At times, building a family proved to be a daunting journey for the veteran actress, particularly since she welcomed her first child later in life. She and her actor husband often found themselves grappling with concerns about whether their eldest would ever have siblings.
Mariska Hargitay and her husband, Peter Hermann, always dreamed of raising a large family. Their vision became a reality as they welcomed two sons and a daughter, growing their family through adoption — something the mother of three said was always part of the plan.
A Love Meant to Be
Hargitay and Peter first crossed paths on the set of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and their first date took place at a church. She later recalled being immediately drawn to him, likening him to Superman.
Even Hargitay’s co-star Christopher Meloni noticed how quickly an obvious chemistry developed between the two. He sensed she had feelings for Peter based on how she acted around him.
The two began dating, but their relationship hit a rough patch at one point. Hargitay confided in Meloni about a difficult conversation with Peter, where they tearfully questioned whether their relationship would last. However, Meloni was convinced they would be married within months.
His prediction was spot on. On August 28, 2004, the couple wed in Santa Barbara, California. The bride rode to the ceremony in an antique Jaguar, accompanied by her father, dressed in an elegant Carolina Herrera gown with a flowing veil.
Years later, she reflected on their wedding, saying they always knew their marriage would be strong and that they had found the right partner in each other.
Balancing Family and Career
Their love story soon grew into a thriving family. Hargitay and Peter are proud parents of three children, a journey that brought both joy and challenges. Parenthood, especially while managing demanding careers, required careful balance — something the actress has openly discussed.
Hargitay acknowledged in a 2018 interview that balancing work and family is challenging, emphasizing her effort to stay fully present in each role. She explained that when she is at work, her focus remains there, and when she is with her children, they have her full attention.
Her husband’s support has been essential in managing their schedules, especially since he understands the demands of the industry. Their children often visit the set, and over time, she has adjusted her work commitments for more flexibility.
Still, some days are overwhelming. Hargitay has faced exhaustion, moments of tears, and doubts about continuing. However, after two decades on “Law & Order: SVU,” she has established boundaries that allow her to prioritize family, knowing her team has her back.
August Hermann
As Hargitay’s career thrived, her greatest joy came with motherhood. She and Peter welcomed their first child, August Hermann, on June 28, 2006.
Just a few months later, she won her first Emmy Award and acknowledged the moment during her speech, “When I named my son August, I had no idea that the month would end like this!”
From an early age, the now-18-year-old was a familiar presence on the set of “Law & Order: SVU” in New York City, often visiting his mother while she worked. His role as the eldest took on new meaning when his adopted brother and sister joined the family.
According to Hargitay, August had always wished for siblings. In a 2012 interview, she recalled how he confidently declared, “I want a baby sister,” before his sister’s arrival, and later added, “I want a baby brother,” just before the youngest member of the family came into their lives.
Adoption Journey
Although growing their family was a dream for Hargitay and Peter, the process was not always easy. She described it as heartbreaking at times, acknowledging that adoption is not for the faint of heart.
After giving birth to August at 42, the couple worried about whether they would be able to have more children. Wanting a big family, they had always considered adoption, and Hargitay believed from the start that it would be part of their journey.
Hargitay shared that she and Peter always imagined having a large family since they both grew up in one, adding that their deep love made expanding their family feel natural.
Amaya Josephine Hermann
Hargitay and Peter’s family grew in April 2011 when they adopted their daughter, Amaya Hermann. Overjoyed, Hargitay described her as “surprisingly alert and so full of love” from the moment she was born.
Choosing her name was a family decision. While Hargitay initially liked “Maya,” she wanted her daughter’s initials to match August’s, believing the addition of an “A” made it more feminine and beautiful. A month later, she shared that Amaya had “really completed our little family of four,” describing her as peaceful and rarely fussy.
Now 13, fans can’t help but admire her charm and beauty. Netizens often share their admiration, with one commenting, “What a beautiful daughter you have.” Another wrote, “Amaya is so effortlessly beautiful, i [sic] love her smile.”
Others noted how much she had grown, calling it a “surreal moment” and pointing out how she resembled Hargitay with her “gorgeous smile.” One person echoed the sentiment, “Awwww your daughter looks so gorgeous and happy.”
August Hermann, Mariska Hargitay, and Amaya Hermann pictured on day five of the Olympic Games Paris on July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. | Source: Getty Images
Andrew Nicolas Hermann
Just months after Amaya became part of the family, Hargitay and Peter welcomed their third child, Andrew Hermann, in October 2011. The couple had not expected the process to move so quickly but felt it was meant to be. Hargitay recalled their immediate certainty, “We knew this was our guy. It felt divinely right.”
Peter and Andrew Hermann attend the Cinema Society Screening of “Moana” on November 20, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Being close in age, Amaya and Andrew formed an instant connection. Hargitay shared how they would “lie in the crib together,” with Amaya holding his hand and wrapping her arm around him. She described her daughter as “already so protective of him.”
Amaya, Peter, and Andrew Hermann pose at the opening night celebration for “Pip’s Island” on May 20, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Years after expanding their family, Hargitay reflected on Andrew’s arrival, describing him as “this angel that fell out of the sky, because he was a little unexpected.” In a 2019 interview, she shared how his presence was a surprise but felt like a perfect addition to their family.
Peter, Andrew, August, Amaya Hermann, and Mariska Hargitay at the Stuttering Association For The Young (SAY) Benefit Gala on May 22, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
At 12, Andrew remained unaware of his mother’s fame, only knowing she played a cop on TV. Confused by strangers expressing their love for her, he once asked why people kept saying it when they walked down the street.
The now-13-year-old’s perception changed when he discovered “Tales from Earthsea,” a 2006 anime film featuring Hargitay’s voice work. Surprised, he couldn’t believe she was part of the movie.
Watching it together became a cherished moment for her, as he admired her character. She later reflected that life doesn’t get better than moments like that, believing some experiences are worth the wait.
Although Hargitay found deep joy in motherhood, the path to adoption was far from easy. She shared that the process came with setbacks, including cases that fell through and unexpected complications.
Despite the heartbreak, she held onto hope. She described how the most difficult disappointment ultimately became the most meaningful moment, shaping her understanding of what it truly meant to create a family.
Parenthood has been Hargitay’s greatest joy. At 54, she expressed that nothing compares to raising Andrew, August, and Amaya alongside Peter, her husband of 20 years.
She credited her children for shaping her as a mother, sharing that they taught her the importance of truly listening. Describing Peter as her North Star, she views her kids as her greatest teachers. For Hargitay, family is not defined by traditional structures but by love and connection. She considers hers “perfect, or at least perfect for me.”
Having grown up in a unique family dynamic, she embraced the different ways families are formed and felt grateful to experience that with her own. Calling the journey “amazing,” she deeply appreciates the bond they share.
Gratitude and Purpose
Hargitay appreciated the wisdom that came with age, grateful for experiencing both motherhood and career success later in life. As she neared 60, she recognized how time had given her the ability to be more present, cherish important moments, and use her experiences to support others.
Her connection to Olivia Benson remains a guiding force, describing the character as a beacon of justice with an unwavering determination. Inspired by survivors who credited “SVU” with giving them the courage to come forward, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Hargitay’s journey as a wife, mother, and advocate has been one of love, perseverance, and gratitude. From building a family through both birth and adoption to balancing a demanding career, she has embraced each challenge with an open heart.
Her deep connection to her children and the impact of her work both continue to shape her life in profound ways. Through it all, she remains dedicated to creating a legacy of compassion, both on and off the screen. Her story is a testament to the power of love, determination, and the belief that family is built in many beautiful ways.
