Latest news with #Hargitay
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
NBA playoffs: Who is Mariska Hargitay? What to know about Knicks superfan
NBA playoffs: Who is Mariska Hargitay? What to know about Knicks superfan Show Caption Hide Caption 'Law & Order': Christopher Meloni explains Mariska Hargitay friendship "Law & Order: Organized Crime" star Christopher Meloni chats with USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa about the friendship he has with Mariska Hargitay. Fans tuning in to a New York Knicks game have at some point probably seen actress Mariska Hargitay in the crowd at Madison Square Garden. The star of the long-running NBC show "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is a frequent presence along the sideline at MSG, with Knicks star Jalen Brunson calling the actress "my favorite person ever." What better co-sign could a fan ask for? Hargitay is far from the only major name from the world of entertainment making sure to get prime seats for the Eastern Conference finals series against the Indiana Pacers. Director Spike Lee, basically ever-present in courtside seats, is embedded in the fabric of Knicks culture thanks to a 1994 playoff battle that saw the director and Indiana star Reggie Miller carry on a war of words. Actor Timothée Chalamet is also a devoted Knicks fan, as anyone watching this year's playoffs has noticed. Here's what to know about Knicks superfan Mariska Hargitay: NBA Playoffs: Pacers vs Knicks: TV channel, odds, predictions, time and how to watch Who is Mariska Hargitay? If you've been following the Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference finals during these NBA playoffs, you've definitely seen Mariska Hargitay. The actress is frequently seen sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden, usually just a few seats away from film director Spike Lee. Hargitay is most well-known for playing Olivia Benson, the protagonist of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," one of the longest-running scripted shows in American television history. Hargitay — whose mother was actress Jayne Mansfield — has been there from the beginning for a show that first aired in 1999 on NBC, and has been a part of 26 seasons. Between the show's unique durability and its prominence as a syndicated program shown across many different cable networks, it would be almost impossible to have missed Hargitay over the years. If "SVU" isn't your cup of tea, you may still remember Hargitay from hit shows like "In the Heat of the Night," "Baywatch," "Seinfeld" (she was even in the running to play that show's female lead character, Elaine Benes), and "ER." New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers: How to watch NBA playoff series The entire NBA Eastern Conference finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers will be broadcast on TNT and truTV. Fans looking to stream the action can turn to Max, Sling TV, and Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers. Watch the Knicks-Pacers NBA playoff series on Fubo All times Eastern.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Jalen Brunson-Mariska Hargitay connection explained: Knicks and Law & Order fans unite
Jalen Brunson-Mariska Hargitay connection explained: Knicks and Law & Order fans unite Show Caption Hide Caption NBA Finals predictions: Are the Thunder and Knicks locks for the NBA Finals? The For The Hoops crew make their picks for the NBA Finals. The Thunder vs. Knicks seem to be a popular pick, but are we counting the Timberwolves and Pacers out too early? Madison Square Garden's coveted Celebrity Row would normally leave anyone starstruck, offering up plenty of A-list sightings from Spike Lee to Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, Kylie Jenner, Bad Bunny and Timothee Chalamet. But New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson has only been left awestruck by one celebrity. That person is (don-don) Mariska Hargitay, longtime star of the hit TV show 'Law & Order: SVU." "I've never been like super, super starstruck. I saw her and I was like, 'Oh, (wow),'" Brunson said during a May 4 episode of his 'The Roommates Show' podcast, which he hosts alongside teammate Josh Hart. "Then, the first time we met, it was awesome, we talked and everything." A friendship between Brunson and Hargitay has been brewing since he donned royal blue and orange. The two shared a hug after the Knicks' 108-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 11, which Hart called a rarity. ("I've seen you not hug your wife after some losses," Hart joked.) In February, Hargitay announced Brunson's All-Star selection with a special video, where she congratulated "one captain to another." (Hargitay has played Olivia Benson, captain of the NYPD's Special Victims Unit, since 1999.) "That's my favorite person ever," Brunson exclaimed after watching the video. Why is Hargitay Brunson's favorite? What's behind the Brunson-Hargitay connection? We got you covered. KNICKS-PACERS: 8 best (and infamous) moments of rivalry Jalen Brunson grew up watching 'Law & Order: SVU' Brunson's fandom dates back to his early days of watching TV with his father Rick Brunson, a former NBA player who serves as an assistant coach for the Knicks. Jalen Brunson recalled his dad used to blast the volume in the house. 