Mariska Hargitay, the star of Law and Order: SVU, paid a heartwarming tribute to her late mother, Jayne Mansfield, on what would have been her 90th birthday. The actress took to Instagram to share a photo of her mom, along with a touching caption expressing her love for her mother. Hargitay also shared a short clip of her mother in the film Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? on her Instagram story.
Jayne Mansfield, born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, was known as one of Hollywood’s most famous blonde bombshells in the 1950s and ’60s. Often referred to as the “Working Man’s Monroe,” she was seen as an alternative to Marilyn Monroe. In addition to being a Playboy Playmate, Mansfield starred in several films such as The Girl Can’t Help It, Promises! Promises!, and The Sheriff of a Fractured Jaw.
Tragically, Mansfield’s life was cut short when she died in a car accident in 1967 at the age of 34. Hargitay, who was three years old at the time, was in the backseat of the car along with two of her siblings. While the children survived, Mansfield, her attorney and companion Sam Brody, and their driver Ronnie Harrison were killed instantly.
Despite the trauma of losing her mother at a young age, Hargitay has used her experiences to transform her life and become a successful actress. She has also used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as sexual assault and domestic violence, both on-screen and off. Happy heavenly birthday, Jayne!