Mariska Hargitay, the actress known for her iconic role as Olivia Benson on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,’ has recently shared insights into the differences between herself and her on-screen persona. While many fans see her as the fearless and assertive Olivia Benson, Hargitay insists that she is, in reality, much more ‘scared.’ This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the personal life of an actress who has spent over two decades portraying a character synonymous with strength and resilience.
Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson has not only made her a household name but has also deeply impacted her own life. The intense subject matter of ‘SVU,’ which often deals with sensitive issues like abuse and domestic violence, has led to what she describes as ‘secondary trauma.’ Despite these challenges, Hargitay has channeled her experiences into positive change, founding the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
In this article, we will explore Hargitay’s candid discussion about her fears, the impact of her role on her personal well-being, and her inspiring work with the Joyful Heart Foundation. We will delve into how she balances her identity as an actress with her commitment to addressing the epidemic of violence against women.
The Fear Factor: Mariska Hargitay vs. Olivia Benson
Mariska Hargitay has often found that people project the qualities of Olivia Benson onto her. In a recent appearance at Hello Sunshine’s Shine Away summit, she addressed this perception directly, stating, ‘People, they project on me, they think that I’m Olivia Benson and I’m bada** and I’m fearless.’ However, Hargitay was quick to clarify that this perception is far from the truth. ‘I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m not fearless. I’m super scared’ — but the motto that I have is ‘feel the fear and do it anyway.’’
This admission highlights a critical distinction between the actress and her character. Olivia Benson is often depicted as unwavering in her pursuit of justice, facing down criminals and navigating complex legal battles with unmatched determination. In contrast, Hargitay acknowledges her own fears and insecurities, emphasizing that her approach to challenges involves acknowledging her fear and pushing forward despite it.
Hargitay credits Olivia Benson with teaching her this valuable lesson. ‘And I learned that from Olivia Benson,’ she stated. This suggests that while she may not naturally possess the fearlessness attributed to her character, playing Olivia has instilled a sense of resilience and courage in her own life. It’s a testament to the transformative power of acting and the ways in which a role can influence an actor’s personal growth.
Secondary Trauma: The Emotional Toll of ‘SVU’
One of the lesser-known aspects of playing Olivia Benson is the emotional toll it has taken on Mariska Hargitay. The show’s focus on sensitive and often disturbing subject matter has led to what Hargitay describes as ‘secondary trauma.’ In an interview with Selena Gomez for Interview magazine in 2024, she explained, ‘That’s been a process. When I started the show, I wasn’t aware of how deeply it would go into me.’
Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma, occurs when an individual is exposed to the trauma of others, leading to emotional and psychological distress. For Hargitay, this has manifested in various ways, including an increased awareness of crime rates and a heightened sense of vulnerability. ‘My husband Peter is always like, anytime I go anywhere, my first question is, ‘What’s the crime rate here?’ So it’s on the brain,’ she noted.
Hargitay admitted that there were times when she struggled to cope with the constant exposure to these stories. ‘There’s been times when I didn’t know how to protect myself, and I think I was definitely a victim of secondary trauma from being inundated with these stories and knowing that they were true,’ she said. ‘Those were the parts that I didn’t know how to metabolise, just because of the sheer volume of it.’
The Joyful Heart Foundation: Turning Pain into Purpose
Despite the challenges posed by secondary trauma, Mariska Hargitay has found a way to channel her experiences into positive change. In 2004, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. This initiative was born out of her realization of the widespread nature of violence against women and the lack of public awareness surrounding the issue.
Hargitay explained that her involvement with ‘SVU’ opened her eyes to the staggering statistics surrounding these issues. ‘I learned that one in three women will be assaulted, and one in six men,’ she stated. ‘That’s when I started going, ‘I have to do something,’ because the show was obviously tackling the subject matter, but when I learned the statistics, I said, ‘Why isn’t everyone talking about this?’ And if I didn’t know, I figured nobody knows what an epidemic violence against women is.’
The Joyful Heart Foundation provides a range of programs and services aimed at healing, advocacy, and education. These include direct support for survivors, efforts to change societal attitudes and policies, and initiatives to prevent future violence. Through her work with the foundation, Hargitay has become a leading voice in the movement to end sexual assault and domestic violence, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire action.
Lessons from Olivia: How a Role Can Shape Reality
While Mariska Hargitay may not be as inherently fearless as Olivia Benson, she has undoubtedly learned valuable lessons from playing the character for over two decades. The experience has not only exposed her to the harsh realities of crime and violence but has also instilled a sense of resilience and determination.
Hargitay has often spoken about the ways in which Olivia Benson has influenced her personal life. From her increased awareness of crime rates to her commitment to social justice, the character has left an indelible mark on her. As she stated, the motto ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ is something she learned from Olivia, suggesting that the role has empowered her to face her own fears and challenges with greater courage.
Moreover, Hargitay’s work with the Joyful Heart Foundation is a direct result of her experiences on ‘SVU.’ By witnessing the stories of countless survivors and learning about the prevalence of sexual assault and domestic violence, she was inspired to take action and make a difference. In this way, Olivia Benson has not only shaped Hargitay’s personal growth but has also fueled her commitment to creating a more just and compassionate world.
The Balancing Act: Mariska Hargitay’s Dual Identity
Mariska Hargitay’s life is a balancing act between her identity as an actress and her role as an advocate. On one hand, she is a performer who embodies the strength and resilience of Olivia Benson. On the other hand, she is a real person who grapples with her own fears and insecurities, and who is deeply committed to addressing social issues.
This dual identity requires Hargitay to navigate a complex landscape of public perception and personal experience. She must manage the expectations of fans who see her as the embodiment of Olivia Benson while also staying true to her own values and beliefs. This can be a challenging task, but Hargitay has shown a remarkable ability to balance these competing demands.
Ultimately, Mariska Hargitay’s story is one of transformation and resilience. By embracing her role as Olivia Benson, she has not only entertained audiences but has also used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues and inspire positive change. Her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation is a testament to her commitment to making a difference in the world, and her candid discussions about her own fears and vulnerabilities offer a refreshing perspective on the challenges and rewards of a life in the public eye.
Conclusion: Strength in Vulnerability
Mariska Hargitay’s revelation that she is more ‘scared’ than her ‘Law & Order: SVU’ character, Olivia Benson, offers a powerful reminder that strength is not the absence of fear, but the ability to persevere despite it. Her candid discussion about secondary trauma and her inspiring work with the Joyful Heart Foundation highlight the transformative potential of turning personal pain into purpose.
Hargitay’s journey is a testament to the ways in which a role can influence an actor’s personal growth and the impact that a celebrity can have on social change. By embracing her vulnerabilities and using her platform to raise awareness about violence against women, she has become a role model for many. Her story encourages us to acknowledge our own fears and to find ways to channel our experiences into positive action.
In conclusion, Mariska Hargitay’s legacy extends far beyond her portrayal of Olivia Benson. She is a force for good, a champion for survivors, and an inspiration to all who strive to make a difference in the world. Her willingness to be vulnerable and authentic makes her all the more admirable, proving that true strength lies not in fearlessness, but in the courage to face our fears and to fight for what we believe in.
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