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Law and Order：SVU Fans Are Outraged With Olivia Benson After Season 23, Episode 21

Law and Order SVU season 23: Inundated with praise after key character addresses sexuality

At 42, Mariska Hargitay had her first biological child, and after several more attempts, she knew adopting was the way to have the large family she and her husband wanted. Here's a look at her adoption journey.

Mariska Hargitay, born on January 23, 1964, majored in theatre and gave her first performance in "Ghoulies" in 1984. She played a recurring role in "ER" before landing the role of Detective Olivia Benson in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" in 1999.

She did her own stunt work and reaped the benefits of her hard work as she soon became the highest-paid actress on television. Winning the Emmy and Golden Globe awards for her performance crowned her achievements.

 also starred in "Plain Truth" in 2004 and became an activist. To help survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault, she founded a non-profit organization called "Joyful Heart Foundation."

She directed the 400th episode of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and broke the record for playing the same character, Olivia Benson, consecutively, most seasons.

Becoming a Mom Later in Life

Hargitay, who got married in 2004, welcomed her first child at 42 in 2006 with her husband, Peter Hermann. Their baby boy named August was born by Caesarean section. She ,

"August has changed everything! You know, I think because I became a mom later in life, everything in life means more. Every day is deeper and richer and more soulful."

Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay pose at the opening night of "The Music Man" at Winter Garden Theatre on February 10, 2022, in New York | Source: Getty Images

The ecstatic new mom at the time believed that life became more sacred with her son as she understood the value of everything a bit more.

A HEARTBREAKING FIRST ATTEMPT AT ADOPTION

After Hargitay had her first baby, getting pregnant again at her age was not easy, and her son wanted siblings. Also, she and her husband had wanted a big family because they both came from large families.

Besides having their children, Hermann and Hargitay always knew they would adopt kids. Hargitay, who lost her mother at a young age, learned that a mother didn't necessarily have to be biological.

Mariska Hargitay and her son, August Miklos Friedrich Hermann at the Cleveland Cavaliers Vs. New York Knicks game on November 13, 2017, in New York | Source: Getty Images

Hargitay and her husband contacted an "amazing," intuitive adoption lawyer and began their journey. They visited homes, endured some false starts, and had several cases that didn't work out.

The couple had hope when they met a pregnant young woman who would have a girl. They arranged to meet with her after several vetting processes, and after the meeting, Hargitay was thrilled.

Hargitay and the birth mother talked to each other for a month, and when it was time for the delivery, the birth mother called Hargitay. When Hargitay got to the hospital, they handed her the newborn.

She and Hermann bonded with the baby for two blissful days and even named her before the birth mother changed her mind. It was devastating for Hargitay, and she ,

"But...this is what I've come to understand about life: It was probably the greatest, happiest ending. I mean, it was so painful for us, but it was deeply joyful and deeply right for her."

Hargitay felt honored to have been part of the process and saw it as a profound blessing as she was part of the making of a union.