Mariska Hargitay's Adopted Daughter Amaya Blew Us Away

Jun 09, 2022 by apost team

Mariska Hargitay is a famed actress known for her leading role as Detective Olivia Benson in NBC's hit television series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. As the daughter of bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield, acting was in her blood. Hargitay made her film debut in 1985 when she starred as Donna in the horror-comedy film Ghoulies. Hargitay's small-screen career was prolific compared to her big-screen appearances. The "Law& Order: Special Victims Unit" star's recurring role in "ER" jump-started her fame and ultimately led her to her iconic role as Olivia Benson.

According to FamousPeople.com, Hargitay took a different approach to her career than her mother, who branded herself as a sex symbol. Instead, the rising star sought roles that highlighted strong, confident women. The award-winning actress told People that she also performed her own stunts along with acting in the hit series. Hargitay's dedication and hard work paid off. According to Screen Rant, Hargitay is the longest-running prime-time live-action character of all time.

Along with her thriving career, Hargitay became an activist. According to IMDB, after starring as Ellie Harrison in the television movie "Plain Truth," Hargitay began to receive mail from movie fans who also experienced abuse. Inspired by the women sharing their stories, Hargitay founded "Joyful Heart Foundation." A foundation meant to help "survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse."

Mariska Hargitay met her husband Peter Herman while on set for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The couple wed in 2004 and welcomed a baby boy named August in 2006. Hargitay was 42 when she got pregnant with her son. Hargitay's age negatively impacted her pregnancy; she was uncertain of having another child after giving birth to her son. So the couple turned to adoption to create the family of their dreams. 

Mariska Hargitay (2017), (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for HBO)

Although Mariska Hargitay loved being pregnant, during her last trimester, she developed gestational diabetes. According to Mayo Clinic, Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. Still, it affects women over the age of 35 at a higher rate.

In an interview with People, the "Leaving Las Vegas" star recalled how hard her pregnancy was during the last stage due to the illness. 

"This pregnancy was really hard for me at the end," She said. "I wasn't mobile."

Although Hargitay and Herman envisioned having a large family, the actress told Good Housekeeping that they feared she wouldn't be able to get pregnant again and sought out adoption.

"August wanted siblings, and Peter and I both envisioned this big family because we both come from that. Plus, we just had so much love to give," she told the outlet.

Hargitay and Herman sought out an adoption lawyer to begin the process. After several failed attempts, the couple found a woman who lived near New York City. After meeting the woman, Hargitay and Herman finalized the adoption plan. The couple was present in the delivery room, named the baby, and even took her home for two days before the birth mother changed her mind. 

"It was nothing short of devastating," Hargitay explained. "But … it was probably the greatest, happiest ending. I mean, it was so painful for us, but it was deeply joyful and deeply right for her."

Hargitay still keeps in touch with the woman, and even though she has never seen the baby again, she feels "forever connected to her."

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Amaya Josephine Hargitay Hermann, Peter Hermann, Andrew Nicolas Hargitay Hermann (2019), (Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)

Even though Hargitay was devastated, she told GoodHouse Keeping that she "felt honored to be part of the process."

Shortly after their adoption fell through, Hargitay and Herman's lawyer reached out to them with another woman expecting a baby. The Prime Time Emmy-winning actress recalled meeting with the prospective birth mother through a phone call.

"We were blown away," Hargitay said. "She was very powerful, soulful, and thoughtful."

After abruptly losing their first baby, the couple was extremely hesitant. But the birth mother reassured the couple during her pregnancy journey that this was the right decision. Although doctors initially told the couple that the baby would be a boy, it turned out to be a girl. They were thrilled!

The Golden Globe-winning actress was welcomed into the delivery room during the birth of her daughter. 

"I basically pulled Amaya out. Peter and I held her, and then the birth mother and I hugged for a long time," she recalled. "That was profound. That was one of the most meaningful moments I've ever had in my life."

Hargitay described life with newborn Amaya and her son Andrew as "dreamy." However, the couple planned to adopt again, preferably when Amaya was 18 months old. So six months after they took home their baby girl, they jumped at the opportunity to adopt a premature baby boy.

"It was a no-brainer," Hargitay said. "It was like … a miracle. And I don't use that word lightly. I've never made a bigger decision so quickly."

The couple named their new son Andrew.

The mother-of-three looked back on her journey to creating her family.

 "Adoption was a bumpy ride — very bumpy," she said. "But, God, was it worth the fight."

Mariska Hargitay, Peter Hermann, Amaya, Andrew (2013), (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

Have you thought about adoption, or have you adopted a child? If so, how was your experience compared to Mariska Hargitay? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your friends and family!

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