Mariska Hargitay ‘Refuses to Retire’ From ‘Law & Order: SVU,’ Has a ‘Responsibility’ to the Crew

Mariska Hargitay isn’t hanging up her badge anytime soon! After 25 seasons of embodying the fiercely compassionate Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, Hargitay has no intention of leaving the iconic role behind. “She refuses to retire and is prepared to take this show as far as she can go,” an insider tells Closer. “She doesn’t know what she’d do without SVU.”

Hargitay’s life is deeply intertwined with the NBC drama. Since meeting actor Peter Hermann on the SVU set in 2004, the couple has built a family together, now including three children. Remarkably, Hargitay is also the godmother to one of former co-star Christopher Meloni’s children, showcasing the deep personal connections forged through the show.

Beyond her on-screen role, Hargitay’s dedication extends to her real-life work. Her Joyful Heart Foundation is a testament to her commitment to issues that mirror her character’s fight on-screen, including ending sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Her connection to the SVU team is also profound. “She feels a responsibility to them,” the insider reveals. “They’d be out of a job without her.”

Mariska Hargitay’s unwavering commitment to Olivia Benson and the show underscores her profound connection to both her character and her on-screen family. As Law & Order: SVU continues, fans can be assured that Hargitay remains as dedicated and passionate as ever, ready to drive the series forward and continue her powerful advocacy off-screen.