Mariska Hargitay has unveiled a long-held family secret in her upcoming documentary, My Mom Jayne, set to premiere on HBO on June 27, 2025. The film delves into the life of her late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, and reveals that Hargitay’s biological father is not who she had been led to believe. For over three decades, Hargitay was told that her father was actor Mickey Hargitay, but DNA testing has confirmed that her biological father is singer Nelson Sardelli.
In the documentary, Hargitay reflects on the impact of this revelation, stating, “I feel like I’ve been living a lie. It’s a truth that changes everything.” She explains that uncovering her biological father’s identity has been both liberating and challenging, prompting her to reassess her understanding of family and identity.
My Mom Jayne also explores Hargitay’s journey of grief and healing following her mother’s tragic death in a car accident when Hargitay was just three years old. The film features interviews with family members and close friends, offering an intimate look at Mansfield’s life and legacy.
The documentary had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 and has been nominated for the L’Œil d’or award. It will be released in select theaters before its HBO debut.
Character biographies and context:
- Mariska Hargitay: Born in 1964, Mariska Hargitay is an American actress best known for her role as Olivia Benson on the television series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She is the daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor Mickey Hargitay, though recent revelations have confirmed that her biological father is singer Nelson Sardelli. Hargitay is also the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault.
- Jayne Mansfield: Born in 1933, Jayne Mansfield was an American actress and sex symbol in the 1950s and early 1960s. She was known for her blonde bombshell image and roles in films such as The Girl Can’t Help It and Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?. Mansfield died in a car accident in 1967, leaving behind five children, including Mariska Hargitay.
- Nelson Sardelli: Nelson Sardelli is a Brazilian-American singer and actor. He is known for his work in the entertainment industry and has had a long-standing friendship with Jayne Mansfield. Recent DNA testing has confirmed that Sardelli is Mariska Hargitay’s biological father.
- Mickey Hargitay: Mickey Hargitay was a Hungarian-American actor and former Mr. Universe. He was married to Jayne Mansfield and is the father of Mariska Hargitay. Although not her biological father, Hargitay raised Mariska after her mother’s death.
