The Two Fathers: Everything To Know About Mariska Hargitay's Father And The Shocking Revelation

The narrative surrounding Mariska Hargitay's parentage is far more complex and heartbreaking than most fans realize, a story that has only recently come to light with the release of her documentary, My Mom Jayne. As of December 10, 2025, the conversation has shifted from simply discussing Mickey Hargitay, the beloved bodybuilder and actor who raised her, to acknowledging the existence of a second man: her biological father, Italian singer and comedian Nelson Sardelli. This shocking revelation, which Mariska discovered in her twenties, has added a poignant layer to the legacy of the *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* star, highlighting her unique journey through loss, identity, and the true meaning of family. This deep dive explores the lives of both men who played pivotal roles in Mariska's life, detailing the circumstances of her birth and the enduring love she holds for her father figure, Mickey Hargitay, who tragically passed away believing he was her biological dad.

The Complete Biography Profile: Mickey Hargitay and Nelson Sardelli

Mariska Hargitay’s life was shaped by her iconic mother, Jayne Mansfield, and the man she always called "Dad," Mickey Hargitay. The recent disclosure of her biological father, Nelson Sardelli, has unveiled a new facet of her history, connecting her to two vastly different figures in the world of entertainment.

Mickey Hargitay (The Father Figure)

• Full Name: Miklós Károly Hargitay
• Born: January 6, 1926, in Budapest, Hungary
• Died: September 14, 2006 (Age 80), in Los Angeles, California
• Occupation: Bodybuilder, Actor, Contractor
• Notable Achievements: Won the Mr. Universe title in 1955. His physique was so impressive that Mae West hired him for her Las Vegas show, which is where he met Jayne Mansfield.
• Relationship with Jayne Mansfield: Married from 1958 to 1964. They were a famous Hollywood couple, often appearing together in films like *Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?* and *The Loves of Hercules*. They had three children together: Miklós Jr., Zoltán, and Mariska.
• Relationship with Mariska: Mariska was born in 1964, shortly after her parents' divorce was finalized, though they later reconciled. Following Jayne Mansfield's tragic death in 1967, Mickey raised Mariska and her brothers, becoming her rock and the source of her stability.

Nelson Sardelli (The Biological Father)

• Full Name: Nelson Sardelli
• Born: September 20, 1934, in Brazil (of Italian descent)
• Occupation: Singer, Comedian, Las Vegas Entertainer
• Notable Achievements: Known for his dynamic stage presence and long-running career as a headliner in Las Vegas, appearing in films like *Myra Breckinridge*.
• Relationship with Jayne Mansfield: Mansfield and Sardelli had a well-publicized romance during a brief separation from Mickey Hargitay in 1963–1964. Their relationship occurred around the time Mariska was conceived.
• Relationship with Mariska: Mariska discovered Sardelli was her biological father in her twenties after going through her late mother's memorabilia. She has since established a private relationship with him and his side of the family, including his children.

The Shocking Discovery and Mickey's Final Denial

The revelation that Mickey Hargitay was not Mariska's biological father is a core component of her recent documentary, *My Mom Jayne*, and has become the most discussed and current piece of information regarding her family history. Mariska, who was only three years old when her mother, Jayne Mansfield, died in a tragic car accident, grew up believing Mickey was her father, a bond that was fiercely protected until the end. The truth emerged when Mariska was in her twenties, after she found a letter among her mother's possessions. The letter confirmed that during a period of estrangement from Mickey, Jayne had an affair with Nelson Sardelli, the Brazilian-born entertainer. Despite the evidence, the man Mariska considered her true father, Mickey Hargitay, never accepted the possibility that he was not her biological parent. Mariska recalled a heartbreaking conversation where she presented the information to him. According to her, Mickey denied the truth until his death in 2006, stating, "I’m your father. That’s not true." This staunch, loving denial underscores the depth of his commitment to her, solidifying his role as her primary, unwavering father figure.

The Enduring Legacy: Why Mickey Hargitay is Mariska’s 'Hero'

Even with the acknowledgment of her biological father, Nelson Sardelli, Mariska Hargitay has consistently and publicly affirmed that Mickey Hargitay is, and always will be, her father. The star of *Law & Order: SVU*, where she plays Captain Olivia Benson, often pays tribute to Mickey, particularly in recent years through social media and interviews. She considers him her "hero" and a profound source of inspiration. The bond between Mariska and Mickey was forged in the crucible of tragedy. After Jayne Mansfield's untimely death, Mickey took on the sole responsibility of raising his children and stepchildren, providing a stable, loving environment that contrasted sharply with the chaotic Hollywood world his ex-wife inhabited. This act of unwavering devotion is the foundation of Mariska's identity. Mariska’s documentary, *My Mom Jayne*, is, in her own words, "kind of a love letter to him." It seeks to explore not only her mother's life but also the profound impact of the man who raised her and shielded her from the full weight of her mother's fame and death. She has openly discussed how her father's love helped her navigate her own life, including the challenges of fame and the exploration of generational trauma. The relationship with Nelson Sardelli, while acknowledged, remains private. Mariska has stated that she has a connection with the Sardelli side of her family, but the public narrative, and the one that truly defines her, is the one she shares with Mickey. The story of Mariska Hargitay's father is a powerful lesson in the distinction between biology and true parenthood. Mickey Hargitay, the Hungarian-American Mr. Universe and actor, earned the title of "Dad" through his actions, his sacrifice, and his unconditional love, a legacy that continues to inspire his famous daughter and her millions of fans worldwide. Mariska’s public tributes, including her heartfelt Father’s Day messages, serve as a constant reminder that the man who shows up, who loves, and who commits is the one who truly deserves the name "father."

Key Entities and LSI Keywords Related to Mariska's Family

The narrative surrounding Mariska Hargitay’s family is rich with compelling figures and contextual details, offering a complete picture of her upbringing. These entities and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords help to fully understand the deep connections in her life:

• Jayne Mansfield: The iconic blonde bombshell actress, Mariska's mother, whose turbulent life and untimely death shaped Mariska's childhood.
• Mr. Universe (1955): The bodybuilding title won by Mickey Hargitay, which launched his career and led to his meeting Mansfield.
• Nelson Sardelli: The Brazilian-born Italian singer and comedian who is Mariska's biological father.
• My Mom Jayne: The documentary where Mariska Hargitay revealed the truth about her biological father.
• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU): Mariska's long-running, Emmy-winning role as Captain Olivia Benson, a character whose strength is often attributed to her father's influence.
• Miklós Károly Hargitay: Mickey Hargitay's birth name, highlighting his Hungarian roots.
• Bodybuilding and Acting: Mickey's dual careers that made him a Hollywood celebrity in the 1950s and 60s.
• Generational Trauma: A theme Mariska has explored in relation to her family history and loss.
• Father Figure vs. Biological Father: The central theme of Mariska's personal story and public discussion.
• Mariska Hargitay's Siblings: Including Miklós Jr. and Zoltán Hargitay, her full siblings from the Mansfield-Hargitay marriage.
• Las Vegas Entertainer: Nelson Sardelli's primary career, contrasting with Mickey's Hollywood career.
• Father's Day Tributes: The annual public displays of affection Mariska shares for Mickey, reaffirming his status as her dad.