Is there a character on television today who embodies strength, empathy, and unwavering justice quite like Olivia Benson? For 25 seasons, Mariska Hargitay has breathed life into this iconic figure on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of viewers worldwide.

The Manhattan Special Victims Unit, the fictional precinct that serves as the backdrop for the long-running series, returned in 2024 for its milestone 25th season. Created by Dick Wolf, Law & Order: SVU delves into the dark underbelly of New York City, with a team of expert policemen working tirelessly to catch criminals linked to heinous sexual offenses. At the heart of this team is Captain Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay. Hargitay's portrayal of Olivia Benson is more than just acting; it's a deep immersion into the character's psyche, allowing her to intuitively understand how Olivia would react in any given situation. As she once said, regarding a scene where Olivia needed DNA evidence, she knew instinctively that Olivia wouldn't ask for it in the way it was written.

Category	Information
Full Name	Mariska Magdolna Hargitay
Birth Date	January 23, 1964
Birth Place	Los Angeles, California, USA
Occupation	Actress, Producer, Director, Advocate
Years Active	1984present
Known For	Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Awards	Primetime Emmy Award (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, 2006), Golden Globe Award (Best Actress Television Series Drama, 2005), Screen Actors Guild Award
Net Worth (Estimated 2025)	$100 million (estimate)
Spouse	Peter Hermann (m. 2004)
Children	3 (August Miklos Friedrich Hermann, Amaya Josephine Hermann, Andrew Nicolas Hargitay Hermann)
Advocacy	Founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, advocating for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse
Website	The Joyful Heart Foundation

Mariska Hargitay has become synonymous with Law & Order: SVU. For 25 seasons, Mariska, now 59, has led the way as Olivia Benson, one of the most beloved TV characters of all time. As Jack Ori, a senior staff writer for TV Fanatic, could attest, the character's impact on television is undeniable.

The connection between Olivia Benson and the viewers has grown over the past 25 years. To pay tribute to that legacy, New York City honored the show's 25th season by temporarily renaming Rockefeller Plaza to Olivia Benson Plaza for 48 hours, starting March 14, 2024. The "Olivia Benson Plaza experience" at New York City's 30 Rock, running March 14 and 15, 2024, was an immersive exhibit dedicated to the world of SVU.

Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson is more than just a character; she's an icon. Her dedication to the role is evident in her nuanced portrayal and her commitment to advocating for survivors of sexual assault. Hargitay's work on SVU has opened her eyes to the alarming statistics about sexual assault in the United States, and she has used her platform to raise awareness and support for victims. In November 2024, a story highlighted how Hargitay's deep understanding of Olivia Benson allows her to make instinctive choices about the character's actions.

On May 20, 2024, at 10:57 am PT, during the season 25 finale of "SVU," Hargitay's Olivia Benson took off the compass necklace she was gifted from Stabler, giving it to Maddie's mom. This symbolic gesture speaks volumes about Benson's character and her unwavering empathy for victims and their families.

Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) has been kicking criminal butt as she and her elite squad deliver sweet sweet justice. With season 26 of SVU, Hargitay and Ice T extend their titles. The team behind Law & Order: Special Victims Unit continues to deliver compelling storylines and memorable moments that resonate with audiences.

Olivia Benson is the queen of the clapback on Law & Order: SVU. Mariska Hargitay held the anniversary tribute at the 2024 Gotham TV Awards for her work as Olivia Benson on 'Law & Order: SVU.'

The dynamic between Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni) continues to captivate audiences. Their on-screen reunion in Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 4 was highly anticipated, and their interactions left fans wanting more. Read about what Elliot Stabler said to Olivia Benson on the Law & Order: Organized Crime season 4 premiere, and what made him smile. Stabler is protective of Benson before.

The show's subject matter can be dark, but the tremendous performances by series leads Mariska Hargitay (Benson) and Christopher Meloni (Stabler) keep viewers engaged. They breathe life into these characters, making them relatable and compelling.

September 26, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the journey of one of television's most iconic characters. Olivia Benson has captured the hearts and minds of millions of viewers worldwide. The attraction at the north plaza at 30 Rock, the 'Olivia Benson Plaza'.

Mariska Hargitay's net worth in 2025 is a testament to her decades of work on television as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. In a nod to pop culture, even Taylor Swift included a nod to her cats, Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button, when she endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024.

Kevin Kane, who plays Det. Terry Bruno, was quick to echo his costar's sentiment, highlighting the camaraderie and shared passion for the show among the cast.

What happened on the May 9, 2024 episode of Law & Order: SVU? Get details about season 25, episode 12 (Marauder), here.