Mariska Hargitay’s Parents: Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay – A Hollywood Love Story

Mariska Hargitay’s Parents – Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay Overview

Did you know that the mother of Golden Globe-winning American actress Mariska Hargitay was the iconic Jayne Mansfield? Mansfield was a bombshell in the 1950s, starring in films like Kiss Them for Me, The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw, and It Takes a Thief. But did you know that she was once cropped out of a photo for a General Electric advertisement because she was too sexy for the 1954 audience? Talk about a confidence killer!

As the ‘blonde bombshell’ genre started to fade, Mansfield found herself on the discard pile. Fewer movies cast her in starring roles, and by 1967, the star that was Mansfield had faded into the shadows of alcoholism. But let’s not forget her colorful personal life, which included romantic links to the Kennedys and other high-profile men of the time. When she was involved in a fatal car crash in 1967, she had gone through three marriages and subsequent divorces and had five children.

Mansfield’s second husband, Mickey Hargitay, was an acrobat in Hungary who moved to the US to avoid World War II drafting in 1947. He found fame as a bodybuilder from his base in Cleveland, winning titles like Mr. America and Mr. Olympia in 1955, the same year he won the Mr. Universe title. Talk about a triple threat!

After meeting Mansfield in a New York nightclub in 1957, Hargitay took up acting, which led to the couple making several films together, including Promises! Promises! (1963) and L’Amore Primitivo (1964) – the same year Mariska was born. Hargitay died in 2006, aged 80, from multiple myeloma.

And there we have it! The story of Mariska Hargitay’s famous parents, complete with scandal, fame, and a whole lot of muscle. Don’t forget to check out the hyperlinks for more juicy details!

What were the nationalities of Mariska Hargitay’s parents?

Jayne Mansfield was an American who was born in  Phillipsburg, New Jersey. While Mickey Hargitay was Hungarian-American who was born in  Budapest, Hungary and immigrated in the US in 1947.

How old were Mariska Hargitay’s parents?

Jayne Mansfield was 34 years old when she died in a car crash at high speed. Her car crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer which had slowed down behind a mosquito fogger truck. Mickey Hargitay was 80 years old when he succumbed to multiple myeloma.

How tall were Mariska Hargitay’s parents and how much did they weigh?

Jayne Mansfield was 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed about 128 pounds. Mickey Hargitay was 6 feet and weighed 170 pounds.

Were Mariska Hargitay’s parents still married or single?

No, Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay filed for a divorce in May 1963 in Ciudad Juárez. However, the two reconciled in October 1963 after their daughter Mariska Magdolna Hargitay’s birth. In 1964 their divorce, however, was recognized in the US.

Jayne Mansfield first married Paul Mansfield on May 6, 1950, but it was said that the couple had an earlier secret wedding on January 28 of the same year. However, in February 1955, Mansfield filed for separate maintenance and in August 1956, Paul Mansfield filed for custody of their daughter, Jayne Marie. Their divorce was granted in January 1958.

Her third marriage was to Matt Cimber, an Italian-born movie director; they were married in September 1964 but filed for divorce in July 1965.

Hargitay first married Mary Birge on April 2, 1948, and got divorced on September 6, 1956. His third marriage was with actress Ellen Hargitay, the couple got married on April 14, 1967, until his death.

How much was Mariska Hargitay’s parents’ net worth?

Jayne Mansfield’s net worth was equal to $2 million at the time of her death. While Mickey Hargitay’s net worth was estimated to be $127 million.

Did Mariska Hargitay’s parents have any other children?

Yes. Jayne Mansfield had a daughter with her first husband, Paul Mansfield. Three children, including Mariska with Mickey Hargitay, and a son with her third husband, Matt Cimber.

Mickey Hargitay had a daughter, Tina Hargitay with his first marriage with Mary Birge.

What did Mariska Hargitay’s parents do for a living?

Jayne Mansfield was a film, theater, and TV actress. She was also well known as a singer entertainer, and a Playboy Playmate. Mickey Hargitay was an actor and bodybuilder, earning a1955 Mr. Universe title.

How old was Mariska Hargitay when her parents died?

Mariska was turning three years old when her mother died in a car crash and she was 42 years old when her father died from an illness.

Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay Photo Gallery