Mariska Hargitay’s journey to motherhood is truly inspiring. Known for her iconic role on “Law & Order: SVU,” her real-life story revolves around love, resilience, and the joy of raising three children. The actress’s path to building a family is filled with unexpected blessings and deep gratitude.
Mariska Hargitay’s journey into motherhood began in her early 40s when she gave birth to her first child. Despite the challenges of being a first-time mother later in life, she wholeheartedly and joyfully embraced motherhood.
Her family grew when she and her husband, actor Peter Hermann, welcomed two more children within a year. Each child brought unique blessings into their lives, and Mariska cherishes the unexpected path that led her to become a mother of three.
Long before becoming a mother, Mariska always envisioned having her own family. From a young age, she knew motherhood was part of her life plans, a desire deeply rooted in her own upbringing.
A Childhood of Glitz and Heartbreak: The Early Life of Mariska Hargitay
Mariska is an actress, who added producing and directing to her list of talents. She was born to the glamorous actress Jayne Mansfield and the former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay on January 23, 1964.
Being born into Hollywood royalty, Mariska’s early life was surrounded by fame and glitz. This set a unique backdrop for her childhood. However, her early years were also marked by tragedy.
When Mariska was just three years old, her mother died in a car accident on June 29, 1967. This loss left a lasting scar on the actress, both physically and emotionally.
The actress expressed, “I clearly was in that frozen place for a lot of my childhood—of trying to survive, actually trying to survive. My life has been a process of unpeeling the layers and trust and trusting again.”
Despite this tragic beginning, Mariska’s parents’ legacy played a significant role in shaping her character. Her father, Mickey, raised her with discipline and love, teaching her the importance of hard work and resilience.
He ensured she had a normal upbringing. Mariska joined the swim team, ran cross-country, played volleyball, and by 1982, she was crowned Miss Beverly Hills. Despite her accomplishments, she was always aware of the darker side of life.
The actress later explained that she learned about crisis early and realized that life offers no guarantees, but we must keep moving forward and transform our experiences.
She considers this ability to be her superpower and sees it as a gift from experiencing trauma early in life. Despite these challenges, Mariska went on to live a full and fulfilling life.
Embracing Motherhood: Mariska’s Journey from Daughter to Mom
For Mariska, 2004 marked the beginning of a new phase in her life. That year, she married Peter, and on June 28, 2006, the actress welcomed her first child, August Miklos Friedrich Hermann, at 42.
Starting this journey into motherhood was easy for Mariska as she knew from a young age that she was meant for it. Despite losing her mother, she never lacked a maternal figure in her life. The actress was raised by her father’s third wife, Ellen Siano Hargitay, who never made her feel like an outsider.
Mariska reminisced, “I called her Mom. She really claimed us. She never had biological kids of her own, and to this day we are her kids. So we were blessed that she really embraced us and loved us so quickly. And I was very fortunate to have a maternal figure in my life after such a horrific accident.”
Additionally, while Ellen’s motherly act prepared Mariska for being a mom, it also stirred in her the desire to have children by other means. The actress had grown up realizing that being a mother did not have to be biological.
A Dream Fulfilled: The Adoption of Amaya Josephine
After a few years of becoming parents, Mariska and Peter, who came from big families, decided it was time to expand theirs. They were also not the only ones clamoring for more kids around the house. Their son August also wanted siblings.
However, the actress was over 40, and at her age at the time, pregnancies were never easy. Knowing she and her husband had so much love to give, Mariska was hopeful. She said, “I was really letting the chips fall as they might, because I do think so much is up to God.”
Mariska didn’t know how she was going to have more children, but she knew it was something that would happen. The actress remarked, “I always said, ‘I don’t know how this is going to end up. I don’t know if I’m going to get pregnant and have twins.’”
Despite having no clue, there was something she was sure of, and that was adoption. She recalled not knowing if someone would leave a baby on her doorstep. Nevertheless, she said, “But I really did think that down the line, Peter and I would adopt a child. That was always part of the plan.”
