Mariska Hargitay’s latest documentary, “My Mom Jayne,” reveals a significant aspect of her personal life that until now had remained largely unknown. Although Mariska was raised by Mickey Hargitay, a well-known actor and bodybuilder, she disclosed that her biological father is actually singer Nelson Sardelli. This revelation came during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where Mariska reflected on her relationship with Mickey, who passed away in 2006, and the complexities surrounding her true parentage.
In the documentary, Mariska shared that Mickey always denied the truth of her lineage, even until the end of his life. Though she was aware of the truth about her parentage, Mariska expressed empathy for Mickey’s position, understanding his emotional need to hold onto a particular narrative. “He made a choice, and that was his new truth,” she stated. Mariska, who herself has two adopted children, noted that love and family do not hinge on biological connections, reinforcing that she feels no different towards her adopted kids compared to her biological son.
The documentary debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and follows Mariska as she delves into the life of her late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, who was married to Mickey Hargitay and briefly dated Sardelli during their tumultuous relationship. It was during a visit to the home of a fan club president that Mariska had a pivotal realization about Sardelli’s true role in her life. This moment struck her profoundly, leading her to confront Mickey, who continued to assert that she looked like a Hargitay.
Mariska described the incident as one that marked her transition into adulthood, despite the pain involved in uncovering this truth. Ultimately, she reaffirmed her love for Mickey, expressing that regardless of their familial ties, their relationship would always hold significance for her.
“My Mom Jayne” will be available on HBO and HBO Max on June 27, promising to shed light on not only Mariska’s personal journey but also the complexities of family and identity. The film offers a hopeful glimpse into understanding and acceptance, emphasizing that love transcends biological connections.