Mariska Magdolna Hargitay (/məˈrɪʃkə ˈhɑːrɡɪteɪ/ mə-RISH-kə HAR-ghih-tay; born January 23, 1964) is an American actress known for her role as New York Police Department Lieutenant Olivia Benson on the NBC drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. For her role on the show, Hargitay has received multiple awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe.
