Mariska Hargitay's Gutsy Move Paid Off with Law & Order Gig
In 1999, a relatively unknown actress waltzed into the casting room to audition for a role on Law & Order. That actress was none other than Mariska Hargitay, who has held down a spot as Olivia Benson ever since.
Many would find it hard to believe that the tenured actress had great doubt about her abilities relative to the competition in the room. Despite this, she was adamant about landing the role and "knew she had to do it", Hargitay recounted on The Late Show.
The actress took no chances at losing the role and did whatever she could to ensure it would be her name that graced television screens across America.
Setting the Record Straight
Feeling a sense of insecurity when invited for a callback, Mariska knew she couldn't let her confidence wane. She figured she had to make her presence known in a way that nobody would forget.
Once at the audition, seemingly out of nowhere, the green actress walked up to Dick Wolf and said (with great conviction) "Listen you're confused. Here's the deal. This is my part, I'm serious. We're past this, let's not even waste your time."
Shocked by her spontaneity and boldness, Hargitay was even more pleased to learn that her little stunt had been a success. She had landed the role.
After her initial audition, Mariska Hargitay discovered that one of her competitors–whom she had so passionately upstaged–had been selected for another, less prominent role. Years later, in an interview, Mariska simply replied "she knew" to the question of whether her competitor was aware of her desire to kill her chances.
All that is water under the bridge as it is reported the former competitors have become close friends. In the ferocity of the industry, it's nice to see a happy ending pop up every so often.
Beyond the Screen
This big break had emotional significance for the actress too. Being the daughter of the late Jayne Mansfield, a Marilyn Monroe-esque bombshell of the 1950s, Mariska had always felt to be in her mother's shadow; even years after her untimely demise.
Mariska has noted that the role allowed her to come into her own, alleviating the burden of being the child of a Hollywood star. It also allowed her to gain some closure regarding her mother's death.
Mariska Hargitay had been through a lot leading up to scoring her breakout role. It leaves us with a smile knowing that her hard work had paid off and she was able to achieve fulfillment and self-worth.
It just goes to show that being brave and having some guts can take you places you'd never imagine.