What a beautiful and bittersweet year 2006 was — the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I became a mother, something I had dreamed about all my life. Then shortly after my son, August, arrived, I lost my father, Mickey. He was my greatest champion, always encouraging me to follow my dreams with everything I had and to never give up. He is responsible for the person I am today, and I will always be grateful that he had a chance to look into his grandson's eyes and pass along his love and strength.
It was devastating to lose the man who gave me so much courage and confidence, but August is as much an inspiration as his grandfather. From Day 1, he has filled our lives with more light and joy than I could have ever imagined. I am so happy to be a member of the Moms' Club, and of course my husband,
read more
Question: I have been wondering ever since Mariska Hargitay first appeared on Law & Order: SVU if she is the daughter of Mickey Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield? I can't seem to find an answer. Can you tell me if she is? Thank you.
Answer: She is indeed, Patricia. Born in 1964 to the title-winning weight lifter (Mr. Universe, Mr. World, Mr. America) and the legendary blonde bombshell, the actress was in the car with her mom and her two siblings when a tragic accident near New Orleans took Mansfield's life in 1967. In fact, early in Hargitay's career, her mom's image helped influence her acting choices — in the other direction. "I played lots of tomboys, wearing flannel shirts, jeans and boots," she told The Los Angeles Times last year. "On some unconscious level, I was shying away from those sexual roles because of my mother. But as I got old
read more
