Mariska Hargitay's latest endeavor is a heartfelt labor of affection. The esteemed "Law & Order" actress firmly believes that her directorial debut, a documentary titled "My Mom Jayne," which meticulously chronicles the life of her late mother, the iconic '50s screen legend Jayne Mansfield, would have garnered her mom's hearty approval. "I believe she would be overjoyed to be seen, perhaps for the very first time, in such a light," Mariska, who was raised by her father Mickey Hargitay but recently discovered her biological father to be Nelson Sardelli, pondered during an exclusive interview with E! News at the documentary's New York premiere on June 13.
Indeed, Mariska's foray into feature directorial territory was deeply personal, yet she emphasized that it was rooted in the "truth." "I stand unwavering in this conviction," she added. "I feel liberated, and I cherish the honor bestowed upon me when people share their authenticity and vulnerability. Each of us has a tale to tell, a family with its own complexities." (For more insights from Mariska and her supporters at the premiere, catch E! News tonight, June 16, at 11 p.m.)
Mariska, whose mother passed away when she was a mere 4 years old, embarked on this project with the aim of uncovering more about her mother. However, what moved her most was the response from others. "What brings me the utmost joy is hearing people say, 'I went to see a movie about your mother, but I left contemplating my own family,'" she elaborated. "This was my intent—to invite viewers to explore their own uncharted territories and discover the beauty and love that reside there, contrary to my own preconceived notions. It was a transformative experience."
As for tackling the project, Mariska, who shares her life with her husband Peter Hermann and their children August, 18, Amaya, 14, and Andrew, 13, expressed that despite her limited directing experience, confined to episodes of "Law & Order," she felt "prepared." "Directing television and a documentary are vastly different endeavors, yet I felt equipped," she clarified. "With the blessing of my family, I began to view things through a fresh lens, integrating aspects of the story I had previously overlooked. I was poised to embark on this journey, and with my family's support, I thought, 'Let's embark!'"
Mariska's film, set to hit theaters on June 20 and available for streaming on Max from June 27, stands as one of the most intimate premieres of the year, amidst a plethora of personal projects.
