Building a family wasn’t always easy for veteran actress Mariska Hargitay. Welcoming her first child later in life came with challenges, and she and her husband, actor Peter Hermann, often wondered if their son would ever have siblings.
Yet, their dream of a large family came true. Through a mix of birth and adoption, they became parents to three children—a journey filled with love, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.
A Love Meant to Be
Hargitay and Hermann first met on the set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, where their connection was immediate. Their first date took place in a church, and Hargitay later described feeling drawn to him, even likening him to Superman.
Even her SVU co-star Christopher Meloni noticed the chemistry, sensing her growing feelings for Hermann.
Though their relationship faced challenges, including an emotional conversation where they questioned their future together, Meloni was confident they were meant to be. His prediction proved true when, on August 28, 2004, the couple married in Santa Barbara, California. Hargitay arrived at the ceremony in an antique Jaguar, walking down the aisle in an elegant Carolina Herrera gown.
Looking back, she reflected on their wedding as the start of an unshakable partnership.
Balancing Family and Career
As their love story unfolded, so did their journey into parenthood. Raising three children while managing demanding acting careers required balance—something Hargitay has openly discussed.
In a 2018 interview, she acknowledged the challenge of juggling work and motherhood but emphasized her commitment to being fully present in both roles. At work, she is focused on her craft; at home, her children are her priority.
Hermann’s understanding of the industry has been crucial in navigating their busy schedules. Their children frequently visit the SVU set, and over time, Hargitay has adjusted her workload to accommodate family life.
Despite the adjustments, some days are overwhelming. She has faced exhaustion, moments of doubt, and even tears, but after two decades on SVU, she has learned to set boundaries—ensuring that family always comes first.
August Hermann: Their Firstborn
Hargitay’s journey into motherhood began with the birth of their son, August Hermann, on June 28, 2006. Just months later, she won her first Emmy Award, playfully noting in her speech, “When I named my son August, I had no idea that the month would end like this!”
Now 18, August grew up visiting his mother on the SVU set in New York City. His role as the eldest took on new meaning when his adopted siblings arrived.
From an early age, August expressed a longing for siblings. In a 2012 interview, Hargitay recalled how he confidently stated, “I want a baby sister,” just before they adopted their daughter—and later added, “I want a baby brother,” before their youngest child joined the family.
A Heartfelt Adoption Journey
Hargitay and Hermann always envisioned a big family, but expanding it through adoption proved to be an emotional and, at times, heartbreaking journey.
After giving birth to August at 42, the couple worried about whether they would be able to have more children. Adoption had always been part of their vision, and they remained steadfast in their belief that it was meant to be.
Both Hargitay and Hermann grew up in large families, and they wanted the same for their children. For them, love—not biology—was what truly defined family.
Their path to parenthood may not have been conventional, but for Hargitay, it was exactly the family she had always dreamed of.
Amaya Josephine Hermann: A Cherished Addition to the Family
In April 2011, Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann expanded their family when they adopted their daughter, Amaya Josephine Hermann. From the moment she arrived, Hargitay described her as “surprisingly alert and so full of love.”
The choice of her name was a thoughtful family decision. Hargitay initially loved the name Maya but wanted her daughter’s initials to match her older brother, August. The addition of an A felt like the perfect touch, making the name even more elegant and meaningful. Just a month after bringing her home, Hargitay shared that Amaya had “really completed our little family of four,” describing her as peaceful and rarely fussy.
Now 13, Amaya continues to capture hearts with her charm and beauty. Fans often admire her radiant presence, with one commenting, “What a beautiful daughter you have.” Another wrote, “Amaya is so effortlessly beautiful, I love her smile.”
Many have also noted how much she has grown, calling it a “surreal moment” to see her transformation. Some even pointed out her resemblance to Hargitay, particularly her “gorgeous smile.” Another admirer echoed the sentiment, writing, “Aww, your daughter looks so gorgeous and happy.”
Amaya’s presence in the Hargitay-Hermann family is a testament to the love and joy that adoption can bring—completing their dream of a big, happy family.
August Hermann, Mariska Hargitay, and Amaya Hermann pictured on day five of the Olympic Games Paris on July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. | Source: Getty Images
Andrew Nicolas Hermann
Just months after Amaya became part of the family, Hargitay and Peter welcomed their third child, Andrew Hermann, in October 2011. The couple had not expected the process to move so quickly but felt it was meant to be. Hargitay recalled their immediate certainty, “We knew this was our guy. It felt divinely right.”
Peter and Andrew Hermann attend the Cinema Society Screening of “Moana” on November 20, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Being close in age, Amaya and Andrew formed an instant connection. Hargitay shared how they would “lie in the crib together,” with Amaya holding his hand and wrapping her arm around him. She described her daughter as “already so protective of him.”
Amaya, Peter, and Andrew Hermann pose at the opening night celebration for “Pip’s Island” on May 20, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Years after expanding their family, Hargitay reflected on Andrew’s arrival, describing him as “this angel that fell out of the sky, because he was a little unexpected.” In a 2019 interview, she shared how his presence was a surprise but felt like a perfect addition to their family.
Peter, Andrew, August, Amaya Hermann, and Mariska Hargitay at the Stuttering Association For The Young (SAY) Benefit Gala on May 22, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
At 12, Andrew remained unaware of his mother’s fame, only knowing she played a cop on TV. Confused by strangers expressing their love for her, he once asked why people kept saying it when they walked down the street.
The now-13-year-old’s perception changed when he discovered “Tales from Earthsea,” a 2006 anime film featuring Hargitay’s voice work. Surprised, he couldn’t believe she was part of the movie.
Watching it together became a cherished moment for her, as he admired her character. She later reflected that life doesn’t get better than moments like that, believing some experiences are worth the wait.
Although Hargitay found deep joy in motherhood, the path to adoption was far from easy. She shared that the process came with setbacks, including cases that fell through and unexpected complications.
Despite the heartbreak, she held onto hope. She described how the most difficult disappointment ultimately became the most meaningful moment, shaping her understanding of what it truly meant to create a family.
Parenthood has been Hargitay’s greatest joy. At 54, she expressed that nothing compares to raising Andrew, August, and Amaya alongside Peter, her husband of 20 years.
She credited her children for shaping her as a mother, sharing that they taught her the importance of truly listening. Describing Peter as her North Star, she views her kids as her greatest teachers. For Hargitay, family is not defined by traditional structures but by love and connection. She considers hers “perfect, or at least perfect for me.”
Having grown up in a unique family dynamic, she embraced the different ways families are formed and felt grateful to experience that with her own. Calling the journey “amazing,” she deeply appreciates the bond they share.
Hargitay appreciated the wisdom that came with age, grateful for experiencing both motherhood and career success later in life. As she neared 60, she recognized how time had given her the ability to be more present, cherish important moments, and use her experiences to support others.
Her connection to Olivia Benson remains a guiding force, describing the character as a beacon of justice with an unwavering determination. Inspired by survivors who credited “SVU” with giving them the courage to come forward, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Hargitay’s journey as a wife, mother, and advocate has been one of love, perseverance, and gratitude. From building a family through both birth and adoption to balancing a demanding career, she has embraced each challenge with an open heart.
Her deep connection to her children and the impact of her work both continue to shape her life in profound ways. Through it all, she remains dedicated to creating a legacy of compassion, both on and off the screen. Her story is a testament to the power of love, determination, and the belief that family is built in many beautiful ways.
