The Truth Behind a Hollywood Star's Hidden Past

Mariska Hargitay, known for her role in a popular crime drama, has finally shared a long-kept secret. She has identified her biological father, a revelation that has been hidden for three decades. This disclosure came through her directorial debut, a documentary titled "My Mom Jayne, " which made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival. The film delves into the life of Hargitay's late mother, Jayne Mansfield, a famous sex symbol of the 1950s. Mansfield passed away in a tragic car accident in 1967, leaving Hargitay just three years old. The documentary reveals that Hargitay's biological father is Nelson Sardelli, an Italian singer and comedian, rather than Mickey Hargitay, a bodybuilder and actor, as she had been led to believe throughout her childhood. In 1963, Mansfield filed for divorce from Mickey Hargitay, with whom she had two other children. She then entered into a highly publicized relationship with Sardelli. However, she reconciled with Mickey just a few months before Hargitay's birth in 1964. Hargitay recalls seeing a photo of Sardelli in her twenties and immediately recognizing him as her biological father. She described the moment as shocking, feeling as though the ground had been pulled out from under her. Hargitay's journey to uncover the truth was not easy. She confronted Mickey about Sardelli, but he denied it. She never brought up the topic again until after his death in 2006. At the age of 30, Hargitay decided to meet Sardelli during one of his performances in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She introduced herself, and he admitted he had been waiting for this moment for 30 years. However, Hargitay made it clear that she did not seek anything from him. She had a strong bond with Mickey and wanted to remain loyal to him. Over time, she formed a connection with Sardelli and his two daughters. She also came to understand why her mother chose to raise her with Mickey, providing her with a stable home. Hargitay's experience has given her a deeper understanding of family dynamics. She has two adopted children of her own and now appreciates the complexities of parenthood. The documentary is set to have a limited theatrical release on June 20, 2025, followed by a release on HBO on June 27, 2025.