Mariska Hargitay has become a household name thanks to her unforgettable role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. After over two decades of captivating audiences with her powerful performances, it’s natural to wonder: what’s next for the star once the show ends? The possibility of Mariska stepping into new roles, pursuing personal passions, and leaving a mark on different industries has fans buzzing with excitement.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 potential paths Mariska Hargitay might take after the curtains close on Law & Order: SVU—and some of them might surprise you!
1. A New Role in TV or Film: Will She Transition to Another Iconic Character?
One of the most obvious directions Mariska could go is pursuing another iconic role in television or film. Mariska has proven her acting range over the years, seamlessly transitioning between emotional, high-stakes roles and moments of levity. Could she take on another complex character, perhaps in a new crime drama or a completely different genre?
She could easily step into roles that showcase her depth as an actress—maybe a gritty detective in a new crime show, or a character with a completely different arc, such as a romantic lead or a quirky comedic role. The possibilities are endless, and Hollywood would be lucky to snag her for another long-running series!
2. Becoming a Producer or Director: Behind the Scenes Success
After decades in front of the camera, Mariska may be ready to explore life behind the scenes. The world of producing and directing offers endless opportunities to create content that aligns with her values, especially her advocacy for victims’ rights and women’s empowerment.
Mariska has already proven her ability to influence the direction of television through her role as an executive producer on SVU. With her vast experience in the entertainment industry, it’s highly plausible that she could lead her own show, bringing fresh ideas to both television and film while continuing her advocacy.
3. Expanding Her Advocacy for Survivors: Starting a Foundation or Nonprofit
Mariska Hargitay is well-known for her advocacy work, particularly for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which works tirelessly to heal, educate, and empower survivors of these traumatic experiences.
Once SVU concludes, Mariska could expand her advocacy efforts further by creating a larger platform to help survivors. With her celebrity status and passion for the cause, she could work to change laws, create awareness campaigns, or even expand her foundation globally to reach more individuals in need of support.
4. Writing a Memoir or Autobiography: Sharing Her Journey
Mariska Hargitay’s life and career have been nothing short of extraordinary. After years of playing a beloved character like Olivia Benson, many fans would love to hear more about her personal journey—how she became the person she is today and what it took to build such a remarkable career.
Writing a memoir or autobiography would allow Mariska to share her personal stories, challenges, and triumphs with her audience. She could dive into her experiences with SVU, her advocacy work, her family life, and her path to becoming a trailblazer in Hollywood.
5. Teaching or Mentoring Aspiring Actors: Passing on Her Knowledge
After spending decades in the industry, Mariska could pass on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of actors. Whether through teaching acting classes, mentoring young talent, or hosting workshops, Mariska’s insights into navigating a long-lasting career in entertainment could inspire countless up-and-coming performers.
Her mentorship could focus on emotional intelligence, the challenges of balancing fame and personal life, or the skills needed to break into Hollywood, especially for women and minorities.
6. Starting Her Own Fashion Line: Olivia Benson’s Signature Style
Fans of SVU know Olivia Benson’s style—sophisticated, practical, and timeless. Mariska has an undeniable sense of fashion, and many wonder if she could translate that into a career in the fashion world. She could create a clothing line inspired by Olivia Benson’s iconic wardrobe or a completely new collection that reflects her personal style.
Whether it’s a full-on fashion line or a smaller, more exclusive collection, Mariska has the star power to make a significant impact in the world of fashion. Given her reputation and influence, any collection she creates would be highly anticipated.
7. Traveling the World: Exploring New Adventures and Causes
With the conclusion of SVU, Mariska might find herself exploring new destinations and adventures around the world. Her travels could involve discovering new cultures, meeting with other advocates, or seeking out organizations in need of assistance.
Her platform as an actress and advocate would help her raise awareness about global issues, especially related to women and children’s rights. She could use social media to share her experiences and inspire her followers to get involved in causes that are close to her heart.
8. Producing a Documentary Series: Highlighting Real-Life Heroes
Mariska Hargitay’s passion for advocacy and storytelling could align beautifully in the realm of documentary production. A documentary series focusing on the stories of real-life heroes—whether they are survivors of trauma, advocates for change, or everyday people making a difference—could captivate audiences and bring attention to underrepresented causes.
Her ability to connect emotionally with audiences could make such a series not only informative but deeply impactful, inspiring change in the real world.
9. Exploring a Career in Voice Acting: Bringing Animated Characters to Life
While we all know Mariska’s face from SVU, she could also make her mark in the world of voice acting. Whether it’s in animated films, video games, or animated series, Mariska’s voice has the ability to convey strength and emotion, making her an excellent fit for voiceover roles.
This new avenue could allow Mariska to explore different genres, working on projects that bring joy to both children and adults alike.
10. Launching a Podcast or Web Series: Sharing Stories and Insights
In today’s digital age, podcasts and web series have become increasingly popular ways to connect with audiences. Mariska could host a podcast or video series where she interviews celebrities, activists, and experts on a range of topics—from trauma and healing to life in Hollywood.
Her podcast could provide a platform for people to share their stories, much like she’s done through her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation. By creating compelling content that is both informative and emotionally resonant, Mariska could gain a whole new audience in the digital world.
Conclusion
The end of Law & Order: SVU may mark the end of an era for Mariska Hargitay, but it certainly won’t be the end of her career. With so many options available to her, from continuing her advocacy work to stepping into new roles in entertainment, Mariska’s future is incredibly bright.
Whatever path she chooses, there’s no doubt she will continue to inspire, entertain, and empower others in whatever she does next.
