New York City was filled with lights and cameras as the cast and crew of “Law & Order: SVU” filmed yet another episode of the iconic drama series. But amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy city, something unexpected happened on April 10 that brought a heartwarming moment to the set.
Mariska Hargitay, who plays Detective Olivia Benson, was in the middle of filming a scene when she was approached by a lost little girl.
The child, who had been separated from her mother in the Anne Loftus Playground in Fort Tryon Park, mistook Hargitay for a real police officer and asked for her help.
The witness who saw the incident unfold shared with People that the young girl had seen Hargitay’s badge and thought it was real. Unaffected by the film crew and the presence of her co-star Ice-T, Hargitay quickly sprang into action, stopping production for 20 minutes to help the child.
As a mother of three children herself, Hargitay understood the urgency of the situation and did not hesitate to assist the child in finding her mother. She even took the time to comfort both the mother and the reunited child following the incident, showing not just her bravery as an actress, but also her innate kindness and compassion as a human being.
Hargitay has been playing Detective Olivia Benson for over two decades, making her the longest-running primetime drama character in TV history. With “SVU” returning for its 25th season this year and already renewed for a 26th season, Hargitay has become a beloved staple in the TV industry.
In a previous interview with People, Hargitay shared her thoughts on being a part of such a historic series. She revealed that the show and her character have been on a “parallel journey” as she has embodied the strength and fearlessness of Olivia Benson both on and off-screen.
The actress also admitted that she often slips into her character, showing how much Benson has influenced her in real life. As fans often say, “What would Olivia Benson do?” and for Hargitay, that is a constant reminder of the powerful feminist storyline that she gets to be a part of.
Looking back on the past 25 years, Hargitay expressed her disbelief on how time has flown by so quickly. But at the same time, she couldn’t imagine the show ending or not continuing on this journey with her cast and crew. “I can’t imagine not going on this journey with my cast, my crew,” she shared.
“Law & Order: SVU” has not only been a successful TV series, but it has also made a significant impact on society by bringing awareness to issues like sexual violence, child abuse, and domestic violence. And with Hargitay’s dedication to her character and the show, it’s no surprise that she has garnered a massive fan base around the world.
