Mariska Hargitay on Embracing Aging, Confidence, and New Beginnings at 60

Gratitude and resilience drive a fulfilling journey beyond conventional milestones.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Gratitude and resilience drive a fulfilling journey beyond conventional milestones.

Mariska Hargitay: Embracing 60 with Strength, Confidence, and Gratitude

As Mariska Hargitay, the iconic star of Law & Order: SVU, steps confidently into her 60th year, she reflects on a journey marked by longevity, growth, and newfound appreciation for self and life’s milestones. In interviews surrounding her birthday and career anniversaries, Hargitay has shared candid insights into aging, wellness, personal triumphs, and the evolution of both herself and her beloved character, Olivia Benson. Her reflections provide inspiring lessons on embracing change, prioritizing health, and celebrating achievements at any stage of life.

The Journey to 60: Pride and Gratitude

Mariska Hargitay’s milestone 60th birthday is more than a number—it’s a culmination of decades of professional and personal achievements. She described the occasion as a moment for pride and reflection: “I’m so proud of it and I’m grateful,” she told People, expressing that she feels “strong and fearless”. Far from being apprehensive about getting older, Hargitay has embraced each passing year as an opportunity to become “stronger than I’ve ever been”.

She highlighted the importance of viewing each phase of life as a chance to grow and step into one’s power.
Hargitay disclosed that she constantly announces her age with excitement, refusing societal expectations about aging, especially for women in Hollywood.

This approach to aging defies the common narrative, championing confidence and self-value regardless of age.

Career Milestones: SVU, Feminism, and Personal Triumphs

Few actors achieve the career longevity Mariska Hargitay enjoys. For over 25 years, she has played Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, becoming nearly synonymous with the character and cementing Benson as the longest-running main character in a primetime drama.

Hargitay celebrated 25 years on SVU, calling it “a banner year full of many markers, full of many anniversaries.”
She has reflected on how her character’s journey mirrors her own personal evolution—from uncertainties in the early days, to blossoming into a confident leader on television and behind the scenes.
“You saw this powerful woman emerge,” she explained, describing both her own growth and Benson’s storyline progression.

Her feminist outlook shines through, noting that reaching 60 “feels like a new beginning,” a moment to step into greater clarity and confidence for both herself and the role she inhabits. Hargitay’s journey subverts Hollywood tropes about women and age, celebrating the value of experience and inner strength.

Defying Expectations: Personal Life Milestones

Hargitay’s significant life milestones have often come later than Hollywood stereotypes might suggest. Unsupported by fear of aging, she experienced some of her greatest joys in her forties and fifties:

She wasn’t cast in SVU until age 35.
Married her husband, Peter Hermann, at 40 after meeting him on set at 35.
Had her first child, August, at 42, and later welcomed two adopted children—daughter Amaya and son Andrew—in her early fifties.
Her family life and career milestones, such as winning an Emmy, deeply challenge cultural expectations around age and achievement.

Hargitay highlights gratitude for these milestones, reiterating that she never took anything for granted: “Major things kept happening. I didn’t take anything for granted. My beautiful children. And then in my 50s, my foundation is on fire, and I’m on a show that matters, and I’m counting my lucky stars. How did I get here?”

Wellness, Brain Health, and Feeling Stronger Than Ever

Physical and mental health are pillars of Hargitay’s approach to aging. She credits mindful practices and active engagement in her craft as key to her sense of well-being at 60.

Hargitay regularly performs brain games and hand exercises, rhythmically tapping her fingers to improve focus, hand-eye coordination, and overall mental sharpness.
She stresses the importance of learning lines for SVU, explaining that “the brain is just a muscle” and must be exercised consistently.
Hargitay incorporates regular physical exercise, prioritizes sleep and nutrition, and advocates for heart health as integral to both cognitive and physical wellness.

These routines are practical, accessible for anyone, and reinforce the powerful theme that proactive engagement keeps us young at heart and mind.

Family Reflections and New Phases

As Hargitay’s children grow older, she finds herself reflecting on the meaning of time and the cycles of life. Celebrating her eldest son August’s 18th birthday and graduation has prompted poignant questions: “Where does the time go? What happened?”

She speaks honestly about the bittersweet nature of watching children come of age, accepting new family dynamics with grace.
Marking 20 years of marriage alongside career anniversaries, Hargitay describes the intertwining of personal growth and partnership as a source of joy.