'I remember my dad always watching the show and you just hear the iconic (theme song) 'don-don' all the time,' Brunson said. 'I always found myself watching the show. Honestly the older I got, the more I watched, the more I see now I'm like, 'I've seen that episode,' I've seen so many different episodes.' Brunson said he incorporates "Law & Order: SVU" into his pregame ritual, especially during his time with the Dallas Mavericks (2018–2022) when his schedule permitted. "At one point when I got into the league, I wanted to restart. So I started from Season 1 and watched all the way through," Brunson said. "It's like a pregame show for me. I watched it, before I took my nap. That's when I was in Dallas. ... I've always loved that show." Mariska Hargitay is Jalen Brunson's 'favorite' Brunson and Hargitay have shared numerous courtside interactions since he joined the Knicks in 2022. Most recently, Hargitay attended the Knicks' 115-93 Game 3 loss to the Boston Celtics. (The Kicks went on to win the series, 4-2.) Brunson has repeatedly said she's the celebrity he's "most excited to see sitting courtside at (Madison Square Garden)." When asked which non-basketball related guest he would love to have featured on the podcast in April, Brunson responded without hesitation, "Mariska Hargitay." The feeling is mutual. During a sitdown with Interview Magazine in September, Hargitay recalled meeting Brunson at a Knicks game, admitting that's the last time her kids thought she was cool. "(My son) August and I were at a Knicks game, and after the game, Jalen Brunson beelined over to talk to me," Hargitay said. "The next time we went, we were going into the game and Jalen wanted to meet with me, and he gave me a jersey and signed it, and then he recently, I think in People, said that I was his favorite." Ben Stiller, other Knicks fans jealous of Mariska Hargitay Brunson's love of Hargitay has drawn the playful ire of other celebrity Knicks fans. Actor Ben Stiller, a Knicks superfan who frequents games at Madison Square Garden, was a guest on "The Roommates Show" podcast in early May and said 'the love that Mariska Hargitay gets from (Brunson) postgame is the envy of every other Knicks fan, Knicks celebrity fan." Brunson said the frequency in which he sees Hargitay in comparison to Stiller adds to it. 'I expect to see (Stiller) there all the time, but this is her first or second game this year. So I'm not going to see her for a long time, so I'm just going to say hi and go,' Brunson said."I guess I got to come to less games," Stiller responded, while Hart added, "Make him appreciate you more." The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Knicks' Jalen Brunson only gets starstruck for one celebrity at MSG, and it's not who you'd expect
Madison Square Garden's Celebrity Row is usually packed with big names, from Spike Lee and Ben Stiller to Kylie Jenner and Bad Bunny. But New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson only gets starstruck by one person: Mariska Hargitay. 'I've never been like super, super starstruck. I saw her and I was like, 'Oh, (wow),'' Brunson confessed during a May 4 episode of The Roommates Show, the podcast he co-hosts with teammate Josh Hart. 'Then, the first time we met, it was awesome, we talked and everything.' Hargitay, who has played Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU since 1999, even celebrated his All-Star selection in February with a heartfelt video message: 'One captain to another.' Brunson was floored. 'That's my favorite person ever,' he gushed. ALSO READ| Public heavily backing Knicks-Thunder NBA Finals matchup Turns out, SVU was a big part of Brunson's upbringing. 'I remember my dad always watching the show and you just hear the iconic (theme song) 'don-don' all the time,' Brunson recalled, referring to his father, Rick Brunson, a former NBA player and current Knicks assistant coach. He got so hooked on the show that during his early NBA days in Dallas, that 'At one point when I got into the league, I wanted to restart. So I started from Season 1 and watched all the way through… I watched it before I took my nap. That's when I was in Dallas. I've always loved that show.' Just in a September interview with Interview Magazine, Hargitay said, '(My son) August and I were at a Knicks game, and after the game, Jalen Brunson beelined over to talk to me.' 'The next time we went, Jalen wanted to meet with me, and he gave me a jersey and signed it… He recently, I think in People, said that I was his favorite.' Even fellow Knicks superfans like Ben Stiller have joked, 'The love that Mariska Hargitay gets from (Brunson) postgame is the envy of every other Knicks celebrity fan,' on a podcast. ALSO READ| After Pacers' memorable comeback, Knicks regroup for Game 2 'I expect to see (Stiller) there all the time, but this is her first or second game this year… I'm just going to say hi and go,' Brunson laughed it off, to which, Stiller quipped, 'I guess I got to come to less games,' prompting Hargitay to chime in, 'Make him appreciate you more.'
