Mariska Hargitay opens up about her struggles with forming friendships on the Law & Order: SVU set. In this exclusive interview, she talks about feeling “isolated” from her co-stars and her efforts to fit in. Discover how the “unnatural” dynamics on set made her contemplate leaving the show.
Mariska Hargitay Reveals Her Struggles with “Unnatural” Friendships on SVU
For over 20 years, Mariska Hargitay has played Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, a role that has made her one of television’s most iconic actresses. However, behind the scenes, Hargitay reveals in a candid interview that not all was as it seemed in terms of her relationships with her co-stars. Despite her longstanding role as the heart of the show, Hargitay admits she faced significant challenges when it came to forming friendships with her fellow actors.
In the interview, Hargitay opens up about how, from the very start, she tried to fit in with her co-stars, but the relationships on set often felt “unnatural.” Her position as the lead actress often left her feeling isolated, as the cast’s dynamic was constantly shifting with new actors coming and going, while Hargitay remained the constant presence.
“I tried to fit in, but there were moments when I just felt like I didn’t belong,” Hargitay explains. This sense of alienation would sometimes leave her questioning whether she could continue on the show, considering the emotional toll it was taking on her.
The Emotional Toll of Feeling Isolated
Hargitay’s struggle with feeling “isolated” on set was not just about her role as a lead actress, but the emotional weight of her character. Olivia Benson deals with difficult and often traumatic cases, which can be draining for any actor. However, the toll was even greater for Hargitay, as she found herself emotionally distanced from her co-stars, despite their efforts to create a welcoming environment.
“I wanted to connect with the people I worked with,” she says, “but sometimes it felt like I was working in a vacuum. The emotional strain of my character, combined with the constant shift of who was on set, made it hard to find stability.”
This emotional barrier made it more difficult for Hargitay to bond with her castmates. The lack of genuine, lasting connections often led her to question whether she wanted to continue working in an environment that was draining her, both emotionally and mentally.
Mariska Hargitay Considers Leaving SVU Amid Struggles with Co-Stars
As the years went on, Hargitay admits she considered leaving SVU. The pressures of being the face of the show, combined with the feeling of isolation, led her to seriously think about her future on the series. “There were times when I thought about walking away,” she shares, “I wasn’t sure if I could keep going with the kind of environment we had on set.”
Despite her strong bond with the character Olivia Benson, Hargitay’s struggle with the cast’s “unnatural” dynamic made her question her place in the show. The constant shift in co-stars, the overwhelming pressure of carrying the show’s emotional weight, and the emotional distance she felt from the people she worked with all made her consider if it was time to step away.
Yet, Hargitay ultimately found the strength to persevere, choosing to continue in her role. However, the experience left her with a new understanding of what it takes to maintain healthy working relationships in such a high-stress environment.
Mariska Hargitay’s Resilience and Future on SVU
Mariska Hargitay’s emotional journey on SVU has been far from easy. The difficulty she faced in building friendships on set and her feelings of isolation are a powerful reminder of the pressures that come with being the lead in a long-running show. Though Hargitay struggled with these challenges, her ability to persevere and continue portraying Olivia Benson speaks to her strength and dedication to her craft.
Her openness in sharing this experience shows just how much resilience is required to navigate the complexities of working in such a demanding environment. Fans can look forward to seeing more of Hargitay’s powerful performances in future SVU episodes, but they can also appreciate the emotional toll her journey has taken on her.
Stay tuned for more updates on Mariska Hargitay’s experience on SVU, and let us know your thoughts on her journey in the comments below.
