26 Years And Counting: How Long Mariska Hargitay Has Made History As Olivia Benson On SVU (Updated 2025)

Mariska Hargitay has been a continuous, starring presence on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (SVU) for an astonishing 26 years as of December 2025. Her tenure as Detective, and now Captain, Olivia Benson began with the show's premiere in 1999 and continues uninterrupted into the upcoming Season 27, solidifying her status as the longest-running primetime live-action character in American television history.

This incredible milestone transcends mere acting; it represents a cultural phenomenon and a decades-long commitment to portraying the complexities of sexual violence and its aftermath. The longevity of her role, which has seen her character evolve from a young detective to a compassionate police captain, is a testament to Hargitay’s dedication and the enduring power of the Dick Wolf-created procedural drama.

Mariska Hargitay: A Full Biography and Career Milestones

Mariska Magdolna Hargitay is an American actress, producer, director, and philanthropist whose career has become synonymous with the character Olivia Benson. Her life and work are deeply intertwined with her famous lineage and her commitment to social justice.

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• Full Name: Mariska Magdolna Hargitay
• Date of Birth: January 23, 1964
• Age (as of 2025): 61 years old
• Place of Birth: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
• Parents: Jayne Mansfield (actress, model) and Mickey Hargitay (actor, bodybuilder, former Mr. Universe)
• Husband: Peter Hermann (actor, married since 2004)
• Children: August Miklos Friedrich (biological), Amaya Josephine (adopted), and Andrew Nicolas (adopted)
• Education: Attended the UCLA School of Theater Film and Television.
• Early Career Highlights: Miss Beverly Hills USA, roles in the film Ghoulies (1985), and television series like Tequila and Bonetti and ER.
• Role that Defined Her: Detective/Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999–Present).
• Philanthropy: Founder and President of the Joyful Heart Foundation, a national organization founded in 2004 to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Key Awards and Nominations

• Primetime Emmy Award: Won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2006).
• Golden Globe Award: Won for Best Actress – Television Series Drama (2005).
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: Multiple nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
• Record Holder: Holds the record for the longest-running female character in a primetime live-action series.

The 26-Year Tenure: From Detective Stabler’s Partner to Captain Benson

When Law & Order: Special Victims Unit premiered on September 23, 1999, Mariska Hargitay introduced the world to Detective Olivia Benson. The show, a spin-off from the original Law & Order, focused on sexually-based offenses and crimes against children, a heavier and more emotionally charged subject than its predecessor.

Hargitay, who trained as a rape crisis counselor in preparation for the role, brought an unparalleled depth of empathy and warmth to the character, which quickly resonated with audiences worldwide.

A Timeline of Olivia Benson’s Unprecedented Run

• 1999: Show Premiere. Olivia Benson is introduced as a Detective alongside her partner, Elliot Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni).
• 2011: Stabler’s Sudden Exit. Christopher Meloni leaves the series after Season 12, forcing Benson to navigate the squad room without her long-time partner, leading to a significant character evolution.
• 2014: Promotion to Sergeant. Benson is promoted to Sergeant, taking on a greater leadership role within the Manhattan Special Victims Unit.
• 2016: Promotion to Lieutenant. Her ascent continues, reflecting her experience and dedication.
• 2019: Breaking the Record. As SVU enters its 21st season, it becomes the longest-running primetime live-action series in U.S. television history, surpassing the original Law & Order and Gunsmoke.
• 2021: Stabler’s Return and Captaincy. Christopher Meloni returns to the Dick Wolf universe with the spin-off Law & Order: Organized Crime, leading to highly-anticipated "Benson and Stabler" reunions. Benson is promoted to Captain.
• 2025: The 26-Year Mark. Hargitay and the show continue into the development of Season 27, cementing her legacy.

The character’s journey—which includes being a victim herself, adopting a son (Noah Benson), and grappling with the systemic failures of the justice system—has been a powerful narrative anchor for the show's incredible longevity.

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The Financial Reality of an SVU Legend: Hargitay’s Massive Salary in 2025

The commitment of over two decades to a single role comes with substantial financial rewards, placing Mariska Hargitay among the highest-paid actors in television history. Her current salary reflects her status as the show's lead, a cultural icon, and an executive producer.

As of 2025, Mariska Hargitay reportedly earns a staggering $500,000 per episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

• Salary Per Episode: $500,000
• Estimated Annual Earnings: In a typical 22-episode season (like Season 26), her base salary earnings total approximately $11 million per year, not including her producer fees or backend syndication deals.
• Net Worth: Her estimated net worth is around $100 million.

This half-million-dollar-per-episode figure puts her in the top tier of television actors, alongside other legendary procedural stars. The financial success is a direct result of her ability to keep the show relevant and compelling for over a quarter of a century.

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What’s Next? The Future of Olivia Benson and SVU in Season 27

The question of "how long" she will stay on the show is one that perpetually concerns the devoted SVU fanbase. Despite the show entering its 27th season, Hargitay has consistently expressed her passion for the role and its impact.

The most recent news confirms that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is returning for Season 27, with Mariska Hargitay reprising her role as Captain Olivia Benson.

In recent interviews, Hargitay has often discussed the profound meaning the character holds for her, citing the work of the Joyful Heart Foundation as inextricably linked to her role. She sees the show not just as entertainment but as a platform for change, giving a voice to survivors of sexual violence.

The continued success of the show, especially the renewed dynamic with Christopher Meloni's character, Elliot Stabler, on Law & Order: Organized Crime, has injected new life into the franchise. The enduring "Benson and Stabler" relationship, often referred to by fans as "Bensler," remains a massive draw, fueling speculation about a potential romantic pairing that has been teased for decades.

For now, fans can rest assured that the iconic Captain Olivia Benson will continue to lead the Manhattan Special Victims Unit, investigating heinous crimes and fighting for justice well into the 2025-2026 television season, extending her record-breaking 26-year run into a remarkable 27th year.