Mariska Hargitay has revealed a significant family revelation in her new documentary “My Mom Jayne.” The star of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” disclosed that her biological father is actually Italian singer Nelson Sardelli, contrary to the assumption that Mickey Hargitay, the man who raised her, was her biological dad.
In the film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, Hargitay described her reaction upon discovering a photograph of Sardelli in her 20s, saying it felt “like the floor fell out from underneath me.” Her mother, the late actress Jayne Mansfield, had a romantic relationship with Sardelli in 1963 during her divorce from Mickey Hargitay, although she later reconciled with Mickey before giving birth to Mariska in January 1964.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Hargitay recalled how she took on a resolute approach akin to her character Olivia Benson when she introduced herself to Sardelli at one of his performances in Atlantic City years later. She emphasized that she had no expectations from him, stating, “I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything from you … I have a dad.” However, she later formed a connection with him, which is depicted in the documentary.
“My Mom Jayne” delves into Hargitay’s exploration of her mother, who tragically died in a car accident in 1967 when Mariska was just three years old. Hargitay has previously described the documentary as a quest to uncover the mother she never knew and a journey toward accepting her own identity. She emphasized the strength found in vulnerability through this project, stating, “The process of making this film has confirmed that belief like never before.”
Additionally, Hargitay expressed her unwavering affection for Mickey Hargitay, who passed away in 2006, remarking on the profound bond they shared and reinforcing her identity as his daughter: “I’m Mickey Hargitay’s daughter − that is not a lie.”
Following its premiere at Cannes, “My Mom Jayne” will release on June 27 on HBO and will be available for streaming on HBO Max.
This documentary not only sheds light on Hargitay’s heritage but also serves to honor the memories of her mother and her late father, emphasizing the importance of family connections and personal truths.