Ryan Buggle, known for his role as Noah Porter in Law & Order: SVU, has shared some sweet, behind-the-scenes moments about his special bond with Mariska Hargitay’s kids. While many fans know Buggle as the beloved on-screen son of Olivia Benson (played by Mariska), it turns out his connection with the Hargitay-Hermann family goes far beyond the show. In a heartwarming reveal, Buggle recently opened up about his personal experiences spending time with Mariska’s kids, including their legendary sleepovers! Let’s take a deep dive into Ryan’s off-screen friendship with Mariska’s family and discover how these moments have shaped his relationship with the iconic SVU star and her family.
The Special Bond Between Ryan Buggle and Mariska Hargitay’s Kids
Ryan Buggle, who played Olivia Benson’s son, Noah, for several seasons on Law & Order: SVU, has been welcomed with open arms into Mariska Hargitay’s real-life family. While many know that SVU often blurs the line between reality and fiction, Ryan’s relationship with Mariska’s family is anything but scripted. From casual hangouts to memorable sleepovers, Ryan and the Hargitay-Hermann children—August, Amaya, and Andrew—have created a lasting bond that reflects the warmth and camaraderie of a true family connection.
1. The “Unscripted” Moments: Sleepovers and More
In a recent interview, Ryan Buggle shared candid details about his sleepovers with Mariska’s children. These sleepovers aren’t your typical Hollywood affair—they’re all about fun, family, and making memories. While many might imagine a star-studded event filled with red carpets and extravagant activities, Ryan’s sleepovers with Mariska’s kids seem to be refreshingly down-to-earth. He describes their time together as filled with “classic sleepover games,” tons of laughter, and even cozy, movie-filled evenings.
Ryan, who has often praised Mariska for being a second mother to him, explains that these hangouts are a natural extension of the bond they share on-screen. “We just hang out like a normal family,” he said, emphasizing how welcomed he feels in their home. The fact that Ryan feels like one of the family speaks volumes about the warmth and generosity Mariska brings to both her professional and personal life.
2. A Family Beyond the Cameras: Mariska’s Role as a Mom
Ryan has been fortunate to work with Mariska for many years, but it’s clear that their relationship extends far beyond acting. Mariska’s nurturing personality isn’t just something she brings to her role as Olivia Benson—it’s a defining trait of her real-life role as a mother. Her children, August, Amaya, and Andrew, have always been the center of her universe, and she’s made it a point to integrate her work life with her family life in a way that makes her kids feel secure, loved, and cherished.
Ryan’s friendship with Mariska’s children is a reflection of the strong family values she has instilled in her home. In interviews, Ryan has shared how Mariska often takes the time to teach her kids important life lessons, from empathy to gratitude. But it’s not all serious talk—Ryan also gushes about the fun, playful side of Mariska’s home, where “everything is fun and relaxed,” he says. The entire family seems to operate with a sense of joy and freedom that spills over into their interactions with friends and colleagues.
Ryan Buggle’s Relationship With Mariska’s Children: What We Know
Ryan Buggle’s connection with Mariska’s children is unique because it was built on a foundation of mutual respect, kindness, and love. Over the years, as Ryan has grown from a child actor to a young adult, his relationship with Mariska’s kids has evolved, but the warmth and bond remain the same.
1. The Kids: August, Amaya, and Andrew
While Ryan has often spoken about how much he enjoys spending time with Mariska’s kids, it’s clear that each child holds a special place in his heart. Let’s break down what we know about each of Mariska’s children and how Ryan has bonded with them:
- August Hermann (born 2006): As Mariska and Peter’s eldest child, August is the natural leader among the siblings. Ryan, who spent a lot of time with August growing up, often describes him as “cool, easygoing, and a great big brother.” August’s calm demeanor and sense of humor make him a great fit for Ryan’s personality, and the two have shared many fun, relaxed moments together.
- Amaya Josephine Hermann (born 2011): Amaya’s spirit is known to be vibrant, playful, and full of life, and Ryan has shared how much fun it is to spend time with her. Amaya, with her infectious energy, is the life of the party during sleepovers, and Ryan often speaks about how she brings a unique sparkle to any gathering. She loves animals and nature, and Ryan loves to explore her curiosity about the world.
- Andrew Nicolas Hermann (born 2016): As the youngest, Andrew is still a little guy, but Ryan loves spending time with him. Andrew’s playful nature and his budding sense of humor make him a joy to be around, and Ryan jokes that he’s “always up to something mischievous.” Whether they’re playing games or simply hanging out, Ryan has described Andrew as an easygoing and adorable kid.
2. Family Fun: Ryan’s Favorite Moments With Mariska’s Kids
Ryan has opened up about some of his favorite memories from his sleepovers with Mariska’s kids, revealing some heartwarming and amusing moments. They’ve spent hours playing board games, watching movies, and enjoying each other’s company. Ryan recalls one particular sleepover where they all stayed up late eating pizza and playing video games, which was a fun, normal night full of laughter and connection.
Ryan also shared how Mariska’s home is filled with love and openness, where her kids are encouraged to be themselves and express their feelings. Whether it’s teaching life lessons or simply hanging out and enjoying each other’s company, the Hargitay-Hermann household feels like a safe space for everyone.
What Ryan Buggle Has Learned from Mariska’s Family
Spending so much time with Mariska’s family has clearly had an impact on Ryan Buggle, especially when it comes to how he views family dynamics. He’s learned valuable lessons about the importance of kindness, respect, and humor in everyday life—values that Mariska emphasizes in her home. The way she balances being a successful actress with being a hands-on, loving mother has inspired Ryan, who has referred to Mariska as a “role model” in many interviews.
1. The Influence of Mariska’s Motherly Love
Ryan has often said that working with Mariska on SVU was an eye-opening experience because she made him feel like part of her family. Mariska’s genuine, warm nature has influenced how Ryan views family and personal relationships. In an interview, he shared that her ability to be kind and present, even during stressful moments on set, taught him a lot about the power of showing up for people you care about.
2. The Value of Family Time
One of the main takeaways for Ryan from his sleepovers with Mariska’s kids has been the importance of spending quality time together as a family. No matter how hectic their schedules may get, the Hargitay-Hermann family always makes sure to carve out time for each other. This commitment to family is something that Ryan now values deeply, and it has become an important part of his own personal life.
