Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role in “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” has shared her experiences following a serious accident on set that radically altered her approach to performing stunts. Back in December 2008, during a challenging scene where she portrayed Detective Olivia Benson, Hargitay sustained a partially collapsed lung after a miscalculated jump. This incident forced her to confront the potential dangers of performing her own stunts.
Initially, Hargitay continued to work without recognizing the full extent of her injuries. It wasn’t until early January 2009 that she experienced significant chest pain and subsequently required hospitalization. An X-ray revealed that her right lung was 50 percent collapsed due to a microscopic bleed caused by her fall.
The incident required surgical intervention, which sparked a deep sense of fear and introspection for Hargitay regarding her health and the demands of her job. By March 2009, she found herself back in the hospital, facing further complications related to the original injury. The physical toll and the psychological impact of these events led her to reconsider her future as a performer.
From June 2009 onwards, Hargitay made a pivotal decision to hire professional stunt doubles for high-risk sequences on set. This shift not only enhanced her safety but also fundamentally changed how “Law and Order: SVU” approached actress safety. Rather than perform stunts herself, she now collaborated with trained professionals to ensure both her well-being and the continuity of her work on the series.
Reflecting on her experience, Hargitay has expressed how the accident reshaped her values, emphasizing the importance of health and family over the allure of authenticity in performance. The journey through recovery and subsequent injuries, including a broken ankle in 2021, underlined her belief that prioritizing safety is essential for a sustainable career in entertainment.
Today, Hargitay’s decision to implement stunt doubles not only contributes to her longevity in the industry but also serves as an example of wisdom and responsibility for her colleagues. Her commitment to safety allows her to deliver powerful performances while ensuring her well-being. As “Law and Order: SVU” continues to thrive, Hargitay’s experience has fostered a culture of safety and professionalism on set, ultimately facilitating the show’s success across more than 25 seasons.