For over two decades, Mariska Hargitay has captivated audiences as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. With each season, her salary has skyrocketed into the hundreds of thousands. But the real kicker? Her earnings per episode are jaw-dropping.

Debuting in 1999 alongside her partner Detective Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni, Hargitay has become an iconic figure in the world of television. Winning numerous awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Hargitay’s portrayal of Benson is both powerful and inspiring.

In an interview, she shared her thoughts on the enduring success of SVU, attributing it to the show’s ability to provide healing and hope for survivors of sexual violence. However, even with her impressive career, there are moments when Hargitay forgets the details of past episodes, as she hilariously admitted in an interview.

As for her salary, Forbes reported that Hargitay earned a staggering $13 million for season 19 of SVU. With each episode bringing her around $540,000, she solidified her status as one of the highest-paid actresses on television.

Beyond her acting career, Hargitay is also known for her philanthropic work, founding the Joyful Heart Foundation to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. With a net worth of $100 million, she proves that success and generosity can go hand in hand.So, the next time you tune into Law & Order SVU and marvel at Detective Benson’s strength and resilience, remember the talented actress behind the character, making waves on and off the screen.