On the occasion of what would have been her mother Jayne Mansfield’s 90th birthday, Mariska Hargitay took a moment to pay a touching tribute.
Taking to Instagram, the renowned actress of Law & Order: SVU shared a poignant caption along with a cherished snapshot of her mother.
“Mama, happy birthday,” expressed Hargitay. “We live to adore you more each day.”
In addition to her words, Hargitay shared a heartwarming mother-daughter video through her Instagram Story, adding a personal touch to the commemoration.
Celebrating a Hollywood Icon
Born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, Jayne Mansfield emerged as one of Hollywood’s most iconic blonde bombshells during the 1950s and 1960s. Often juxtaposed with Marilyn Monroe, she earned the moniker of the “Working Man’s Monroe.” Her filmography included notable works like The Girl Can’t Help It, Promises! Promises!, and The Sheriff of a Fractured Jaw. She was not only a prominent actress but also graced the pages of Playboy as a Playmate.
However, tragedy struck when Mansfield’s life was abruptly cut short in a car accident in 1967. At the tender age of 34, she left behind a legacy that resonated far beyond her years.
A Legacy Carried by Mariska Hargitay
At the time of the accident, Mariska Hargitay was a mere three years old, seated in the back of the vehicle alongside her siblings. While the children emerged unharmed, the crash claimed the lives of Mansfield, her friend and attorney Sam Brody, as well as their driver Ronnie Harrison.
“I believe I was exposed to crises at a young age, and I also learnt that nothing is certain and that s— occurs,” Hargitay reflected in 2021, as quoted by Glamour. “Nevertheless, we press on. Then we alter it,” she added.
Enduring such a traumatic experience early in life offered a unique perspective to Hargitay, shaping her resilience and outlook.
“Having experienced trauma early in life has been a gift for me in a way,” Hargitay shared. “I clearly was in that frozen place for a lot of my childhood — of trying to survive, actually trying to survive. Unveiling the layers and learning to trust again has been the process of my life,” she revealed.
A Fond Tribute to Jayne in Heaven
As Mariska Hargitay honored her late mother on what would have been her 90th birthday, her heartfelt words and cherished memories serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of Jayne Mansfield’s life.
Through the lens of Mariska’s perspective, the legacy of Jayne lives on, not only as a Hollywood icon but also as a source of strength and inspiration for her daughter.
On this special day, Jayne, happy birthday in heaven!