Toronto Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Mariska Hargitay drops bombshell about her biological father: 'Living a lie'
Get the latest from Mark Daniell straight to your inbox Mariska Hargitay leaves after the screening of the film "Vie privee" at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY / AFP via Getty Images Mariska Hargitay is revealing the true identity of her biological father for the first time in a new documentary. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Law & Order: SVU star delves into her family's history in the new documentary My Mom Jayne and in an interview with Vanity Fair , Hargitay said she was 'living a lie' until she learned the truth about her real father when she was 30. After the death of her mother, Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield, in a car accident when she was just three years old, her dad Mickey raised her and her siblings. 'He was my everything, my idol. He loved me so much, and I knew it,' the 61-year-old told Vanity Fair . 'I also knew something else — I just didn't know what I knew.' Hargitay says that she always felt she was different from her brothers and sisters and when she was in her 20s she saw a photo of Italian entertainer Nelson Sardelli, who her mother dated during a brief split from Mickey in the early 1960s before her birth in 1964. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Mariska Hargitay seen at the Cannes Film Festival. Photo by JULIE SEBADELHA / AFP via Getty Images She asked her dad about him, but Mickey, who died in 2006, found the exchange 'so shattering' and wouldn't talk about Sardelli. When she was 30, Hargitay saw the singer perform in Atlantic City. 'It was like the floor fell out from underneath me,' she says in My Mom Jayne. 'Like my infrastructure dissolved.' 'I've been waiting 30 years for this moment,' she recalled him telling her after they met. But Hargitay said she went 'full Olivia Benson on him.' 'I was like, 'I don't want anything, I don't need anything from you … I have a dad.' There was something about loyalty. I wanted to be loyal to Mickey,' she said. Even though she struggled with 'knowing I'm living a lie my entire life,' Hargitay eventually formed a relationship with Sardelli and his daughters and reconciled herself to the fact that her mother returned to Mickey because she knew he was the best thing for her daughter. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I grew up where I was supposed to, and I do know that everyone made the best choice for me,' she said. 'I'm Mickey Hargitay's daughter — that is not a lie.' She said the documentary, which is airing next month on HBO in the United States, is ' a love letter to him.' 'T here's no one that I was closer to on this planet,' she said. Sardelli's daughters 'just wept and wept and wept' when they saw Hargitay's movie. 'These two women that I love so much – I made them secrets!' said Hargitay. 'It's so heartbreaking to me … I'm not good with lies. So, I also made this movie to unburden all of us.' The film also allowed her to reexamine her mother's legacy. 'I don't remember the accident. I don't even remember being told that my mother had died,' Hargitay says of the crash that killed her mother as she was in the back seat. 'I look at photos, and I don't really remember anything until I was five.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. One of her early memories is of how she didn't like hearing her mother's voice when she watched some of Mansfield's old movies. 'When I would hear that fake voice, it used to just flip me out. I'd think, Why is she talking like that? That's not real,' she told Vanity Fair . But her dad, Mickey told Hargitay it was all just an act. 'My dad would always say, 'She wasn't like that at all. She was like you . She was funny and irreverent and fearless and real.'' mdaniell@ Read More Canada Toronto Maple Leafs Editorial Cartoons Other Sports Toronto & GTA
Time Magazine
20-05-2025
- Time Magazine
Mariska Hargitay
To millions of TV viewers, Mariska Hargitay is Olivia Benson, the tough but compassionate NYPD captain who has been tackling crimes for the past 26 years on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Away from the cameras, Hargitay channels that same fierce dedication into her real-world role as a powerful advocate for survivors of sexual assault. Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation, which she launched in 2004, focuses on changing the way society responds to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse through education, advocacy, and strategic grants. Since 2010, it has prioritized tackling the vast backlog of untested rape kits in the U.S.—crucial DNA evidence that is often left unprocessed, which can delay justice and potentially allow repeat offenders to remain free. Through its End the Backlog campaign, the foundation has identified tens of thousands of untested kits, funded training to clear the backlog, and driven policy changes. Its six pillars of reform—which include mandating statewide kit tracking, testing timelines, and victim notifications—have now been fully adopted by 21 states and the District of Columbia, with 11 others close behind. In 2024, Hargitay shared a more personal connection to her foundation's work. In an essay published by People, Hargitay revealed that she had been raped by a then-friend when she was in her 30s—a fact that took her decades to come to terms with. 'I couldn't process it,' she wrote. 'I was building Joyful Heart on the outside so I could do the work on the inside.'