In early April 2011, Mariska and Peter’s plan came to fruition as they welcomed their second child, Amaya Josephine Hermann. Their daughter had been born in the United States about a week before her adoption.
As soon as the couple decided to adopt, they did not limit themselves as they considered international and domestic adoption. Mariska revealed they had talked about the idea of mixed-race adoptions, and were excited to become a multi-racial family.
The actress’s excitement began even before Amaya joined the family. Mariska had revealed, “I’m deliriously happy. From the minute she was born, she was just surprisingly alert and so full of love.”
The second time Mother was not alone in her excitement. August, who was less than five at the time, was also happy to have a baby sister. His Mom disclosed, “He is over the moon. He calls her his baby because he says the whole thing was his idea. He always talks about how he’s going to protect her. He’s going to be a great big brother.”
A Brother’s Dream: The Joyous Arrival of Andrew Nicolas
August, who prided himself as a big brother, was very hands-on in his sister’s life. He reportedly even participated in picking out her name. However, seeing as he thought it was his idea for her to join the family, he wanted yet another sibling.
Six months after Amaya came home as a newborn, August’s wish was fulfilled as he welcomed his baby brother, Andrew Nicolas Hermann, in October 2011. This time, Andrew was not a newborn, as he had been born in the summer of that year.
Mariska noted, “August thinks this was all his idea! He said, ‘I want a baby sister,’ and Amaya came. Then he said, ‘I want a baby brother,’ and Andrew came. August is feeling pretty good and pretty powerful!”
While August Miklos Friedrich Hermann felt powerful, Mariska was feeling a range of positive emotions. She said, “We adopted Amaya, and Andrew, I always describe it as this angel that fell out of the sky, because he was a little unexpected. [sic]”
Andrew Nicolas, Peter Hermann, and Mariska Hargitay at the ceremony honoring Mariska Hargitay with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 8, 2013, in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images
The adoption of Andrew was not something Peter and Mariska had planned for at the time it happened. The couple had initially planned to adopt another baby a year or more after Amaya joined their household.
However, things happened differently. The actress revealed that their lawyer suddenly called them to inform them about Andrew. Their lawyer noted that it was an amazing opportunity, and the couple, in that moment, had never been more sure about having him in their lives.
The swiftness and timing of Andrew joining their family makes the actress believe her son “fell out of the sky.” Nevertheless, Mariska knows that it’s not an easy journey.
She once remarked, “I’m not gonna lie, there were wrenching moments. I say to everybody, ‘Adoption is not for the faint of heart.’” But, on some days, the actress feels like she’s living in a dream world. She said, “I just sit and pinch myself.”
Mariska Hargitay with Amaya, Andrew, and August at The Children’s Museum Of The East End 5th Annual Family Fair on July 20, 2013, in Bridgehampton, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Family and Fulfillment: Mariska Hargitay on Life as a Mother of Three
At 47, Mariska, who initially didn’t think it was possible to love more than one kid, had become a mom of three. She said, “You know you have one kid, and then you think, oh my gosh, I’ll never love another kid, and then the second one comes, and you can’t believe that you love them, and then the third one fell out of sky.”
Becoming a mother did not only teach Mariska about her capacity to love, it did more. She noted, “Becoming a parent erased many of my negative childhood feelings and filled them in with something new,” some of which include trying out new cultures when it comes to their cuisines.
The actress is not the only one to have spoken to the media about their family of five. Peter Hermann’s love for his family is always evident even though gets private about their kids. However, he expressed his thoughts on the unconventional manner in which their family grew.
The actor divulged, “It’s funny, I always get so private about our kids, but I think that the easiest way or the easiest answer is we just wanted a bigger family and we feel incredibly blessed.”
In 2018, Mariska also opened up about her life with the kids as she graced the cover of People’s magazine. She said, “The thing that’s made me a better parent is my kids. Because they taught me to really listen. My husband is my North Star, and my kids are my teachers.”
Not only did they make her a better parent, they also gave her something perfect in life. The actress revealed, “Our family is so perfect, or at least perfect for me. Together we’re just this whole, happy, joyful, chaotic, crazy unit. I’ve never known anything that was more right.”
