Mariska Hargitay may be best known for the role of Olivia Benson in the series Law and Order: SVU, the bold detective who stops criminals and brings them to justice, but in real life, she is a loving mom and wife.
Hargitay isn’t much different in real life than the character she plays in the long-running series. She shows her heroism in her off-screen life by financing charities and organizations that help women and children victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Although she’s been doing this for years, it was recently that she opened up about it and urged others to show their sympathy towards the vulnerable individuals. Her work has been making a huge impact within the communities touched by her kindness.
Now that people learned of this side of Hargitay, they respect her even more.
Recently, the actress opened up about another secret she’s been keeping away from the public eye during an interview with People Magazine.
This secret isn’t related to her professional life and her charitable work, but to the personal aspect of her life.
“I’ve kept this part of my life private for so long because I’ve always been a firm believer in keeping certain things sacred,” Hargitay explained during the interview. “But it’s time to share it with the world. My family and I have been navigating a medical journey that has shaped a lot of who I am today. It’s been an ongoing process, but I’m finally at a place where I’m ready to talk about it.”
She didn’t go into details, but revealed that the experience has been a roller-coaster. It made her reevaluate life and understand what it is that truly matters.
“It’s a rare condition that’s affected someone very close to me,” Mariska Hargitay revealed. “I’ve been balancing my personal life, my career, and my responsibilities to my family, and it’s been challenging. But it has also been a reminder of how resilient we all are when we come together.”
Following the interview, the Emmy-rewarded actress‘ social media got flooded with messages of fans.
“Olivia has been such an important part of my life, but so has my own personal story,” Hargitay said. “I’ve learned so much through playing her, and I’ve learned so much through living my own life. I’m grateful for both.”
Looking into the future, Hargitay is embracing the next chapter of her life with a sense of calmness and positivity. She shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming seasons of SVU and her ongoing advocacy work. She is, however, prioritizing her family.
“Secrets can be powerful,” she concluded, “but sometimes, letting them out can help you find peace. I’m ready for the next chapter of my life, and I’m grateful to everyone who has been there for me, both publicly and privately.”