Mariska Hargitay, the star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has a family history that took a surprising turn. She discovered a long-kept family secret that changed her life forever.  This revelation came during the making of a documentary about her mother, Jayne Mansfield.  Jayne was a famous movie star and sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s.  She died in a car crash in 1967, when Mariska was just 3 years old.  After her mother's death, Mariska was raised by Mickey Hargitay, a bodybuilder and actor, along with her two siblings, Mickey Jr. and Zoltán.

For many years, Mariska believed Mickey was her biological father.  It was a shock to learn that her biological father was actually Nelson Sardelli, an Italian singer and comedian.  This discovery happened when Mariska was in her 20s.  She was shown a photo of Sardelli and instantly knew the truth.  It was a moment that left her feeling like her world had been turned upside down.

Mariska's journey to uncover the truth was not easy.  She confronted Mickey about the revelation, but he denied it.  She never brought it up again until 2004, when she was 30.  That year, she went to see Sardelli perform in Atlantic City and introduced herself.  Sardelli was overwhelmed with emotion.  He told her, "I’ve been waiting 30 years for this moment. "  Mariska, however, was not ready to accept him immediately.  She told him, "I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything from you. I have a dad. "

Mariska's struggle to come to terms with the truth was difficult.  She felt a deep sense of loyalty to Mickey, who had raised her and loved her unconditionally.  She eventually forged a bond with Sardelli and his daughters.  She came to accept that she had grown up where she was supposed to.  She is Mickey Hargitay’s daughter, and that is not a lie.  This documentary is a love letter to him, because there’s no one that she was closer to on this planet.

Mariska's experience has also helped her in her own journey as a parent.  She has two adopted children with her husband, Peter Hermann.  She now understands the complexities of family and the importance of love and acceptance.  She said, "They are my kids.  Now I understand so much, and, boy, is it sweet. "  The documentary, My Mom Jayne, marks Mariska's debut as a documentary director.  It had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and is set to have its TV debut on HBO.

Unveiling the Truth: Mariska's Journey to Her Roots

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