Despite having a crazy and chaotic unit, Mariska and Peter work together to get the results they desire. Even though they have different parenting styles, the couple complement each other, with the actress revealing that her husband knows everything she doesn’t know.
Shortly before turning 60 in 2024, Mariska reflected on her life’s journey, career, motherhood, and more. The actress had countless reasons to be thankful.
Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay with their children, August, Andrew, and Amaya at the 2023 Stuttering Association For The Young (SAY) Benefit Gala on May 22, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
One of the things Mariska was thankful for was the timing when she started her family. She said, “I’m so grateful that I’m an older mom. Grateful that I became successful older. I don’t know if I could have handled it when I was younger.”
The actress then compared what she was like in her younger days. She remembered that in her younger years, she struggled to be present, but as she got older, she learned to accept and appreciate life more deeply.
She noted, “And now I’m going to savor this moment. I want to share my lessons and where there is pain that I can fix that really inspires me to lighten the load.”
Mariska’s journey shows her strength and love. Starting her family in her early 40s, she faced the challenges and joys of raising three children with Peter. Their story is full of unexpected blessings and deep gratitude. As she cherishes her family, Mariska inspires us to embrace life’s surprises and the power of love at any age.
New Homeowners Expressed Gratitude for the Additional Set of Keys I Supposedly Left, but I Never Provided Them, and None of the Locks Correspond to Those Keys
A mysterious set of keys discovered in their grandparents’ old house sends two sisters on a suspenseful journey into their past. As they delve deeper, they uncover a long-forgotten room that reveals the house was hiding more than just cherished memories.
My name is Emily, and I grew up in a house that was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a part of our family’s story. My sister, Megan, and I inherited this old house from our grandparents.
It was a little run-down, but it had character. It was the kind of place that creaks at night, where every sound seems to whisper a memory from the past. We used to laugh about the noises, chalking it up to old pipes or a settling foundation. But deep down, I always felt there was more to it, something almost alive in the way the house carried the echoes of our childhood.
I always loved that house, and not just because it was home. My grandfather, a quiet man with a heart of gold, spent countless hours teaching me how to fix things around the house.
We would spend entire weekends working on small projects like repairing a leaky faucet or sanding down the old wooden floors. He’d tell me stories from his youth, sharing wisdom wrapped in humor. Those moments were priceless, and every corner of the house seemed to hold a piece of him.
After Grandma passed, though, the house felt different, heavy, almost suffocating. Megan couldn’t stand being there anymore. She didn’t even want to step foot in the place after the funeral. While I clung to the memories, she was eager to let go and sell it.
She rushed the whole process, not even bothering with repairs or anything. We got a decent offer, and after some hesitation, I reluctantly agreed to sell it. Letting go was harder than I expected, but I knew it was time to move forward, even if it meant leaving a piece of my heart behind.
A few weeks after the closing, I get this text from the new owners:
“Thanks for leaving the extra set of keys! But we were wondering, what does #1135 mean?”
I blinked at my phone. Extra keys? I didn’t leave any extra keys. I had barely enough time to grab my own before we handed everything over. And that number? No clue. I texted them back:
“I didn’t leave any extra keys. Where did you find them?”
They replied:
“They were in a drawer in the kitchen. None of the locks match though. We tried every door, nothing works. Just thought it was odd.”
A cold shiver ran down my spine. Megan had cleaned out the kitchen. I hadn’t even been in there that much. So, where did these keys come from? And why did this feel off?
I texted Megan right away:
“Did you leave any extra keys in the house? The new owners found some in the kitchen, and they’re asking about #1135.”
Her response was almost immediate:
“NO. THEY NEED TO GET OUT. Tell them to wait outside the house. NOW.”
I felt a lump rise in my throat. Megan never freaked out like this. She was always the cool, collected one. For her to react like this? Something was wrong. Really wrong.
I sent the homeowners a message:
“Hey, just to be safe, could you step outside the house for a bit? Something’s not sitting right with me. I’ll explain when I get more info.”
They replied, concerned but cooperative:
“We’re already out. Standing by the front door. What’s going on?”
