For decades, audiences have known Mariska Hargitay as the determined Captain Olivia Benson. Now, the “Law & Order: SVU” star is taking on her most personal role yet: director. Hargitay is making her feature film directorial debut with an HBO documentary titled My Mom Jayne. The film promises an intimate look at the life and legacy of her mother, the iconic 1950s actress Jayne Mansfield, through a daughter’s eyes.
From On-Screen Justice to a Personal Story
Mariska Hargitay has built a career giving a voice to survivors of trauma on television. With this new project, she turns the lens inward to explore her own history and the story of the mother she lost as a toddler.
This move from acting to directing represents a significant and deeply personal shift. Hargitay is not just telling a story; she is embarking on a public journey to understand her own past. The film, described as a “labor of love and longing,” is her way of connecting with the mother she barely remembers and reclaiming a narrative often simplified by Hollywood headlines.
A New Look at a Hollywood Legend
Jayne Mansfield was more than just a famous blonde bombshell of the 1950s. While known for her glamorous image in films like Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?, she was also a dedicated mother and a sharp businesswoman who navigated a demanding industry. Her high-profile romance with Mickey Hargitay was tabloid fodder, but behind the scenes was a complex life.
The documentary aims to move past the caricature and explore the real person. It will delve into her life beyond the fame, a life cut tragically short at age 34 in a car accident. Mariska, who was in the car during the crash, survived along with her brothers, creating a quiet grief she has carried throughout her life.
What to Expect from My Mom Jayne
The documentary will offer a unique and unfiltered perspective, drawing from a rich well of personal archives to paint a complete picture of Jayne Mansfield. Hargitay is committed to presenting an honest and textured portrait, not a polished Hollywood biography.
Viewers can expect to see a tapestry of memories woven together through:
- Never-before-seen photographs from Mansfield’s private collection.
- Rare home videos showing glimpses of her family life away from the spotlight.
- Intimate interviews with friends and family who knew the real Jayne.
- Personal reflections from Mariska Hargitay as she seeks closure and understanding.
This approach ensures the story is told with authenticity and emotional depth, focusing on the woman rather than the myth.
A Powerful Team Behind the Camera
Hargitay is not undertaking this emotional project alone. She is joined by a team of experienced creators to help bring her vision to life. The film is produced alongside Trish Adlesic, an Emmy-nominated documentarian known for tackling difficult and sensitive subjects with grace.
Lauran Bromley is serving as an executive producer, adding more creative strength to the project. With representation from industry leaders like CAA and The Lede Company, the film is positioned as a major documentary event. This collaboration highlights the serious artistic and personal commitment behind My Mom Jayne.
