When people think of Mariska Hargitay, they often picture her as the fearless Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. But beyond the screen, her most meaningful role is that of a mother. The story of Mariska Hargitay children is one of love, resilience, and family built with intention.
Mariska and her husband, actor Peter Hermann, have three children—August, Amaya, and Andrew. Their journey as parents blends biological and adoptive paths, creating a close-knit family that has grown up in the public eye while maintaining a strong sense of privacy and togetherness.
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The Hargitay–Hermann Family
Mariska married Peter Hermann in 2004 after meeting him on the set of Law & Order: SVU. Over the years, they built a family that reflects their values of love, openness, and commitment. Their three children have been at the center of their lives, even as both parents maintain successful acting careers.
The couple’s family includes:
- August Miklos Friedrich Hermann – their biological son, born in 2006.
- Amaya Josephine Hermann – adopted in 2011.
- Andrew Nicolas Hermann – adopted later in 2011, just months after Amaya.
Their decision to grow their family through adoption was intentional and heartfelt, and Mariska has often described it as one of the most meaningful experiences of her life.
August: The Firstborn
August, the eldest, was born when Mariska was in her early forties. Becoming a mother at that stage of her life brought a new sense of balance and perspective. She has spoken about how motherhood changed her priorities, grounding her in a way that her career never could.
As he’s grown, August has occasionally accompanied his parents to public events, but Mariska and Peter have made sure to give him a relatively normal upbringing despite their fame. Now approaching adulthood, he represents the first chapter of their parenting journey—a time marked by both joy and new experiences for Mariska as a first-time mom.
Amaya: A Joyful Addition Through Adoption
In 2011, Mariska and Peter expanded their family by adopting their daughter, Amaya. Her arrival marked a turning point for the family, as Mariska embraced motherhood through adoption with the same warmth and devotion she brought to raising August.
Amaya quickly became an integral part of the household. Mariska has described the moment she met her daughter as love at first sight. She’s also been open about how adoption deepened her understanding of family—proving that love, not biology, is the foundation of their bond.
Amaya, now a teenager, has grown up surrounded by creativity, compassion, and strong role models. She has occasionally appeared at events alongside her parents, always exuding poise and confidence.
Andrew: Expanding the Family Again
Just months after adopting Amaya, Mariska and Peter welcomed their third child, Andrew, into the family. The quick succession surprised many, but for the couple, it felt natural. They knew their family wasn’t complete, and Andrew’s arrival solidified their dream of raising a trio of children.
Andrew’s presence brought new energy into the home. As the youngest, he has grown up closely bonded with his siblings, forming a tight trio that reflects the love and intentionality with which the family was built.
Family Life Beyond the Spotlight
Although Mariska is one of television’s most recognizable faces, she and Peter have worked hard to keep their children’s lives as private and grounded as possible. They rarely share details about their kids publicly and choose carefully when to bring them to events.
Their parenting style focuses on creating a loving, secure environment away from the cameras. Family dinners, shared hobbies, and travel are a big part of their lives. They also emphasize kindness, respect, and gratitude—values that reflect both parents’ personalities.
A Parenting Journey Marked by Resilience
Mariska’s own childhood has shaped the way she approaches motherhood. She lost her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, at a young age and grew up navigating questions of identity and belonging. Those early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for stability, love, and honest communication.
Becoming a parent later in life also gave her perspective. She has often reflected on how grateful she is to experience motherhood with maturity and presence. She describes her children as her greatest teachers, crediting them with bringing new meaning and purpose into her life.
Recent Public Moments
In recent years, Mariska has occasionally shared glimpses of her family life through public appearances. Her children have joined her on select red carpets, especially for major milestones in her career, such as special screenings or film premieres.
One particularly memorable moment came when the entire family appeared together at a major film festival earlier this year. Fans noted the family’s strong bond, with the children supporting their mother as she stepped into new creative roles beyond acting.
These rare appearances remind the public that behind the celebrity image is a mother whose children are her anchor.
Balancing Career and Parenthood
Balancing a demanding career with raising three children is no small feat. Mariska continues to star in Law & Order: SVU, one of television’s longest-running dramas, while also pursuing new creative projects. Peter Hermann, an actor and producer himself, shares parenting responsibilities equally.
They’ve created a home life that prioritizes family above all else. Despite their busy schedules, they ensure their children have structure, attention, and quality time together. This balance is one reason their family remains strong, even under public scrutiny.
Values That Shape the Hargitay Family
The story of Mariska Hargitay children is ultimately about values. Love, inclusion, resilience, and authenticity are at the core of their family dynamic. By blending biological and adoptive parenthood, Mariska and Peter have built a family that reflects the diverse ways love can form lasting bonds.
As their children grow, these values guide them. Whether attending school events, family vacations, or supporting their parents at premieres, they do so as a united, grounded family.
Looking Toward the Future
August is now stepping into adulthood, while Amaya and Andrew are navigating their teenage years. As they grow, Mariska continues to prioritize being a present and supportive parent. She’s expressed that watching her children grow into their identities is one of the greatest joys of her life.
While it’s uncertain whether any of them will follow in their parents’ Hollywood footsteps, one thing is clear: their upbringing is built on love, stability, and openness. Mariska’s ability to balance a high-profile career with devoted motherhood stands as a testament to her strength and intentionality.
Conclusion
When we talk about Mariska Hargitay children, we’re not just discussing celebrity kids—we’re looking at a story of family built with purpose. Through biological motherhood, adoption, and years of dedicated parenting, Mariska and Peter have created a home filled with love and resilience.
Their family journey reflects values that resonate far beyond Hollywood. It’s a reminder that the truest legacy is not fame or awards, but the family you build and the love you nurture every day.
Feel free to share your thoughts below on Mariska’s inspiring journey as a parent and how her family continues to shape her remarkable life.