I had no idea what was going on, but I needed answers. I called Megan. She picked up on the first ring.
“Meg, what is happening? What does #1135 mean?”
There was silence on the other end. Then, she let out a shaky breath.
“It’s… The code Grandpa used for the basement.”
I felt a chill settle over me.
“Meg… there’s no basement door in that house.”
“I know,” she replied, her voice uneasy. “But there used to be.”
My stomach tightened. “What do you mean?”
Megan was silent for a moment before she finally said, “I’ll explain everything later. For now, they just need to stay outside. I’m coming over with some people who can check it out. I’ll explain when I get there.”
The next hour felt like the longest of my life. Megan didn’t tell me anything over the phone after that, and I had no idea what to expect. I stood by, pacing nervously, while the new homeowners hovered near their front door, visibly concerned.
When Megan finally pulled up with a team of professionals, they didn’t waste any time. Without saying much, they went inside and headed straight to the basement. I watched from the yard, trying not to let my imagination run wild. The new homeowners stood beside me, exchanging worried glances.
After what felt like forever, Megan and the team finally came out. Megan looked both relieved and a little embarrassed. The professionals were packing up their equipment, and one of them gave a thumbs-up as they headed to their van.
Megan walked up to us, brushing off her hands.
“No danger,” she said with a small, apologetic smile. “Everything’s fine. They checked the basement, and there’s nothing hazardous down there. No gas leaks, no chemicals, no faulty wiring.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding, but the confusion still lingered. The new homeowners also looked relieved but clearly wanted an explanation.
“So… what was all this about?” I asked.
Megan sighed, rubbing her temples. “I’m sorry for the scare. I honestly didn’t think we’d ever have to deal with this. When I saw the number 1135, it jogged my memory.”
She looked over at the new homeowners and then back at me. “Do you remember how Grandpa used to always do little projects around the house? Years ago, he built a storage area in the basement where he kept tools, extra supplies, and things he didn’t want us kids messing with. He sealed it off when Grandma got sick because they needed the space for medical equipment. I thought everything was cleared out, but I guess not.”
I blinked. “So, what’s #1135?”
“It was the code Grandpa used for that storage room,” Megan explained. “When I saw that number, I panicked. I thought if the new owners found keys, maybe there was something left in that room that could be dangerous — like old supplies or chemicals. I didn’t want to risk it, so I had the professionals come to check.”
The new homeowners exchanged a glance, one of them speaking up. “So the keys are just for an old storage room?”
Megan nodded. “Yeah. I’m so sorry I didn’t mention this earlier. I honestly thought Grandpa had cleared everything out, and I completely forgot about the room after we sealed it up. But when you said you found those keys, I remembered the old room, and I didn’t want to take any chances.”
I shook my head, still a little stunned. “So, there was nothing dangerous down there after all?”
“Nothing at all,” Megan confirmed. “Just some old tools and supplies Grandpa stored years ago. No chemicals, no faulty wiring — it’s completely safe.”
The new homeowners both sighed with relief, one of them smiling. “Well, at least we have an extra room to use now.”
Megan laughed a little, still looking apologetic. “Yeah, think of it as a bonus storage space.”
As the professionals finished packing up and drove off, the tension in the air finally lifted. I gave Megan a look, half-amused and half-exasperated.
“You could’ve told me all of this from the start, you know.”
Megan shrugged sheepishly. “I didn’t want to freak you out until I was sure. And honestly, when I saw that number, I wasn’t thinking clearly. I just remembered Grandpa sealing it off and got worried something dangerous was left behind.”
In the end, it turned out to be nothing more than an old storage room full of forgotten tools and supplies, left sealed off when Grandpa had no more use for it. The panic had been unnecessary, but I couldn’t blame Megan for being cautious.
As the new homeowners went back inside, grateful for the heads-up, Megan and I stood by the car for a moment, shaking our heads.
“I guess we can finally close the chapter on Grandpa’s house,” I said, relieved.
Megan nodded, smiling a little. “Yeah, just one last surprise.”
And that was it. No mystery, no danger — just an old forgotten space that had stayed hidden for a little too long.
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