Mariska Hargitay has played Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU for over two decades.
Recently, she opened up about how the role has profoundly impacted her life.
In an interview with Selena Gomez, Hargitay shared that the intense stories on the show often took an emotional toll on her.
She described feeling overwhelmed by the seriousness of the cases her character faced.
To cope with these challenges, she found new ways to process her emotions and connect with her experiences.
Hargitay said the show shaped her perspective on justice, resilience, and empathy.
Over time, Hargitay grew from the role, learning to balance the content's heaviness with a sense of purpose.
She feels more robust and more self-assured today.
In reflecting on her early days on the show, Hargitay talked about how the industry has changed.
When she started, she often felt powerless.
Now, she feels more empowered, knowing her worth both as an actress and a person.
Her journey has been one of personal growth and evolution, allowing her to feel confident and comfortable in who she is.
Law & Order: SVU continues its run, with season 26 premiering on October 3 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.