The Unbreakable Bond: 5 Exclusive Details About Mariska Hargitay And Peter Hermann’s 21-Year Marriage And Their Rare Family Red Carpet Moment In 2025

Mariska Hargitay and her husband, Peter Hermann, continue to be one of Hollywood's most enduring and private power couples, a testament to a true-life love story that began on the set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. As of December 18, 2025, the couple is celebrating a remarkable 21 years of marriage, a milestone they recently marked with a rare, full-family public appearance that has captivated fans worldwide and offered a fresh glimpse into their tightly-knit life.

The latest headlines surrounding the couple are centered on the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where the entire family—Mariska, Peter, and their three children—stepped out together to support Hargitay’s directorial debut. This high-profile outing and their continued commitment to their philanthropic work with the Joyful Heart Foundation solidify their status as a genuine Hollywood anomaly: a relationship built on deep connection, mutual respect, and a shared mission to make an impact, both on and off-screen.

The Man Who Stole Benson's Heart: Peter Hermann's Complete Biography and Filmography

While millions know Mariska Hargitay as the iconic Detective Olivia Benson, her husband, Peter Hermann, is a formidable actor and writer in his own right, known for his subtle intensity and versatile roles. Their romance is unique because it began in the workplace, with Hermann joining the SVU universe as defense attorney Trevor Langan, a recurring role he has held for decades.

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• Full Name: Peter Hermann
• Date of Birth: August 15, 1967
• Age (as of late 2025): 58
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Spouse: Mariska Hargitay (m. 2004)
• Children: August Miklos Friedrich Hermann (biological son), Amaya Josephine Hermann (adopted daughter), and Andrew Nicolas Hermann (adopted son).
• Education: Graduated from Yale University in 1990.

Key Roles and Notable Filmography

Peter Hermann’s career spans film, television, and theater, establishing him as a prominent figure in the industry. His most recognized television roles include:

• Charles Brooks in the TV Land/Paramount+ series Younger (2015–2021), where he played the love interest of the main character, Liza Miller.
• Trevor Langan in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2002–Present), the role where he first met Mariska Hargitay.
• Jack Boyle in the CBS police drama Blue Bloods (2012–2023).
• Early career work on the soap opera Guiding Light (1997–1998).

In film, Hermann has appeared in critically acclaimed projects, including United 93 (2006), Edge of Darkness (2010) alongside Mel Gibson, and the Oscar-nominated film Philomena (2013).

The 21-Year Love Story: How They Met on the Set of SVU and Their Secret to a Lasting Marriage

The foundation of Mariska and Peter’s enduring relationship is their meeting on the set of Law & Order: SVU in 2002. Mariska has often recounted the moment she saw Peter, describing it as an immediate recognition of her future.

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Their first official date was not a typical Hollywood dinner, but rather a church service, a detail that speaks volumes about the depth and values of their connection. During the service, Mariska recalls being moved to tears by Peter’s genuine and spiritual nature, realizing immediately that he was "the one."

The couple married on August 28, 2004, and recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary in August 2025. Their secret to a long-lasting marriage, according to Hargitay, centers on a few key principles: a shared sense of humor, constant communication, and a commitment to being present with one another. They prioritize their connection over their demanding careers, ensuring their relationship remains the central anchor of their lives.

A Family of Five: Inside Their Rare Public Outing and Life with August, Amaya, and Andrew

Mariska and Peter are parents to three children, a family unit they built both biologically and through adoption. Their family life is a beautiful example of modern parenting and a commitment to open hearts.

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• August Miklos Friedrich Hermann: Born in 2006, August is their biological son. He is currently 18 years old and recently joined his parents on the red carpet.
• Amaya Josephine Hermann: Adopted in April 2011, Amaya is 14 years old. The couple has spoken openly about the "profound joy" of adoption.
• Andrew Nicolas Hermann: Adopted just six months after Amaya in October 2011, Andrew is 13 years old. The quick back-to-back adoptions were a surprising but welcome expansion of their family.

In May 2025, the entire family made a rare and significant public appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. The three children joined their parents on the red carpet for the world premiere of Mariska’s directorial debut, offering a heartwarming moment for fans who rarely see the children. This family outing underscored the couple's commitment to supporting each other’s professional milestones as a united front.

More Than Just Acting: Their Joint Philanthropic Work with the Joyful Heart Foundation

Beyond their careers on screen, Mariska and Peter share a profound commitment to philanthropy, with Peter actively supporting Mariska's established organization, the Joyful Heart Foundation.

The foundation was established by Hargitay in 2004 after she realized the overwhelming response from viewers who were survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, often writing to her in her role as Olivia Benson. The organization is dedicated to transforming society's response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, supporting survivors, and ending the violence.

Peter Hermann is a vocal advocate and active participant in the foundation's events and mission. Their joint dedication to this cause is a powerful example of their shared values and their commitment to leveraging their public platform for meaningful social change. The Joyful Heart Foundation remains a central entity in their shared life, demonstrating that their partnership extends far beyond the red carpet.

Mariska’s Directorial Debut: A Tribute to Her Mother, Jayne Mansfield

The most recent and significant professional milestone for Mariska is her directorial debut, the documentary film My Mom Jayne, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The film is a personal and intimate look at the life of her late mother, the iconic actress and model Jayne Mansfield, who tragically died in a car accident when Mariska was only three years old.

The premiere in the Cannes Classics section was a deeply emotional moment for Hargitay, and having her husband Peter and their children by her side made the event even more special. The documentary is set to be released on HBO/Max, bringing her mother’s story and her own journey to a wider audience. This project is a powerful entity in Mariska’s career, showcasing her depth as a storyteller and her desire to connect with her personal history.

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann’s 21-year marriage stands as a beacon of stability in an industry often defined by fleeting relationships. From their serendipitous meeting on the set of SVU to their united front on the 2025 Cannes red carpet and their shared passion for the Joyful Heart Foundation, their story is a compelling narrative of partnership, family, and purpose.