How Mariska Hargitay Landed Her ‘SVU Role’ — And Nearly Lost It

Lauren Novak September 25, 2025, 4:13 pm

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Mariska Hargitay Christopher Meloni Law & Order SVU Benson Stabler — Will Hart / © NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection

Will Hart / © NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection

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Law & Order: SVU debuts its 27th season on September 25, 2025, at 9pm EST, with Mariska Hargitay once again leading the crew as Capt. Olivia Benson. Hargitay has been synonymous with iconic role for so long, it’s surprising to learn that initially, it wasn’t the kind of part she was looking to play — and that once she took the role, she almost lost it over a haircut.

Back in 1999, when her manager first called with the audition, he actually tried to talk her out of the role, she revealed in a 2024 SAG-AFTRA Foundation interview. “I got a script for you, but I don’t think you’re going to like it, it’s very dark,” he warned. At the time, Hargitay was chasing comedy and dramedy roles.

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