Mariska Hargitay
![Hargitay in 2011](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Mariska_Hargitay_at_Shubert_Theatre_in_NYC%2C_November_2011.jpg)
The daughter of bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield, Hargitay's interest in acting began while attending Marymount High School in Los Angeles. She enrolled in the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In 1982, she was crowned Miss Beverly Hills USA. She left UCLA before completing her degree to pursue an acting career. Her early credits include appearing on the television series ''Falcon Crest'' (1988), ''Tequila and Bonetti'' (1992), ''Can't Hurry Love'' (1995–1996), and ''ER'' (1997–1998), and the drama film ''Leaving Las Vegas'' (1995). Asides from her ''SVU'' role, she co-produced the HBO documentary film ''I Am Evidence'', which won the 2017 News & Documentary Emmy Award for Best Documentary.
Hargitay is also known for her philanthropic work and activism. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to people who have been sexually abused, and became a certified rape counselor. She has engaged in initiatives to support domestic violence shelters, raise awareness about untested rape kits, and contributed to other causes. Provided by Wikipedia