Jayne Mansfield, the beloved Hollywood actress of the 1950s and 1960s, had a life filled with both glamour and unfortunate circumstances. Her story is one that resonates with many, showcasing the power of resilience and the pursuit of dreams. Let’s delve into the captivating journey of this iconic star and her daughter, Mariska Hargitay.
Jayne Mansfield, born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, was exposed to the arts from an early age. Her father, a talented musician, nurtured her talents in singing and playing the violin. But tragedy struck when Jayne was only three years old. Her father passed away from a heart attack while the family was traveling. This loss deeply affected Jayne, and she cherished the memories she had with her father.
Despite the challenges she faced, Jayne Mansfield dreamt of becoming a Hollywood star. She idolized Judy Garland and even dressed like the renowned actress. At a young age, Jayne met her first husband, Paul Mansfield, and their union led to the birth of their daughter, Jayne Marie Mansfield.
Rising to Stardom: Jayne Mansfield’s Hollywood Journey
Jayne Mansfield’s journey to Hollywood was far from 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. But that didn’t stop her.
Everything changed when Jayne auditioned for Paramount Studios. The head of casting, Milton Lewis, saw potential in her and transformed her image by lightening her hair and adjusting her wardrobe. She aimed to compete with Marilyn Monroe, the reigning Hollywood star, and achieved great success. Jayne Mansfield went on to star in numerous films, including the classic comedy “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” (1957) and the Western “The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw” (1958). Despite being dubbed “The Poor Man’s Marilyn Monroe,” she established herself as a sex symbol of the 1950s.
The Tragic End of Jayne Mansfield
Jayne 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, and even performed on stage at nightclubs. Unfortunately, her Hollywood stardom couldn’t sustain itself.
In 1967, tragedy struck once again. Jayne Mansfield lost her life in a car accident while traveling from a nightclub appearance in Mississippi to New Orleans. She was accompanied by her boyfriend, Sam Brody, and their driver, who were all killed instantly in the collision. Miraculously, Mansfield’s three children who were also in the car, including three-year-old Mariska Hargitay, survived the accident. 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, also entered 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 garnered 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 forged a successful acting career of her own, and her remarkable smile reminds us of her mother’s beauty.
A Family Woman
Mariska Hargitay married actor and producer Peter Hermann in 2004, 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.
