Mariska Hargitay, known for her role in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” revealed a significant family secret in her new documentary, “My Mom Jayne.” Hargitay, the daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor Mickey Hargitay, discovered that her biological father is actually singer Nelson Sardelli, not Mickey Hargitay, who raised her after her mother’s death in 1967.
Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay were married in 1958, but divorced in 1963 when Mansfield began dating Sardelli. Mariska felt different from her siblings growing up and had suspicions about her paternity that were confirmed when she saw a photo of Sardelli in her 20s. When she approached Mickey about it, he denied the claim, leading Mariska to remain silent on the matter for years.
At 30, she met Sardelli while he was performing, introducing herself without any expectations and wanting to maintain loyalty to Mickey. Despite her initial reservations, she eventually developed a relationship with Sardelli and his daughters. In her documentary, she describes it as a “love letter” to Mickey, emphasizing their close bond.
The film, featuring both families, allowed Hargitay to address hidden truths and the emotional complexities of her upbringing. She reflected on her choices and familial loyalty, expressing that she felt everyone made the best decisions for her. Hargitay also shared insights from her father’s teachings that helped her navigate her acting career, emphasizing resilience and dedication. The documentary aims to unburden her and her loved ones from past secrets, resonating deeply during a private screening with her newly discovered Sardelli family.
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