In the 1950s, Jayne Mansfield rose to fame as a Hollywood actress and sex symbol. Her life was cut tragically short in a car accident in 1967, but her legacy lives on through her daughter, Mariska Hargitay.
Jayne Mansfield’s early life was marked by tragedy when her father passed away from a heart attack when she was just three years old. Her mother remarried, and the family moved to Dallas, Texas. Jayne’s early ambitions were focused on becoming a Hollywood star, and she would often dress up as her idol, Judy Garland.
After marrying her first husband, Paul Mansfield, Jayne moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting dreams. She quickly gained attention for her voluptuous figure and blonde hair, earning her the nickname “the poor man’s Marilyn Monroe.”
Jayne’s career took off in the late 1950s, with roles in films such as “Female Jungle” and “The Burglar.” She became known for her provocative performances and was often at the center of censorship battles. Her most notable film, “Promises! Promises!”, sparked controversy due to her nude scenes.
Despite her success, Jayne’s personal life was tumultuous. She divorced her first husband and married actor and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, with whom she had three children. The couple divorced, and Jayne married director Matt Cimber, with whom she had her fifth child.
Tragically, Jayne’s life was cut short in a car accident in 1967. She was just 34 years old. Her three children, including Mariska, were in the backseat but miraculously survived.
Mariska Hargitay has spoken publicly about the pain of losing her mother at such a young age. However, she has also credited her mother’s legacy with shaping her own career as an actress. Mariska has followed in her mother’s footsteps, starring in the hit TV series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and winning numerous awards for her performances.
Despite the challenges of being the daughter of a Hollywood icon, Mariska has forged her own path in the entertainment industry. She has been married to actor and producer Peter Hermann since 2004 and has three children.
In 2013, Mariska and her mother were reunited in a sense when their stars were placed side by side on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jayne Mansfield’s remarkable performances and enduring legacy continue to inspire new generations of actors and fans.
