Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay began her television acting career in the mid-1980s, appearing in series like Falcon Crest, Downtown, and ER before landing her iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order Special Victims Unit in 1999. Her portrayal of Olivia Benson, a character she has played for over two decades, earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and saw her character rise from detective to Captain. Beyond acting, Hargitay has also served as a Producer and Executive Producer for Law & Order Special Victims Unit, contributing to the long-running NBC crime drama's creative direction.