Mariska Hargitay is revealing the emotional journey she faced upon discovering that Mickey Hargitay was not her biological father. The star of “Law & Order: SVU” shared her experience during a recent guest appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, expressing how profound this revelation was for her.
Raised with her siblings, Mickey Jr. and Zoltán, Mariska considered Mickey, who passed away in 2006, a pivotal figure in her life. The shocking truth about her lineage came to her during a visit to Mickey’s home, where she confronted him about her doubts. Despite the distressing conversation, Mariska ultimately chose to suppress her feelings for the sake of their relationship, saying, “I pretended that I believed him, and we never spoke of it again.”
Her biological father has been identified as comedian and singer Nelson Sardelli. Mariska recounted the moment she learned his name while visiting a collector of memorabilia related to her mother, Jayne Mansfield. That pivotal moment, described as a “jolt,” led to a confrontation that shattered her sense of identity. “The one thing that was my constant, was no longer mine,” she reflected, highlighting the emotional turmoil that the discovery brought.
Mariska’s relationship with Sardelli, whom she first met in 1994, has evolved over the years. Though at first overwhelmed by the truth of her origins, she now views Sardelli and his daughters as family. Her upcoming HBO documentary, “My Mom Jayne,” delves deeper into her family’s secrets and her personal journey, showcasing her first reunion with Sardelli and her newfound connection with her biological family.
“We’re part of each other’s lives now,” Mariska mentioned, indicating a sense of resolution and growth from the experience. She expressed gratitude toward her adoptive father, stating, “I do know that everyone made the best choice for me,” emphasizing that her identity as Mickey Hargitay’s daughter remains unchanged.
This candid disclosure not only illustrates Hargitay’s resilience but also reflects her journey toward embracing her roots and the love that surrounds her, transforming what was once a painful secret into an opportunity for growth and connection.