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In ‘My Mom Jayne,’ Mariska Hargitay grapples with a secret and her mother’s choices

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It’s common knowledge among those familiar with either Mariska Hargitay or Jayne Mansfield that they are mother and daughter. Even though Hargitay was only 3 years old when her mother tragically passed away in a car accident in 1967, she spent most of her life unaware of her. Now, in her 60s and eager to learn more about her mom, Hargitay has dedicated a documentary film titled “My Mom Jayne” to this belated exploration, revealing not Jayne Mansfield the sex symbol, but simply “Jayne, my mom, Jayne.” This heartfelt and insightful film premieres on HBO this Friday.

Besides some pictures and standalone video clips, Hargitay generally avoids highlighting her own career, likely because 26 seasons of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” already provide ample representation (she was television’s highest-paid actress in 2024). By the midpoint of the 21st century, Mansfield will primarily be recognized by enthusiasts of mid-century tabloid culture and cinephiles who appreciate the work of director Frank Tashlin. He directed her in films such as “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” and “The Girl Can’t Help It,” which significantly impacted pop culture icons like Paul McCartney and John Lennon. However, many people may recognize a widely-shared photo of Sophia Loren giving Mansfield a sideways glance as she poses extravagantly at a Hollywood event without necessarily identifying either woman. This is just one example of the bittersweet reality of time passing.

Documentaries that utilize film as a means to explore mysteries within one’s family background are quite prevalent. For instance, Sarah Polley’s “Stories We Tell” and “My Mom Jayne,” both delve into the topic of late-discovered parentage. Similarly, Carl Colby’s “The Man Nobody Knew: In Search of My Father, CIA Spymaster William Colby” and Ross McElwee’s “Bright Leaves” examine their family’s involvement in intelligence and tobacco businesses, respectively. Another example is “2 or 3 Things I Know About Him,” where German director Malte Ludin investigates the story of a high-ranking Nazi father. Unlike these, Mariska Hargitay’s background involves trauma and tragedy. Despite her efforts to establish credibility as an actor, she suffered from personal struggles – depression, substance abuse, poor relationship choices, and an early death at 34. Her children strive to understand the person they barely knew or have forgotten, attempting to heal “this little hole in my heart,” Hargitay says.

Originally intending to establish herself as a dramatic actor upon her relocation from Texas to Hollywood, Mansfield ultimately found herself emulating Marilyn Monroe, the iconic busty blonde bombshell of the era. During auditions for Paramount’s casting head Milton Lewis, she expressed her frustration, saying, “He believed I was squandering, as he put it, my inherent abilities. He styled my hair and fitted me with tighter dresses, and here we are.” Her readiness to participate in suggestive photoshoots, which coincided with the boom of movie magazines and the emergence of men’s magazines, further solidified this image: “I utilized my pin-up style publicity as a stepping stone. … I employed it as a means to an end.

It wasn’t a secret back then that she was more than just a pin-up girl – Life magazine had even called her “Broadway’s smartest dumb blonde” during the release of the film “Rock Hunter.” On Groucho Marx’s TV show, “Tell It to Groucho,” he pointed out that while she appeared dumb on screen, she was actually quite intelligent. He remarked, “You’re not the dumb blonde you pretend to be… This is an act you put on, isn’t it?” However, regardless of her actual intelligence or the complexity of her personality, people saw her as a paradox, more like a trained seal than a complex human being due to her roles and public persona. And even when she showed off her talent for playing the piano and violin, as Jack Paar interjected, “Who cares? Kiss me!

To her daughter, she confided: “At some stage, I felt an overwhelming sense of embarrassment about being perceived as a sex symbol and the associated choices. Consequently, I distanced myself more and more from the image of my mother. This influenced me to shape my own career in a way that would be quite distinct.

In my perspective as a movie critic, I’d rephrase the passage like this: Born towards the twilight of Mariska’s parents’ marriage – Mariska Hargitay and Mickey Hargitay, a Hungarian athlete-turned-Mr. Universe, who later became an adagio dancer – their relationship appeared loving even post-divorce. However, in her 20s, Mariska uncovered a startling truth: her biological father was none other than an Italian nightclub artist named Nelson Sardelli. Filled with anger, she lamented that her mother had abandoned her in such chaos, causing pain to both parents and leaving her feeling isolated. Simultaneously, she pondered if her biological father knew of her existence, questioning why he hadn’t claimed her as his own. At the age of 30, she tracked him down at Atlantic City where he was performing, confronting him with the revelation: “I understand you knew my mother.” She confided in Mickey about this encounter; he had been privy to the facts but chose to keep them concealed. Upon learning of her meeting, Mickey was so distraught that she never broached the subject again. He had previously advised her not to delve into her mother’s life through books, stating they were “laden with falsehoods.

Giovanna Sardelli and Pietra Sardelli are Mariska Hargitay’s sisters through their shared father, Nelson Sardelli. (HBO)

As a fortunate sibling, I was raised alongside my brothers Mickey Hargitay Jr., Jayne Marie Mansfield, and Zoltan Hargitay in our family circle (HBO).

Interestingly, despite her mother’s turbulent love life, Mariska Hargitay ended up with a large family, including the siblings gathered here: her elder sister Jayne Marie Mansfield, born from Mansfield’s first marriage; brothers Zoltan and Mickey Jr. Hargitay, who she grew up with; Tony Cimber, son of Jayne’s brief third husband, director Matt Cimber, during a time when the family was “Italian” and Mariska became Maria; and sisters Giovanna and Pietra Sardelli, from her biological father’s marriage. Mickey Jr., sitting for his interview, humorously commented, “I don’t know how you managed to talk me into this.” Ellen Hargitay, her stepmother, provides many answers, though not claiming to know everything. (Mickey Hargitay — “my rock” — passed away in 2006.)

The film’s content may not be fabricated, but its portrayal is undeniably artistic. The scenes depicting Mansfield’s rise to stardom are given a somber tone, implying a cautionary tale. As the director is also an actor, she is comfortable in front of the camera; her siblings, while less polished, leave a lasting impact. Hargitay ensures that everyone gets their chance to speak or remain silent, but these conversations, though apparently first-time discussions, are inevitably dramatic and deeply moving. There are some visual enhancements to symbolize foggy recollections, and a recurring motif of a white piano adorned with cherubs concludes the movie on an optimistic note.

One recurring theme in Hargitay’s portrayal is the harmful impact of fame, particularly when it’s bestowed not for achievements but physical attributes (as Edward R. Murrow once noted Mansfield as “the most frequently photographed woman in show business,” a title she actively sought). However, we catch glimpses of a woman who, much like her character, leaves us wanting to learn more about her. Jayne Marie recalls accompanying her on visits to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed hospital. She shines in the Tashlin comedies, skillfully leveraging her public persona while also revealing the individual within, and a scene from “The Wayward Bus,” adapted from a John Steinbeck novel, showcases her potential for serious, straight-up drama.

In today’s world, where there’s less focus on superficial aspects, actors are not solely defined by their looks; they can enjoy cheesecake without it being a defining factor, as the numerous talk shows and red carpet appearances show. If she had been born in this era, she might have been taken as seriously as she aspired to be. However, that’s a scenario for another reality.

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2025-06-26 13:33

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