Mariska Hargitay, the celebrated actress best known for her role in “Law & Order: SVU,” recently addressed the pronunciation of her name on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast. The 61-year-old actress shared insights about the origins and meaning of her Hungarian name, which serves as a diminutive form of Maria, translating to ‘Little Maria’.
As the daughter of iconic Hollywood figure Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, she noted that the affectionate “ka” at the end of her name is a cultural endearment. Despite her long and illustrious career, Hargitay revealed that many people, including family members, still mispronounce her name. She recounted a recent gathering where a cousin persistently called her “Muh-ris-kuh,” a mistake she chose to overlook.
This ongoing challenge isn’t limited to family interactions; it extends to her professional life as well. To mitigate the confusion on set, she humorously altered her name on call sheets to “Marishhhhka,” acknowledging the array of mispronunciations she receives, including “Muh-ritz-uh” and “Mar-see-kuh.”
In addition to discussing her name, Hargitay talked about her documentary, “My Mom Jayne,” which premiered at the Tribeca Festival and was later released on HBO Max. The film delves into the legacy of her late mother and includes a poignant revelation regarding her biological father, suggesting that Nelson Sardelli, a former Las Vegas entertainer, is her true father, not Mickey Hargitay, who raised her.
The documentary also highlights a traumatic childhood experience when Hargitay and her siblings were involved in the tragic car crash that took their mother’s life. She shares the emotional weight of discovering letters from fans about her mother during the COVID-19 pandemic, which inspired her to create the film that reflects a lifelong preparation for such a project.
Through her journey, Mariska Hargitay continues to engage with her past, providing a meaningful tribute to her mother while elucidating the story of her own identity. The revelations in her documentary, combined with her openness about the pronunciation of her name, illustrate Hargitay’s commitment to authenticity both personally and professionally.