
Mariska Hargitay was in the 1967 car accident (opens in new tab) that tragically killed her mother, '50s- and '60s-era blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield, as well as the 19-year-old driver, Ronald B. Harrison, and Mansfield's lawyer and then-boyfriend, Samuel S. Brody. Mansfield's other two children from her marriage to ex-husband and former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay were also in the car.
Mickey Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield
While all three adults were thrown from the vehicle and died, Mariska, then three, asleep in the backseat, and her brothers, 8-year-old Mickey Jr. and 6-year-old Zoltan, survived.
Although the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress, 53, has said she doesn't remember the crash, the scar on the side of her head has served as a reminder. So have constant comparisons to her similarly gorgeous and whip-smart (her I.Q. was apparently 163 (opens in new tab)) mom, which have followed Hargitay throughout her career. Now, 50 years after the accident, she opened up about losing her mother in an interview with Closer Weekly (opens in new tab).
Jayne Mansfield with her infant daughter, Mariska Hargitay
"In some ways, being the daughter of a Hollywood icon has been a burden," the publication quotes Hargitay as saying. "I used to hate constant references to my mom because I wanted to be known for myself. Losing my mother at such a young age is the scar of my soul."
The Emmy award-winning actress and Joyful Heart Foundation (opens in new tab) founder said something similar to Redbook (opens in new tab) in 2009, adding, "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 a young age is the scar of my soul."
The car had been traveling from Biloxi, Mississippi, to New Orleans, where Mansfield was to appear on television. Ahead of them, a truck was spraying mosquitoes, emitting a thick white fog that may have obscured Harrison's vision, causing the collision at full speed.
A post shared by Mariska Hargitay (@therealmariskahargitay) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
The accident robbed Hargitay of the chance to get to know Mansfield, who was just 34 when she died, and is most remembered for her roles in The Girl Can't Help It (1956), The Wayward Bus (1957) and Promises! Promises! (1963), as well as her dead-on Marilyn Monroe impressions and publicity stunts. But, she says, having kids (August, Amaya and Andrew) has helped her heal.
"Being a wife and mother is my life, and that gives me the most joy," Hargitay said to Closer Weekly. "I understand [my mother] in a new way that gives me peace. Now I understand the love she had in her, and it makes me feel closer to her."
Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Taysha Murtaugh is the Lifestyle Editor at CountryLiving.com and WomansDay.com. She's always on the lookout for beautiful things and loves baking, entertaining, and watching "Gilmore Girls" on repeat.
-
The Jonas Brothers Were One Big Jonas Family in Hollywood Today
The Jonas Brothers also shared some MAJOR news at the special event.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Makeup Artists Agree—These Are the 10 Biggest 2023 Makeup Trends
Smudged eyeliner, underpainting, and bold blush are leading the charge.
By Samantha Holender
-
What I Wear to Work: Deborah Yager Fleming
The hotelier utilizes color coding to jumpstart her day.
By Sara Holzman
-
Jennifer Garner Responded to Jennifer Coolidge Wanting to Play a Dolphin, And Nobody Can Stop Laughing
I can't believe this is real.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
22 Captivating Films About Royal Life
Once you've finished 'The Crown,' cue up one of these royally good films.
By Nicole Briese