seriously ten

Olivia Benson is a tough but compassionate detective with a difficult past. Empathising strongly with the victims of abuse that she works with, she is totally dedicated to her job - often at a cost to her own personal life.

Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay's role as Detective Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU earned her a Golden Globe in 2005 and an Emmy nomination for Lead Actress In a Drama Series in 2004. She was also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Lead Actress in 2004.

"As a woman, it's gratifying to play a part that's a multi-layered challenge," Hargitay says. "Olivia is not only a competent, street-smart cop, she's an empathetic woman who can respond emotionally to victims of terrible crimes without compromising her professionalism."

Hargitay gained recognition from her recurring role on ER as Dr. Greene's (Anthony Edwards) sometimes naïve and scattered girlfriend, desk clerk Cynthia Hooper. Hargitay also earned notice as a cast regular in the sitcom Can't Hurry Love starring Nancy McKeon. She was also a regular on the popular series Falcon Crest.

Her additional television credits include guest-starring roles on Seinfeld, Ellen, thirtysomething, Wiseguy and In the Heat of the Night.

Hargitay's feature film credits include Lake Placid, Leaving Las Vegas and David Lynch's Hotel Room.  On the Los Angeles stage, she has co-starred in Salad Days, Women's Work and Porno.

Hargitay is the youngest daughter of screen legend Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay. She divides her time between New York and Los Angeles. She speaks Hungarian, French and Italian.