‘Law & Order’: How Did Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann Meet?

Mariska Hargitay, star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has led an extraordinary life. Born to legendary entertainers and carving out her niche in a notoriously tough industry, Hargitay has also been blessed with a wonderful life partner in her husband, actor Peter Hermann.

Many fans are curious about how these two stars first crossed paths. Here’s a look at their early lives, their fateful meeting, and the love story that followed.

Mariska Hargitay’s Early Life

Mariska Hargitay was born in 1964 to actress Jayne Mansfield, often dubbed “the working man’s Marilyn Monroe,” and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay. Although Mariska’s parents had a turbulent relationship, they briefly reconciled when she was born, only to divorce for good later on.

Tragedy struck when Mansfield was killed in a car crash in 1967, leaving young Mariska, then just three and a half years old, miraculously unscathed in the backseat. Raised by her father and stepmother in California, Hargitay had a range of interests in high school, including cheerleading, acting, and beauty pageants, winning Miss Beverly Hills USA in 1982.

Ultimately, acting became her passion. Throughout the 80s and 90s, she appeared in various film and TV roles. In 1999, Hargitay landed the role that would define her career: Detective Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. This show would change her life in profound ways.

The Meeting of Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann

In 2002, on an ordinary day on the set of Law & Order: SVU, Mariska Hargitay met actor Peter Hermann, who was guest-starring as Defense Attorney Trevor Langan. The attraction was immediate, and Hargitay later described it as love at first sight.

Hermann was equally smitten and asked her out after filming. Interestingly, their first date was at a church service. Hargitay recalled in an interview that during the service, she felt like she was “hit with a lightning bolt” and started crying, realizing that Hermann was the one she wanted to spend her life with.

A Romantic Life Together

Since that fateful date, Hargitay and Hermann have been inseparable. They married in August 2004 and welcomed their first child, a son named August, in June 2006. They later adopted two more children, Amaya and Andrew.

Hargitay, a strong advocate for adoption, believes it was always part of their plan. The couple is renowned for having one of Hollywood’s happiest marriages and often shares the secret to their enduring love.

In a recent interview, Hermann credited their happiness to a good sense of humor and the ability to laugh, even during tough times. He also praised Hargitay’s personality, calling her the “embodiment of joy.” For an actress who overcame early tragedy, finding such a perfect partnership seems like destiny.

Their story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and finding joy in the journey.