Mariska Hargitay celebrated a significant milestone in her career with the premiere of her directorial debut, “My Mom Jayne,” at the Tribeca Festival. The event, held at Carnegie Hall, attracted a star-studded guest list from the entertainment industry, including Cher, Jamie Lee Curtis, Liam Neeson, and several of Hargitay’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” co-stars such as Chris Meloni, Ice-T, and Kelli Giddish.
The documentary focuses on the life of Hargitay’s mother, legendary actress Jayne Mansfield, who tragically died in a car accident when Hargitay was just three years old. During a Q&A session moderated by Griffin Dunne, Hargitay shared her personal journey and the emotional weight behind telling her mother’s story. She revealed that her biological father is singer Nelson Sardelli, not the late bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, who was her mother’s second husband. This revelation adds a layer of depth to Hargitay’s narrative.
Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of her journey in the entertainment industry, Hargitay expressed her joy and empowerment as a woman in her 60s who continues to advocate passionately. She has recently launched a new production company, Mighty Entertainment, with “My Mom Jayne” being its inaugural project.
Hargitay’s film had its world premiere in May at the Cannes Film Festival and is slated for a limited theatrical release on June 20, followed by its HBO premiere on June 27. Her heartfelt message during the event emphasized resilience and the importance of sharing one’s truth: “Has it been a bumpy road? Yes! And it’s fucking glorious now.”
This premiere not only highlights Hargitay’s growth as a storyteller but also signals a promising future for her endeavors in filmmaking. The presence of fellow celebrities during the event reinforces the community support she enjoys, all while bringing attention to important themes of legacy and personal history in her work.