Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann are not just the iconic couple that fans adore—they’re also parents to three incredible kids! Over the years, the couple has shared snippets of their family life, giving fans a glimpse into their world outside of Law & Order: SVU and the entertainment industry. Their children—August, Amaya, and Andrew—are growing up in a very unique environment, filled with love, laughter, and undoubtedly, a little bit of Hollywood glamour. But what do we really know about Mariska and Peter’s beautiful family?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into their parenting journey, introduce their three children, and explore how Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann balance their busy careers with raising their kids. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for a heartwarming look at their family dynamic.
The Journey to Parenthood: Mariska and Peter’s Love Story
Before we meet their kids, let’s take a step back and look at how Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann’s love story began. The couple met on the set of Law & Order: SVU in 2001 when Peter guest-starred as a love interest for Mariska’s character, Olivia Benson. While their on-screen romance didn’t blossom into anything lasting, their off-screen relationship took root and grew into something truly beautiful.
Mariska and Peter got married in 2004, and their journey into parenthood began shortly after. They started building their family through adoption and biological means, and today, their three children are a testament to the love and bond they share.
They’ve kept their family life relatively private, but they’ve occasionally shared details with the public through interviews and social media. Mariska, who has often spoken about the joys and challenges of motherhood, particularly enjoys the quieter moments at home with her kids, far removed from the spotlight.
Meet Mariska and Peter’s Kids: August, Amaya, and Andrew
Now, let’s meet the stars of the show—their three beautiful children: August, Amaya, and Andrew! These kids are growing up in a household filled with love, support, and inspiration from two parents who have achieved remarkable success in the entertainment industry.
1. August Hermann (Born in 2006)
August is the eldest of the three, born in 2006. Named after the month Mariska was born, August’s name has a personal significance to his mother. Mariska and Peter adopted August in 2006, and he has been their pride and joy ever since.
As the first-born child, August has been a big brother to his younger siblings, Amaya and Andrew. While August has mostly kept a low profile in the public eye, he has made a few appearances with his parents, showing that he’s definitely growing up to be just as kind-hearted and thoughtful as his mom and dad.
Mariska has often shared how August keeps her grounded and teaches her the importance of finding balance in life. Being a teenager now, August likely has his own hobbies and interests, though his parents have kept much of his life away from the public eye. The family enjoys spending quiet time together when they can, whether that’s at their home in New York or on vacation.
2. Amaya Josephine Hermann (Born in 2011)
Amaya was adopted by Mariska and Peter in 2011, and she quickly became a beloved member of their family. Her name, Josephine, carries a family significance, as it is the name of both Mariska’s mother and her maternal grandmother. Like her older brother August, Amaya has largely been kept out of the spotlight, but Mariska has posted about her occasionally on social media.
Amaya is a beautiful mix of both her parents, with a warm and caring personality that shines through whenever she’s mentioned by Mariska. As a young girl, she has a natural love for animals and art, which Mariska often highlights in interviews. Amaya also seems to have a playful, adventurous spirit, something Mariska loves to encourage in all of her children.
Mariska and Peter have emphasized how important it is to raise Amaya in a supportive, diverse, and inclusive environment. Amaya’s adoption story is a part of the family’s history, and Mariska has spoken openly about the love and joy that Amaya brought into their lives. She’s definitely the spark that lights up their home!
3. Andrew Nicolas Hermann (Born in 2016)
Andrew, the youngest of the Hargitay-Hermann kids, was born in 2016 and was adopted by the couple in 2017. He completes the trio of siblings and is the most recent addition to the family. Andrew’s name, Nicolas, honors Peter’s side of the family, while Andrew’s cheerful demeanor and personality have made him an instant favorite in the family.
While not much is known about Andrew’s life outside of what Mariska and Peter choose to share, it’s clear from their posts and interviews that he’s a lively and affectionate child. Andrew has been seen out and about with his parents, often participating in family outings, sporting events, and holidays. Given that he’s still young, Andrew likely enjoys a lot of time at home with his siblings, exploring and playing.
Mariska has expressed how much joy and energy Andrew has brought into their lives. As the baby of the family, he likely gets spoiled with love and attention from both of his siblings. He’s growing up in a home that celebrates the importance of family and cherishes the small, precious moments.
How Mariska and Peter Balance Parenthood with Their Careers
With such a busy and demanding career, how do Mariska and Peter manage to juggle their acting roles with raising three kids? It takes a lot of planning, support, and teamwork, but they seem to have figured out a healthy balance that works for their family.
Mariska often talks about how her role as Olivia Benson on SVU has shaped her understanding of motherhood and family life. She’s a committed and loving mother who tries her best to be present for her children. She has mentioned in interviews that her family comes first, and that she makes a conscious effort to schedule her work commitments around her children’s needs.
Peter Hermann, who is also an actor, is no stranger to a busy schedule. Known for his role in Younger, as well as appearances in various films and TV shows, Peter also makes family a priority. Both Mariska and Peter make sure they spend as much time as possible together as a family, whether that means taking family vacations or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home.
While their careers certainly keep them on their toes, they both understand the importance of creating a stable home environment. This means spending time together as a family, focusing on their children’s emotional well-being, and staying connected despite their busy professional lives.
The Hargitay-Hermann Family: Love, Laughter, and Privacy
Mariska and Peter’s children, August, Amaya, and Andrew, are a testament to their love, dedication, and commitment to family. The couple has created a close-knit and supportive home where their children can grow up free from the pressures of the public eye. The Hargitay-Hermann family is an example of how important it is to prioritize love and togetherness in today’s busy world.
While we may not see much of their kids in the media, it’s clear that Mariska and Peter are doing an excellent job raising a family full of love, compassion, and respect. Their children are undoubtedly growing up to be as caring and grounded as their parents, who continue to set a wonderful example.
