Truth about Jayne Mansfield's tragic death to be exposed in emotional new doc (2025)

Mariska Hargitay's Hollywood star mother Jayne Mansfield died when she was just a toddler.

ByFran Winston, Showbiz Reporter

Truth about Jayne Mansfield's tragic death to be exposed in emotional new doc (1)

Law and Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay will direct a documentary about her mother Jayne Mansfield (Image: Getty)

Mariska Hargitay says it's important to 'love' all parts of ourselves

Law and Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay is stepping behind the camera to direct a feature length HBO documentary about her Hollywood bombshell mother Jayne Mansfield. The movie titled My Mom Jayne will be the first time she has publicly investigated her mother's story and legacy, nearly sixty years after her death.

The star, who has portrayed Olivia Benson in the police procedurial for 26 years since it's launch in 1999, explained her motivation for making the TV film. “This movie is a labor of love and longing. It’s a search for the mother I never knew, an integration of a part of myself I’d never owned, and a reclaiming of my mother’s story and my own truth. I’ve always believed there is strength in vulnerability, and the process of making this film has confirmed that belief like never before." Mariska, 61, was only three-and-a-half-years-old when Jayne died in a horror car accident in 1967.

READ MORE: Law and Order's Mariska Hargitay teary as she opens up on 'stressful' change

Truth about Jayne Mansfield's tragic death to be exposed in emotional new doc (2)

Mariska Hargitay's mother Jayne Mansfield was a Hollywood sex symbol (Image: Getty)

She and her two brothers, Miklós and Zoltán, were also in the car, asleep in the backseat at the time of the smash.

Mariska sustained a zigzag scar on one side of her head, while her brothers escaped with minor injuries.

Jayne Mansfield was a Hollywood sex symbol in the 1950s and was originally viewed as an alternative to Marilyn Monroe although she would not achieve the same superstar status relegated largely to B-pictures.

She married former Mae West Muscle man and Mr. Universe winner Mickey Hargitay in 1958. The couple appeared in many movies together including Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and The Loves of Hercules.

Don't miss...
Tom Cruise's surprise friendship with Channel 4 star which left him 'terrified' [EXCLUSIVE]
Bon Jovi and Deep Purple legend dies as family pay heartbreaking tribute [LATEST]
Brian May health news after stroke as Anita Dobson issues five-word update [WATCH]

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Truth about Jayne Mansfield's tragic death to be exposed in emotional new doc (3)

Mariska Hargitay will delve into her mother's life in a new documentary (Image: Getty)

Trending

    However their marriage didn't last and they divorced in 1964 after welcoming three children Mariska and her two brothers. Jayne also had two other children.

    The official documentary release says the film “follows Mariska as she seeks to know, understand, and embrace her mother for the first time.

    "Through intimate interviews and a collection of never-before-seen photos and home movies, she grapples with her mother’s public and private legacy and discovers the layers and depth of who Jayne was, not only to her audience but to those who were closest to her.”

    The documentary will premiere in June on HBO and will later be available to stream on Max.

    Related articles

    • Law and Order SVU's Mariska mistaken for real cop as she helps lost child
    • Mariska Hargitay admits Kelli Giddish's Law and Order SVU exit is 'sore subject'
    • Mariska Hargitay had 'tough love' from Law and Order SVU creator Dick Wolf
    • Law and Order fans exclaim ‘finally’ as SVU favourite promoted to main cast
    • Beetlejuice, Goosebumps, and Law and Order legend Colin Fox dead at 86

    Law and Order: Special Victims Unit HBO

    Truth about Jayne Mansfield's tragic death to be exposed in emotional new doc (2025)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6546

    Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

    Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

    Birthday: 1999-11-18

    Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

    Phone: +50616620367928

    Job: Real-Estate Liaison

    Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

    Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.