Mariska Hargitay revealed in a new documentary that her biological father is not Mickey Hargitay, the man who raised her, but rather singer Nelson Sardelli.

The actress says her biological dad is Italian singer Nelson Sardelli, not Mickey Hargitay — something she discovered when she was in her 20s.

Mariska Hargitay’s fans believed she was the daughter of Hollywood icons Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay. However, in May 2025, the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress revealed a major family secret – sharing that her biological father is actually Nelson Sardelli.