Mariska Hargitay is one of the most iconic and beloved actors on television, thanks to her role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She has played the character since the show’s debut in 1999 and has won numerous awards and accolades for her performance. However, over the years, there have been rumors and speculations that Hargitay might be leaving the show or that the show might be ending soon.
So, is Mariska Hargitay leaving SVU? Why is Mariska Hargitay leaving SVU? Here are some facts and answers to these questions.
No, Mariska Hargitay is not leaving SVU.
The short and simple answer is no, Mariska Hargitay is not leaving SVU. Despite rumors suggesting otherwise, Hargitay has confirmed her commitment to the show and her role as Olivia Benson. She finds the character challenging and continues to be excited about the new storylines and developments.
She has signed a new contract with NBC to continue playing Benson for the 23rd season of SVU, which premiered on September 23, 2021. She has also expressed her gratitude and love for the show, the cast, the crew, and the fans on her social media accounts.
Why did Mariska Hargitay leave SVU in Season 8?
There was a time, however, when Hargitay did leave SVU for a brief period. This happened in Season 8 when fans noticed that Olivia Benson was missing from several episodes. This was not because Hargitay wanted to quit the show but because she was pregnant with her first child. The show’s writers decided to send Benson “away on assignment” while Hargitay took a maternity leave. She announced the news on her blog and assured the fans that she would return soon. She also revealed that a special guest star would fill in for her, who turned out to be Connie Nielsen, who played Detective Dani Beck.
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Why did Mariska Hargitay consider leaving SVU after Season 12?
Another time Hargitay thought about leaving SVU was after Season 12, when her co-star Christopher Meloni, who played Detective Elliot Stabler, left the show due to contract disputes. Hargitay admitted feeling lost and unsure about continuing the show without Meloni, her partner and friend for 12 years.
She said, “I did a lot of soul-searching of whether I wanted to go on”3. However, she decided to stay on the show after meeting with the new showrunner, Warren Leight, who convinced her there were still more stories to tell and more challenges to face. Hargitay said Leight “reinvigorated” her and made her fall in love with the show again.
Why is Mariska Hargitay still in SVU after 22 years?
Many fans might wonder why Mariska Hargitay is still on SVU after 22 years when she could have easily moved on to other projects or retired from acting. The answer is that Hargitay is still passionate and dedicated to the show and the character that she has been playing for more than two decades. She said, “I’m still here because it’s still challenging and interesting. We keep going deeper and mining out these new places.” She also said that she feels a responsibility and a connection to the show’s fans, who have supported her and the show throughout the years. She said, “I feel like I owe it to the fans, I owe it to the show, I owe it to myself.”
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Mariska Hargitay is not leaving SVU anytime soon, and neither is the show. SVU is the longest-running live-action primetime series in American television history and has been renewed for a 24th season by NBC1. The show has also spawned a spin-off series, Law & Order: Organized Crime, which features the return of Christopher Meloni as Elliot Stabler and has reunited him with Hargitay as Olivia Benson. The two shows air back-to-back on Thursdays, creating a two-hour Law & Order block. Hargitay has also appeared as a guest star on Organized Crime and has hinted at more crossover episodes in the future.
Mariska Hargitay is a legend and a leader in the television industry and has made a lasting impact with her portrayal of Olivia Benson. She has inspired and empowered millions of viewers with her courage, compassion, and charisma. She has also used her platform to raise awareness and advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence through her Joyful Heart Foundation and the NO MORE campaign. She is a role model and a hero for many, and we hope to see her on SVU for many more years.
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