East Hampton's Mariska Hargitay Celebrates 50th Birthday Thursday

Wish a happy birthday to Law & Order: SVU star and East Hampton resident Mariska Hargitay, who turns 50 on January 23.

Hargitay was born in Santa Monica, California, in 1964 to Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield. She married actor Peter Hermann in 2006 and the couple bought their current East Hampton home in 2010.

An Emmy winner, Hargitay is also the founder of Joyful Heart Foundation, which combats abuse and provides healing for victims.

In its current and 15th season, Law & Order: SVU has focused on Hargitay’s character, Detective Olivia Benson, as she deals with the emotional aftermath of a violent kidnapping.

Follow Hargitay on Twitter: @Mariska