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Mariska Hargitay

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Mariska Hargitay

actress · awards host

32 stories · latest Sep 17, 2026 · Awards & Red Carpet, TV & Film, Celebrity, Sports Stars

Mariska Hargitay biography

Mariska Hargitay is a television actress best known for her long-running role as Detective and Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Over decades starring in Dick Wolf's hit procedural drama, she has established herself as a primetime icon and television powerhouse.

Recent coverage heavily focuses on Hargitay stepping into the role of host for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Marking her major awards show hosting debut, she made history as the first female solo host of the ceremony in fifteen years. Her appearance featured twelve outfit changes, an opening musical parody, a comedy sketch with Taylor Swift, and a rare red carpet family appearance alongside her husband, Peter Hermann.

  • Coverage of Mariska Hargitay centers overwhelmingly on her landmark role hosting the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards and her enduring status as a Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star.
  • Reports highlight both her high-fashion awards night presentation and accessible beauty routine, alongside pop culture moments like her comedic collaboration with Taylor Swift.
  • Media interest also emphasizes rare glimpses into her personal life through red carpet appearances with her family.

The Mariska Hargitay shelf

Films and shows to own

Law & Order: SVU coverWATCH · 1999Law & Order: SVUOlivia Benson: the longest-running lead in primetime drama.

Latest on Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay timeline

  1. Mariska Hargitay Blasted Taylor Swift Song Before Emmy Hosting Debut

    Sep 14, 2026

    Hargitay requested Taylor Swift's song 'The Man' during a portrait session before her historic Emmy hosting assignment.

    Mariska Hargitay Blasted Taylor Swift Song Before Emmy Hosting Debut
  2. Mariska Hargitay Calls in Nicole Kidman for First-Ever Awards Hosting Monologue

    Sep 15, 2026

    Hargitay launched her major awards hosting debut with an opening monologue featuring a surprise appearance by Nicole Kidman.

    Mariska Hargitay Calls in Nicole Kidman for First-Ever Awards Hosting Monologue
  3. Family Night Out! Mariska Hargitay Poses With Husband Peter Hermann and Kids on 2026 Emmys Red Carpet

    Sep 15, 2026

    Hargitay walked the 2026 Emmy red carpet in a red Monse gown alongside her husband Peter Hermann and their children.

    Family Night Out! Mariska Hargitay Poses With Husband Peter Hermann and Kids on 2026 Emmys Red Carpet
  4. Taylor Swift Steals the Emmys 2026 With Surprise SVU Parody & Hidden Fan Clues

    Sep 15, 2026

    Hargitay teamed up with Taylor Swift for a pre-taped Law & Order: SVU parody sketch during the Emmy telecast.

    Taylor Swift Steals the Emmys 2026 With Surprise SVU Parody & Hidden Fan Clues
  5. Mariska Hargitay’s Secret to Emmy Red Carpet Glow Is a $17 Drugstore Cream

    Sep 17, 2026

    Details emerged revealing Hargitay prepped her skin for the Emmy Awards using an affordable drugstore firming cream.

    Mariska Hargitay’s Secret to Emmy Red Carpet Glow Is a $17 Drugstore Cream

The photos · 13

Mariska Hargitay’s Secret to Emmy Red Carpet Glow Is a $17 Drugstore Cream
Are The Emmys Leaving Network TV? Mariska Hargitay Wraps Landmark Ceremony As Amazon Prime Video Deal Looms
Inside the 2026 Emmys: Backstage Secrets, Press Room Gossip, and Host Mariska Hargitay
Off-Camera Emmy Drama: Taylor Swift Cameo, Aaron Rodgers' Exes Meet Up & Harrison Ford Cries
Emmys Bounce Back With Swift, Celebratory Telecast Led By Mariska Hargitay
Emmy Milestones: Mariska Hargitay, Sally Field, and Matthew Rhys Shatter TV Records
2026 Emmys Big Wins: Taylor Swift Crashes Night as Stephen Colbert Triumphs
Mariska Hargitay Pulls Off 12 Massive Outfit Changes Hosting the 2026 Emmys
Family Night Out! Mariska Hargitay Poses With Husband Peter Hermann and Kids on 2026 Emmys Red Carpet
Taylor Swift Crashes Emmy Awards Law & Order SVU Comedy Sketch With Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay Spoofs Nicole Kidman’s AMC Commercial at 2026 Emmys
Mariska Hargitay and Nicole Kidman in the story: Mariska Hargitay Spoofs Nicole Kidman’s AMC Commercial at 2026 Emmys
She did her own version of the dramatic monologue Kidman recited in the viral ad, with the same bright light and dramatic music the ad uses,

Mariska Hargitay: your questions

Did Mariska Hargitay host the 2026 Emmy Awards?

Yes, Hargitay served as the master of ceremonies for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, marking her first time helming a major awards broadcast.

Who is Mariska Hargitay married to?

Hargitay has been married to actor Peter Hermann since 2004.

What skin product did Mariska Hargitay use for the Emmys?

Makeup artist Kate Synnott prepped Hargitay using Cetaphil Skin Activator Firming Body Cream.

Who joined Mariska Hargitay in her Emmy comedy sketch?

Pop star Taylor Swift appeared alongside Hargitay and members of her Law & Order: SVU cast in a pre-taped procedural parody skit.

More on Mariska Hargitay

Often in the same story

Emmy AwardsLaw & Order: Special Victims UnitTaylor SwiftLaw And Order SvuLaw & Order: SvuNbcThe PittEmmys 2026