave. She wanted you to know what it’s like to be blindsided.”
Dave’s confusion deepened. “What are you talking about?”
The best man smiled a cold, sharp smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “She found out, Dave. About you and Vanessa.” His voice dropped to a near-whisper, the words dripping with malice. “The bridesmaid you’ve been sneaking around with? Shanize knew.”
The air left the room. Dave’s face drained of all color, his eyes wide with horror. “No… no, that’s not… That’s not true.”
“Oh, but it is,” the best man interrupted, his tone vicious. “She found out a few days ago. She could’ve called off the wedding, but where’s the fun in that? No, she wanted to make sure everyone saw who you really are.”
I felt my knees weaken, and I gripped the back of a pew for support. My mind raced. Dave? Cheating on Shanize with one of the bridesmaids? I glanced over at Vanessa, sitting just a few rows away. Her face was pale, her hands trembling as she stared at the floor, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.
Dave shook his head frantically. “No, no, this isn’t happening.”
But the best man stepped forward, his voice rising with each word. “This is happening, Dave! You betrayed her! You threw away your chance at happiness for a cheap fling, and now you’re paying for it.”
The room erupted in chaos. Guests were talking over each other, shouting questions, trying to piece together what had just happened. Some stood, ready to leave, while others stared in disbelief at the man in the wedding dress, still standing proudly at the altar.
Dave’s eyes were wild with panic as he looked at me as if I could somehow save him from this nightmare. “Janice,” he gasped, reaching out toward me. “Please, you have to believe me. This isn’t what it looks like!”
I stared back at him, my heart breaking. “Dave… what have you done?”
The church fell silent again, and the best man’s cold voice cut through the air like a knife. “This is your punishment, Dave. For what you did to her.”
And with that, he turned on his heel, leaving Dave standing there alone — shattered, exposed, and utterly broken.
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