Mariska Hargitay
My Fatherhood Truth Revealed
… decades of secrecy unveiled
Published
In a shocking turn of events, Mariska Hargitay revealed that the man she grew up believing was her father, Mickey Hargitay, is not her biological parent. Instead, her real father is the acclaimed Italian entertainer, Nelson Sardelli.
In an exclusive chat with Vanity Fair, alongside her documentary “My Mom Jayne,” Hargitay disclosed that Nelson Sardelli is, in fact, her biological father.
Hargitay shared that her mother, Jayne Mansfield, had a fleeting romance with Sardelli following her split from Mickey, though she ultimately reconciled with Mickey, who became Mariska’s steadfast guardian.
Hargitay first began to piece together this puzzling truth in her twenties, inspired by a photograph of Sardelli that bore a striking resemblance to her own features. When she confronted Mickey about this revelation, he staunchly affirmed his role as her father—a claim that remained unchallenged until his passing in 2006.
Notably, despite this newfound truth about her lineage, Mariska heartily embraces Mickey as her true father, declaring, “I’m Mickey Hargitay’s daughter — that is not a lie.”
At the age of 30, Mariska met Sardelli but approached the relationship with caution, asserting, “I told him, ‘I don’t want anything from you. I have a dad.’” Gradually, a meaningful connection blossomed between them, strengthening their ties to each other and their extended families.
