Mariska Hargitay Directs Documentary Exploring Late Mother Jayne Mansfield’s Life

Mariska Hargitay, known for her role on Law & Order: SVU, has created a deeply personal documentary titled My Mom Jayne, exploring the life and legacy of her mother, 1950s Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield. The film reveals new details about Mansfield’s complex identity, including that Hargitay’s biological father was not the man who raised her, Mickey Hargitay, but a Brazilian entertainer named Nelson Sardelli. Mariska reflects on her complicated feelings growing up with a mother whose public persona as a sex symbol, complete with a breathy, put-on voice, contrasted sharply with the desire for a more conventional maternal figure. Through extensive archival footage, she was able to hear her mother’s true voice and uncover the authentic person behind the public image. The documentary also delves into Mansfield’s aspirations to be a serious actress and the challenges she faced being typecast, as well as the tragic car accident that claimed her life when Mariska was just three years old. Ultimately, the film is Mariska’s attempt to reconcile with her mother's humanity beyond the glamour and to reclaim her own story.