Born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Jayne Mansfield, the iconic Hollywood actress of the 1950s and 1960s, led a life filled with glamour and unfortunate circumstances. From an early age, Mansfield was exposed to the arts, thanks to her father who nurtured her talents in singing and playing the violin. However, tragedy struck when Mansfield was only three years old, as her father passed away from a heart attack while the family was traveling.

Despite the challenges she faced, Mansfield’s dream of becoming a Hollywood star burned brightly within her. Inspired by the famous actress Judy Garland, Mansfield idolized her and even dressed like her. She met her first husband, Paul Mansfield, at a young age, and their union led to the birth of their daughter, Jayne Marie Mansfield.

Rising to Stardom: Jayne Mansfield’s Hollywood Journey

Mansfield’s journey to Hollywood was anything but easy. Casting directors initially saw her voluptuous figure as a hindrance, believing she was too tempting for commercial or advertising roles. She even had to edit her very first ad, fearing it was too provocative.

However, Mansfield’s career took a turn when she auditioned for Paramount Studios. The head of casting, Milton Lewis, recognized her potential and transformed her image by lightening her hair and adjusting her wardrobe. With the aim to compete with Marilyn Monroe, the reigning Hollywood star, Mansfield achieved great success.

Famously known for her provocative and pinup image, Mansfield starred in numerous films, including the classic comedy “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” (1957) and the Western “The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw” (1958). Despite some labeling her as “The Poor Man’s Marilyn Monroe,” she established herself as a sex symbol of the 1950s.

The Tragic End of Jayne Mansfield

Mansfield’s Hollywood career began to decline in the early 1960s, leading her to explore opportunities beyond the United States. She acted in films in Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom while also performing on stage at nightclubs. Unfortunately, her Hollywood stardom couldn’t sustain itself.

In 1967, Mansfield embarked on a tour in the United Kingdom and tragically lost her life in a car accident while traveling from a nightclub appearance in Mississippi to New Orleans. Both Mansfield and her boyfriend, Sam Brody, as well as their driver, were killed instantly in the collision.

Remarkably, Mansfield’s three children who were in the car, including her three-year-old daughter Mariska Hargitay, survived. Mariska, now a well-known actress herself, bears a striking resemblance to her late mother.

Mariska Hargitay: Following in Her Mother’s Footsteps

Mariska Hargitay, the daughter of Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay, chose to enter the entertainment industry as an actress. Despite the tragedy of losing her mother at a young age, Mariska found her own path in the world of acting.

 

After studying drama at UCLA, Mariska made her film debut in 1984. She spent years working on various TV shows before landing her breakthrough role as Olivia Benson in NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” in 1999. Her portrayal of Olivia Benson has earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe.

Mariska has embraced her own identity and resisted pressure to change her appearance or name to mimic her mother. She has created a successful acting career of her own, with her remarkable smile reminding us of her mother’s beauty.

A Family Woman

In 2004, Mariska Hargitay married actor and producer Peter Hermann, and they now have three children together. Being a wife and mother has brought immense joy to Mariska’s life. It has also helped her understand her own mother in a new light, allowing her to feel closer to the guardian she lost so young.

In 2013, the stars of Jayne Mansfield and Mariska Hargitay were placed next to each other on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, symbolizing the reunion of mother and daughter in some ways. Jayne Mansfield’s unforgettable performances will always be remembered, and Mariska Hargitay continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry.

Share Their Story

The captivating story of Jayne Mansfield and Mariska Hargitay reminds us of the enduring bonds of family, the resilience in the face of tragedy, and the power of pursuing your dreams. Share this amazing story with your family and friends to celebrate the lives of these incredible women.