Mariska Hargitay Unveils Emotional Documentary About Her Late Mother, Jayne Mansfield
Mariska Hargitay is set to make her directorial debut with the upcoming documentary “My Mom Jayne“, which will delve into the life and legacy of her mother, the iconic actress Jayne Mansfield. Premiering this June, the film represents a personal journey for Hargitay as she explores the mother she never had the chance to know. Hargitay, now 61, was only three years old when her mother tragically died in a car crash at the age of 34 in 1967.
“My Mom Jayne”
The documentary takes viewers through Hargitay’s emotional quest to understand and embrace her mother’s multifaceted life. Drawing on interviews, never-before-seen photos, and home movies, Hargitay uncovers both the public persona and the private legacy of Mansfield, who was a major Hollywood sex symbol and a celebrated actress during the 1950s and 60s. Mansfield was also a talented singer and classically trained in both piano and violin.
Mariska Hargitay on “My Mom Jayne”
“This film is a labor of love and longing,” Hargitay said in a statement. “It’s about searching for the mother I never knew, integrating a part of myself I’ve never fully owned, and reclaiming my mother’s story alongside my own truth. I’ve always believed that vulnerability is a source of strength, and making this film has reinforced that belief like never before.”
The documentary “My Mom Jayne” will not only showcase Hargitay’s search for her mother’s identity, but also give viewers a glimpse into the life of the woman who had such a profound, if indirect, influence on Hargitay’s own life. In a joint announcement on April 8, HBO noted that the film embodies “strength in vulnerability” as Hargitay strives to embrace her mother’s legacy.
Mansfield, who would have turned 92 on April 19, left an indelible mark on Hollywood as both an actress and an embodiment of 1950s glamour. Her legacy was complicated, as she was both adored by fans and often scrutinized by the media. Hargitay’s film will explore these complexities through intimate and heartfelt storytelling, allowing her to confront both the public and private dimensions of her mother’s life.
Hargitay has long used her platform for advocacy as well, running the Joyful Heart Foundation, which she founded in 2004 to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. My Mom Jayne is not Hargitay’s first venture into documentary filmmaking—she previously produced I Am Evidence in 2017, which earned an Emmy for its investigation into the rape kit backlog in the U.S.
In addition to her advocacy work, Hargitay continues her role as Captain Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, which is now in its historic 26th season. Through both her acting and her philanthropic efforts, Hargitay’s life has been a testament to resilience, and “My Mom Jayne” will undoubtedly offer a poignant chapter in her ongoing story of both personal and professional discovery.
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