The evolution of family life is a recurring theme, with Hargitay emphasizing that every stage brings unique opportunities and lessons.

Feminism, Empowerment, and the Message of Olivia Benson

Olivia Benson’s character arc on SVU is emblematic of struggle, persistence, and the emergence of empowered womanhood. Hargitay notes that as she aged alongside Benson, both she and her character stepped into greater roles of leadership and agency—a “lioness” and a model for viewers everywhere.

Benson’s journey from young detective to seasoned leader mirrors Mariska’s own rise to confidence.
Hargitay celebrates the story as “perfect” for demonstrating how strength, self-discovery, and clarity often flourish in later years.
As a feminist role model, Benson (and Hargitay) break the mold around age and gender expectations in the entertainment industry.

The resonance between actress and character has not only inspired Hargitay’s fans, but has contributed to a broader cultural shift about aging, leadership, and female empowerment.

Community Impact and Purpose Beyond Acting

Hargitay’s work extends beyond performance. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, demonstrating a commitment to real-world advocacy closely tied to her SVU role.

Her dedication to the foundation is a cornerstone of her purpose as she enters her seventh decade.
Continued work on SVU and with Joyful Heart enables her to “give back,” and amplifies her impact outside the spotlight.

For Hargitay, fulfillment comes through service, connection, and continued passion for her craft and causes.

Lessons on Aging: Insights for Every Generation

Mariska Hargitay’s candid reflections on aging offer valuable perspectives:

Celebrate milestones: Treat every birthday, anniversary, or achievement as an opportunity for gratitude and pride.
Grow with each phase: Accept that discomfort and uncertainty are part of evolving, but confidence arrives with experience.
Practice wellness: Engage mind and body daily, and prioritize both mental sharpness and heart health.
Break stereotypes: Challenge societal norms—whether about age, timing, or gender—and embrace your path.
Find purpose: Pursue work and causes that matter, and use personal growth to fuel community impact.

These lessons, distilled from Hargitay’s story, help reframe aging as a process marked by resilience, curiosity, and fresh beginnings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mariska Hargitay and Aging

Q: How does Mariska Hargitay feel about turning 60?

A: Hargitay has expressed pride, gratitude, and excitement for her 60th birthday, viewing it as a new chapter full of strength and possibility.

Q: What wellness routines does Mariska Hargitay practice to feel her best?

A: She performs brain games, hand-tapping exercises, prioritizes regular physical activity, sleep, good nutrition, and keeps her mind sharp by learning lines for SVU.

Q: What are some of Mariska Hargitay’s major career and personal milestones?

A: Milestones include 25 years on SVU, 20 years of marriage, winning an Emmy, and parenting three children, all achieved in her forties and fifties.

Q: How has her role as Olivia Benson empowered Mariska Hargitay?

A: Both Benson’s and Hargitay’s journeys exhibit greater confidence, leadership, and advocacy, making them feminist icons defying age and gender limitations.

Q: What message does Mariska Hargitay hope to share about aging?

A: Embrace aging as a vital process, celebrate each phase, break stereotypes, and continue growing, learning, and contributing to the world at every age.

Key Takeaways: Mariska’s Guide to Empowered Aging

Aging is strength: Each year brings new opportunities for self-discovery and growth.
Confidence comes with experience: Embrace the wisdom and clarity that come with age.
Celebrate—and defy—expectations: Major achievements can come at any stage of life; embrace your journey.
Wellness matters: Keep mind, body, and spirit engaged through intentional routines.

Comparative Table: Mariska Hargitay’s Milestones vs. Hollywood Norms

Milestone	Mariska Hargitay	Typical Hollywood Trend
Lead Role Cast	Age 35 (Olivia Benson)	Often <30 years
Marriage	Met husband at 35, married at 40	Commonly before age 35
First Child	Age 42	30–35 years
Career Longevity	25+ years as SVU lead	Shorter average duration
Advocacy Foundation	Founded Joyful Heart in her 50s	Not universal

Conclusion: Power, Clarity, and Joy at 60

Mariska Hargitay’s story reminds us that turning 60—or any milestone—is less about numbers, and more about celebrating one’s journey. Her approach redefines aging as a series of new beginnings, marked by self-confidence, gratitude, and ongoing impact. Whether on screen or through personal advocacy, she demonstrates that true strength and fulfillment rarely follow society’s timeline; they grow with the courage to embrace change and the joy of living authentically.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete