On the day her mother, Jayne Mansfield, would have celebrated her 90th birthday, Mariska Hargitay, known for her role on “Law & Order: SVU,” shared a touching tribute on Instagram.
Accompanied by a vintage photograph of her mother, Hargitay wrote a heartfelt message: “Mama, happy birthday. Every day, we strive to love you more.” She also shared a short video of Mansfield to her Instagram Story, honoring the memory of her late mother.
Jayne Mansfield: Hollywood’s Iconic Blonde Bombshell
Jayne Mansfield, born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, rose to stardom in the 1950s and 1960s as one of Hollywood’s most prominent blonde bombshells, often considered a counterpart to Marilyn Monroe. Dubbed the “Working Man’s Monroe,” she made a name for herself in various roles, such as in “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” She was also featured in movies like The Sheriff of a Fractured Jaw, Promises! Promises!, and The Girl Can’t Help It.
Mansfield was not only a talented actress but also a Playboy Playmate, known for her charm and beauty.
Tragic End to a Promising Life
Mansfield’s life was tragically cut short in 1967 when she died in a car accident at the age of 34. At the time of the accident, three-year-old Mariska Hargitay and her two siblings were in the backseat. Fortunately, they survived unharmed, but Mansfield, along with her friend and attorney Sam Brody and their driver Ronnie Harrison, died instantly.
Mariska Hargitay’s Reflection on Loss and Survival
Hargitay has often spoken about the impact of losing her mother at such a young age. In a 2021 interview with Glamour, she reflected, “I believe I was exposed to crises at a young age and learned nothing is certain. Then we change it.” She viewed the trauma she endured early in life as a profound gift, stating, “I was in that frozen place for a lot of my childhood — actually trying to survive.”
She shared that her journey has been about “unveiling the layers and learning to trust again,” a process she continues to navigate.
Remembering Jayne Mansfield
Mariska’s tribute is a reminder of the enduring love she holds for her mother, despite the loss and pain of her early years. As she commemorates her mother’s legacy, fans join her in celebrating the life of Jayne Mansfield, saying, “Happy birthday in heaven, Jayne!”
