Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"Being vulnerable and putting yourself out there, that's the most badass thing you can do." — Mariska Hargitay
"What's true about memories doesn't really matter. What matters is I missed her and I love her and we are forever connected and I'm finding new sort of avenues of connection as I live forward." — Mariska Hargitay
"I don't give a rat ass what you think you're going to be famous for that face." — Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay joins Alex Cooper to discuss her career and personal journey, emphasizing the transformative power of vulnerability. Hargitay shares insights into her upcoming documentary, highlighting the courage it took to revisit her childhood, particularly the loss of her mother at a young age. She reflects on the profound impact this loss had on her life, describing it as a lifelong process of trying to reconstruct connection. The conversation delves into Hargitay's early life, her relationship with her father, and the impactful reveal of his not being her biological father, a revelation that redefined her identity and challenged her understanding of belonging.
The discussion then shifts to Hargitay's iconic role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. She speaks about her initial deep connection to the character and the show's progressive nature. Hargitay elaborates on the challenges and rewards of playing a character who investigates trauma, and how her personal experiences have informed her approach. She shares a powerful story about being arrested in her youth, underscoring the resilience and humor she brings to her life experiences. The conversation also touches upon the dynamic between Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler, suggesting a potential union on the show's final episode.
Throughout the episode, Hargitay stresses the importance of healing, self-compassion, and the power of sharing one's story. She discusses her mission to shift the blame from survivors of sexual assault to abusers and emphasizes that there is no timeline for healing or speaking one's truth. Hargitay expresses deep gratitude for her career, her family, and her ability to find peace and balance, offering a message of hope to listeners navigating their own challenges.