Mariska Hargitay, the beloved actress known for her role as Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: SVU," was only three years old when her mother, Jayne Mansfield, died in a tragic car accident. The incident occurred on June 29, 1967, when Mansfield and her partner, Sam Brody, were traveling in Mississippi after performing at a nightclub.
Reports state that Mansfield's car crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer, killing all three passengers in the front seat of the car, including Mansfield and Brody. Mariska, who was sitting in the backseat with her brothers, Miklós and Zoltán, survived the accident with minor injuries.
The news of Mansfield's death sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry and the world. Known for her striking beauty and captivating presence, Mansfield was a major Hollywood icon during the 1950s and 60s. She appeared in several films, including "The Girl Can't Help It" and "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?", and was known for her provocative image and glamorous lifestyle.
After her mother's death, Mariska and her siblings were raised by their father, bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay, who had divorced Mansfield in 1964. Despite the tragedy, Mariska went on to have a successful acting career, starring in numerous films and TV shows before landing her iconic role on "Law & Order: SVU" in 1999.
Although Mariska was only three years old at the time of her mother's death, the tragic event had a profound impact on her life. In interviews, she has spoken about the loss of her mother and the effect it had on her family. She has also expressed her admiration for her mother's work as an actress and her determination to continue her legacy.
In 2017, Mariska paid tribute to her mother on the 50th anniversary of her death, sharing a photo of Mansfield on Instagram with the caption, "Today marks a tough day, a day when I reflect on the love and strength of an extraordinary woman who paved the way for me and so many others. #JAYNEMANSFIELD."
The tragic death of Jayne Mansfield continues to be a topic of fascination and speculation to this day. However, what remains clear is the enduring impact she had on the entertainment industry and the legacy she left behind for her daughter, Mariska Hargitay, and her fans.