‘Law & Order’ Star Mariska Hargitay Steps Out With Husband Peter Hermann & Their 3 Children In Rare Family Outing

Jun 23, 2023 by apost team

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann are one of TV's most admirable couples. Besides enjoying marital bliss, the couple has made a name for themselves in television and film. Mariska's road to the limelight started after she was crowned Miss Beverly Hills USA in 1982. After her short stint in pageantry, she explored her love for acting, landing a role in the 1985 horror film "Ghoulies." 

Although Mariska started with film, she became famous for her role in the crime drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Like his wife, Hermann is also a TV regular. He was featured as a guest cast in several TV shows until he landed a recurring role in "Blue Bloods." People find love in strange places; for Mariska and Hermann, the said place was the filming set for season 3 of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." 

The TV stars caught a spark while on set and started dating shortly after filming when Hermann invited Mariska to a church service. The flame between the lovers burned brightly for two years before they took the plunge into marital life in 2004.

Mariska and Hermann have been married for well over 18 years, and the flame of their romance is still burning bright. During an interview, the couple attributed laughter and joy as the keys to their lasting relationship.

"I never thought I would have this much laughter in my life," Hermann said. "Not just actual laughter. But also the way that Mariska is just the embodiment of laughter — of joy."

Besides their enviable marital life, the couple has three kids that make their lives brighter. Although they try to keep them out of the media, the family of five made a red-carpet appearance on May 22, 2023. Continue reading to get the details of the couple and their children. 

Mariska and Hermann connected thanks to their love of art. However, the connection between the celebrity couple goes beyond the borderless world of art; they share a mutual love for helping and lending their voices to charitable causes. The couple's good nature is seen in their adoption of two children. 

The Emmy-winning actress had a turbulent start to life when her mother, Jayne Mansfield, died in a tragic car accident in 1967 when she was just 34. Following her mother's passing, Mariska and her brothers were raised by their father's third wife, Ellen Hargitay. Ellen, who didn't have kids, took them all in and treated them like hers. 

"I called her Mom. She really claimed us. She never had biological kids of her own, and to this day, we are her kids," Mariska shared. "So we were blessed that she really embraced us and loved us so quickly. And I was very fortunate to have a maternal figure in my life after such a horrific accident," she added.

Ellen's kindness to Mariska and her siblings left a lasting impression on the actress. She learned at a young age that a mother doesn't have to be someone with whom you have a biological connection. Another learning moment that warmed her towards adoption was when she traveled with her parents to developing countries and found that children her age were living alone.

"They were so amazingly resourceful and soulful and smart. And somewhere inside of me — even so young — I had that maternal instinct," she shared. "I remember thinking; I want to take them all home!"

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On May 22, 2023, Mariska, Hermann and their three kids made a once-in-a-blue-moon appearance for the Stuttering Association for the Young Benefit Gala in New York City. The celebrity TV couple was among the few recognized at the event for their generous efforts toward the non-profit organization's success, which was created to support youngsters who stutter. 

The family of five was beaming with smiles as they graced the event's red carpet. What's more, they all looked their best, with Mariska donning a light green dress and Hermann in a black suit. The kids also looked the part: August wore a blue jacket over a dark shirt, Amaya dazzled in a floral patterned dress and Andrew donned a dark suit.

Although they do their best to keep their young children out of the prying eyes of the media, Mariska often talks about them. In an interview with People, she talked about how raising three kids has shaped her.

"The thing that's made me a better parent is my kids," Mariska shared. "Because they taught me to really listen. My husband is my North Star, and my kids are my teachers."

Mariska and Hermann enjoy being parents to August, Amaya and Andrew. The couple welcomed their first son, August, two years after marriage in June 2006. Five years later, they adopted their daughter, Amaya, in April 2011.

In an exclusive with People, the couple revealed that their son was excited about being an older brother to his sister. Barely months after welcoming their daughter, the couple expanded their family once more when they adopted their son, Andrew.

There is no doubt that so much love exists in the couple's home. We can’t wait to see the great things the couple’s kids will grow to achieve.

Are you a fan of Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann? What do you think of the bond shared between the couple and their children? Do you want to see more of the couple and their children? Let us know, and be sure to send this along to your friends, family and fans of the celebrity TV couple.