For over two decades, Mariska Hargitay has brought Detective Olivia Benson to life on Law & Order: SVU. With her 25th season premiere drawing in 5.6 million viewers, it’s clear that the character she portrays is as beloved as ever. But what fans don’t always see is the hard work and dedication that goes into perfecting a role as complex and challenging as Olivia Benson.
In a recent interview, Mariska opened up about the obstacles she faced early on in her career to truly embody the role of Benson. From physical adjustments to mental challenges, Hargitay’s journey to becoming the iconic detective is a story of perseverance, growth, and a deep commitment to her craft. Let’s explore the hurdles she overcame and how they shaped her portrayal of the legendary character.
The Beginning: Finding Olivia Benson
When Mariska Hargitay first stepped into the role of Olivia Benson in 1999, she knew it would be a challenging task. Although the production team had a clear vision for the character, Hargitay felt a personal responsibility to refine and perfect every aspect of her performance. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to bring Benson to life in a way that resonates with viewers.
While the show’s producers and writers had already given Olivia Benson a distinct personality—tough yet empathetic, deeply committed to victims’ rights—Hargitay still needed time to internalize and express those traits in her own way. In an interview with Inside the Actor’s Studio, she revealed that it took her several years to fully understand how to react, speak, and move like a detective whose primary mission is to help victims of crimes of a sensitive and often painful nature.
“I think it took me several years to develop the muscles of a police officer,” Hargitay said. These “muscles” weren’t just about physical fitness but also about the psychological and emotional strength required to play a character like Olivia Benson—one who navigates the darkest corners of human experience while offering a sense of hope to victims.
Learning the Physicality of Olivia Benson
One of the first challenges Hargitay faced was learning how to move like a police officer. In the early years, she noticed how Chris Meloni, her co-star who played Detective Elliot Stabler, carried himself with a natural authority. Meloni’s “long coat” and his “beautiful stride” were things Hargitay admired but struggled to replicate at first.
Hargitay explained, “I remember in the early years seeing Chris with a long coat walking down the streets. Being from New York, he had a beautiful stride.” The key to portraying Benson was not only about speaking and reacting in a certain way, but also about physically embodying the character. Hargitay knew she had to match Meloni’s confident and purposeful walk to align with her partner, Stabler, and to portray Benson with the same strength.
Initially, Hargitay struggled with her walking style, trying to adopt a “pimp walk” to imitate Meloni’s swagger. She quickly realized that this didn’t work at all. “And I tried to do a kind of pimp walk. And it didn’t work at all,” she recalled with a laugh. However, over time, she learned how to walk with the grounded authority that matched the character of Olivia Benson. “But I finally got it. And now I walk as I should,” she said.
The physical transformation didn’t stop there. Hargitay had to work on developing the physical presence that would make her believable as a lead detective in the Special Victims Unit. This involved not only getting comfortable in a uniform but also mastering the body language required to convey the seriousness and empathy of a seasoned officer who deals with sensitive and traumatic crimes daily.
Navigating Emotional and Psychological Challenges
While the physical transformation was a key part of Hargitay’s preparation, the emotional and psychological challenges of playing Olivia Benson were even more profound. Throughout the years, Benson has faced numerous traumatic events—many of which are difficult to process, let alone portray on screen. These scenes often involve sensitive subjects like sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, and Hargitay had to find a way to authentically convey the pain and resilience of her character without letting it overwhelm her.
Hargitay acknowledged that it was sometimes difficult to maintain composure during particularly intense scenes. “There were times when I had to dig deep into my emotions to portray what Benson was going through,” she said. This skill, which she developed over time, became invaluable not only for her career but also in her personal life. Learning to stay calm and focused during intense on-screen moments gave her a sense of control and strength, which she could apply to real-life situations.
An example of this came in Hargitay’s personal life, when she was once able to help a pregnant woman who had fainted. “I drew on my experience as Olivia Benson to stay calm in a real-life emergency,” she shared. This ability to remain composed and act quickly in high-pressure situations is something that she attributes directly to her role as Benson, and it has helped her navigate her personal life with confidence.
The Evolution of Olivia Benson
Over the years, Mariska Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson has evolved significantly. What began as a relatively straightforward role of a dedicated detective has transformed into the complex character of a leader, a mother, and a symbol of justice. As Law & Order: SVU continues to explore new storylines and deeper layers of Benson’s character, Hargitay has had to adapt to these changes while maintaining the core essence of who Benson is.
One of the most significant shifts in Benson’s character came with her evolution into a mother. In the show, Benson eventually adopts a son, Noah, which adds a new layer to her character’s story. This development mirrored Hargitay’s own growth as she became a mother in real life. The challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career were not lost on Hargitay, and she was able to infuse her personal experience into her portrayal of Olivia as a nurturing yet tough figure.
Benson’s transformation from detective to captain also added new challenges for Hargitay. As she took on more responsibility, the character became more authoritative, yet still maintained the compassion that fans had come to love. This shift required Hargitay to push herself in new directions, both physically and emotionally, as she embraced the weight of leadership and the challenges that come with it.
The Rewards of Playing Olivia Benson
Despite the immense challenges, playing Olivia Benson has been one of the most rewarding experiences of Mariska Hargitay’s career. Not only has it earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, but it has also allowed her to make a difference in real life. Through her work on SVU, Hargitay has been able to raise awareness about sexual violence and advocate for victims’ rights.
Beyond her work on the show, Hargitay has founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Her role as Benson has allowed her to connect with people on a personal level and use her platform to advocate for real-world change.
In many ways, Olivia Benson has become a part of Mariska Hargitay, and the actress’s dedication to the character is evident in everything she does. From overcoming physical and emotional challenges to using her platform for good, Hargitay has created a lasting legacy both as an actress and as an advocate for survivors of trauma.
Conclusion: A Role of a Lifetime
Mariska Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson has not only been a career-defining role but a deeply transformative experience. The challenges she faced—whether learning how to move like a police officer, dealing with the emotional weight of sensitive storylines, or navigating her character’s evolution—have shaped her into one of television’s most respected and beloved actresses.
As Law & Order: SVU enters its 25th season, Hargitay continues to bring depth, authenticity, and compassion to her portrayal of Olivia Benson. The hard work she put in to develop her character over the years is what makes Benson one of the most iconic figures in the world of crime dramas.
