Fresh Air Mariska Hargitay On Freeing Herself From Generational Trauma
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Jul 28, 2025 Mariska Hargitay, an award-winning actress best known for her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, shares her journey of healing from generational trauma. She discusses her documentary, My Mom Jayne, which unveils her mother Jayne Mansfield's legacy and her own identity struggles. Hargitay reflects on her experience learning about her biological father, the significance of reclaiming personal narratives, and her evolution from aspiring diplomat to actress. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of advocacy for sexual assault survivors through her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation.
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Voice Signals Authenticity or Doubt
- Hearing a false voice from a parent triggers distrust and unsettlement, especially when tone signals inauthenticity.
- For Mariska, her mother's acted persona clashed with what she was told about her true self.
Reframing Mother's Legacy
- Mariska grew from wanting a 'normal mom' to appreciating her mother's bravery navigating Hollywood's studio system.
- She admires her mother's ambition and resilience in a challenging era for women in entertainment.
Seeing Her Mother's Authenticity
- Mariska found candid photos revealing her mother's authentic self beyond the glamorous public image.
- Watching her mother perform violin on the Ed Sullivan show showed her mother's genuine artistry and soul.