Mariska Hargitay opened up about the deep psychological trauma she faced following the death of her mother, recalling how her father’s unwavering support helped her heal. In an emotional interview, she shared how his love and guidance were instrumental in her recovery.
The Emotional Toll of Losing a Mother
Mariska Hargitay, known for her iconic role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, has always been open about the emotional struggles she’s faced throughout her life. One of the most profound and heart-wrenching moments came when she lost her mother, Jayne Mansfield, at a young age. The loss left a deep emotional scar, and the psychological trauma was something Mariska had to confront as she grew older.
In a recent interview, Mariska didn’t hold back as she shed tears while recalling the challenges she faced in dealing with the death of her mother. Losing Jayne, a well-known actress and public figure, was not only personally devastating for Mariska but also complicated by the intense media scrutiny that followed.
Her father, actor and businessman Mickey Hargitay, played a pivotal role in helping her navigate through these difficult years.
A Father’s Unwavering Support: Helping Mariska Heal
Mariska’s father, Mickey Hargitay, became her emotional anchor during a time of unimaginable grief. In her interview, Mariska spoke candidly about how her father was her rock, always there to provide guidance, love, and support during her darkest moments.
“He was always there for me,” Mariska shared with tears in her eyes. “He didn’t just help me with the practical things in life, but he was there for my emotional well-being. His love and guidance were exactly what I needed to survive.”
Mickey’s commitment to his daughter’s well-being extended beyond words. He was an active part of her healing process, encouraging her to embrace her emotions and work through the trauma rather than burying it. Mariska recalled how her father helped her find a sense of peace and security despite the overwhelming pain she was experiencing.
“Sometimes, you need someone to show you that it’s okay to grieve, to cry, and to let the emotions flow,” Mariska explained. “He never once told me to stop crying. He just held me and let me process everything.”
Overcoming Trauma: The Road to Healing
While the loss of her mother would shape Mariska for the rest of her life, the healing process was gradual. Mariska discussed how her father’s encouragement to seek therapy and engage in self-care helped her begin to heal from the psychological trauma.
“The trauma didn’t go away overnight,” she admitted. “It took years, and I still carry it with me. But my father’s support made a huge difference. He never gave up on me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Mariska also shared how the trauma influenced her professional life. Playing such an emotionally intense character like Olivia Benson allowed her to channel some of that pain into her work, where she could use her experience to portray someone who had faced personal struggles and survived.
She credits her resilience to the tools she gained through therapy and the deep love she received from her father. His belief in her, even when she had doubts about herself, was instrumental in her recovery.
Read more: EXCLUSIVE: August Miklos Friedrich Hermann, Mariska Hargitay’s son, has broken his silence, revealing that he and his mother have had difficulty getting along: “It’s all because of those two other kids…”
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