Mariska Hargitay’s Emotional Tribute to Jayne Mansfield at Cannes Film Festival
A Deeply Personal Directorial Debut
Mariska Hargitay received a standing ovation lasting four minutes during the premiere of her documentary, My Mom Jayne, at the Cannes Film Festival. This event marked her first foray into feature direction and provided an intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of her mother, the iconic actress Jayne Mansfield.
Unveiling Family Secrets
In this documentary, Hargitay confronts her family’s history, revealing for the first time that her biological father is Italian singer Nelson Sardelli, contradicting the longstanding belief that her father was Mickey Hargitay, her mother’s second spouse.
The Legacy of Jayne Mansfield
Jayne Mansfield, a prominent figure in 1950s Hollywood, gained fame through films such as Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and The Girl Can’t Help It. Despite her sex symbol status, Mansfield’s talent often went unrecognized. Following her film career, she successfully transitioned to a nightclub performer.
Hargitay Reflects on Family and Film
During the film’s introduction, Hargitay poignantly shared, “Tonight I’m celebrating the power that film has for me to remember — somebody I didn’t have the good fortune to know or grow up with.” Her emotional journey encompasses both remembrance and revelation, providing insight into her mother’s enduring impact.
About Mariska Hargitay
Besides her achievements as a director, Hargitay is widely recognized as an Emmy-winning actress, best known for her role in NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.