Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

97 Memorable Quotes By Mariska Hargitay On Life, Love, Power, Experience & Soul

Famous As: Best Known for Her Role as 'Olivia Benson' on the NBC Drama Series 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'
Born On: January 23, 1964
Born In: Santa Monica, California, United States
Founder / Co Founder: Joyful Heart Foundation
Age: 60 Years

Mariska Hargitay, known for her role as NYPD Lieutenant Olivia Benson on the NBC series 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit', was inspired to help domestic, sexual and child abuse survivors following a highly spiritual encounter with a school of dolphins as a teenager. Following her success as an actor, she established the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provided support to sexually abused men and women. She also raised awareness about the statistics of untested rape kits and campaigned for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Here we look at some of her most memorable speeches delivered at public events and interviews. She has frequently talked about pain, healing, life journey, children, mothers, domestic violence and sexual assault.

They say that the average lifespan of an SVU detective is 4 years. People can't do it longer than that because it's so difficult.

They say that the average lifespan of an SVU detective is 4 years. People can't do it longer than that because it's so difficult.

Mariska Hargitay
Kids who drink alcohol, fairly regularly before they're 14 have a 48% chance... of becoming alcoholics.

Kids who drink alcohol, fairly regularly before they're 14 have a 48% chance... of becoming alcoholics.

Mariska Hargitay
Eric Lewis doesn't play the piano, he devours it. He doesn't play music, he channels the divine.

Eric Lewis doesn't play the piano, he devours it. He doesn't play music, he channels the divine.

Mariska Hargitay
Our early dating life consisted of trying to figure out whether we were dating.

Our early dating life consisted of trying to figure out whether we were dating.

Mariska Hargitay
It's very difficult leaving the house anytime with my baby at home.

It's very difficult leaving the house anytime with my baby at home.

Mariska Hargitay
I say to everybody, 'Adoption is not for the faint of heart.'

I say to everybody, 'Adoption is not for the faint of heart.'

Mariska Hargitay
You should've seen my big hair in the 80's, that was a real project.

You should've seen my big hair in the 80's, that was a real project.

Mariska Hargitay
I wasn't at all trying to be skinny, My Mom is Jayne Mansfield, I'm allowed to have curves.

I wasn't at all trying to be skinny, My Mom is Jayne Mansfield, I'm allowed to have curves.

Mariska Hargitay
I'm an L.A. girl who became a tough New York cop.

I'm an L.A. girl who became a tough New York cop.

Mariska Hargitay
It wasn't really that hard to act when you see somebody holding a gun to your partner. It's also believing the circumstances and I believed it.

It wasn't really that hard to act when you see somebody holding a gun to your partner. It's also believing the circumstances and I believed it.

Mariska Hargitay
To me, the definition of sexy - at any age - is strength and confidence.

To me, the definition of sexy - at any age - is strength and confidence.

Mariska Hargitay
Criminals are just regular people who didn’t have time to read all the laws.

Criminals are just regular people who didn’t have time to read all the laws.

Mariska Hargitay
My Dad taught me that good health is all about living in gratitude.

My Dad taught me that good health is all about living in gratitude.

Mariska Hargitay
The only reason I have the career I have is that I didn't quit.

The only reason I have the career I have is that I didn't quit.

Mariska Hargitay
Fifty years ago my Mother stood on this stage accepting this award; She was fortunate enough to have my Dad with her. Fifty years later, I'm fortunate enough to have my Dad with me. I love you, Dad.

Fifty years ago my Mother stood on this stage accepting this award; She was fortunate enough to have my Dad with her. Fifty years later, I'm fortunate enough to have my Dad with me. I love you, Dad.

Mariska Hargitay
I'm a water person; water heals.

I'm a water person; water heals.

Mariska Hargitay
Losing my mother at such an early age is the scar of my soul. But I feel like it ultimately made me into the person I am today; I understand the journey of life. I had to go through what I did to be here.

Losing my mother at such an early age is the scar of my soul. But I feel like it ultimately made me into the person I am today; I understand the journey of life. I had to go through what I did to be here.

Mariska Hargitay
I have a more developed sense of my priorities. Life has so much more meaning now.

I have a more developed sense of my priorities. Life has so much more meaning now.

Mariska Hargitay
You survived the abuse, you’re going to survive the recovery.

You survived the abuse, you’re going to survive the recovery.

Mariska Hargitay
Being thin is not more important than enjoying life

Being thin is not more important than enjoying life

Mariska Hargitay
I've got no problems with my age. I rejoice in the knowledge I have accrued and savor the greatest moments, because I know how fast it goes.

I've got no problems with my age. I rejoice in the knowledge I have accrued and savor the greatest moments, because I know how fast it goes.

Mariska Hargitay
There's so much that you can get mad about. Out of self-preservation, I focus on being grateful.

There's so much that you can get mad about. Out of self-preservation, I focus on being grateful.

Mariska Hargitay
Surviving and thriving in the wake of my mothers loss, I learned to believe in God. He has a plan, if you pay attention to the signs. I am inspired by the absolute proof of miracles.

Surviving and thriving in the wake of my mothers loss, I learned to believe in God. He has a plan, if you pay attention to the signs. I am inspired by the absolute proof of miracles.

Mariska Hargitay
A guy at ABC told me to change my name and get a nose job. I said 'You get a nose job.'

A guy at ABC told me to change my name and get a nose job. I said 'You get a nose job.'

Mariska Hargitay
Adoption was a bumpy ride - very bumpy. But, God, was it worth the fight.

Adoption was a bumpy ride - very bumpy. But, God, was it worth the fight.

Mariska Hargitay
By coming forward and sharing your story, you don't know the countless lives you change.

By coming forward and sharing your story, you don't know the countless lives you change.

Mariska Hargitay
I think God runs the show. Completely. Life proves it every day: He runs the show.

I think God runs the show. Completely. Life proves it every day: He runs the show.

Mariska Hargitay
I'm a size 8, and I feel proud of that, because it's healthy. I've never felt compelled to be a skinny actress.

I'm a size 8, and I feel proud of that, because it's healthy. I've never felt compelled to be a skinny actress.

Mariska Hargitay
Just having someone make you laugh so hard that it hurts is so healing to me.

Just having someone make you laugh so hard that it hurts is so healing to me.

Mariska Hargitay
In life you have two choices. You can laugh or you can cry. You have to laugh, you have to.

In life you have two choices. You can laugh or you can cry. You have to laugh, you have to.

Mariska Hargitay