On the 90th birthday that would have been Jayne Mansfield’s, Mariska Hargitay honored her late mother with a heartfelt tribute. The renowned Law and Order: SVU star took to Instagram, sharing a cherished photo of her mom, accompanied by a touching caption. Hargitay wrote, “Happy birthday Mama.We continue to love you more with each passing day.” Additionally, she shared a brief clip of her mother’s appearance in the film “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” on her Instagram Story.
Vera Jayne Palmer, born on April 19, 1933, rose to fame as Jayne Mansfield, becoming one of Hollywood’s most prominent blonde bombshells during the 1950s and ’60s. Often regarded as the “Working Man’s Monroe,” Mansfield captivated audiences with her captivating presence as an alternative to Marilyn Monroe. Apart from being a Playboy Playmate, she showcased her talents in numerous films such as “The Girl Can’t Help It,” “Promises! Promises!,” and “The Sheriff of a Fractured Jaw.”
Tragically, Mansfield’s life was tragically cut short in 1967 when she was involved in a fatal car accident at the age of 34. At the time of the accident, Hargitay, who was three years old, was seated in the back of the car along with her two siblings. While the children survived the incident, Mansfield, her attorney and companion Sam Brody, and their driver Ronnie Harrison lost their lives instantaneously.
In a 2021 interview with Glamour, Hargitay shared her perspective on resilience and personal growth. She explained, “I learned at a young age that tough times happen, and there are no guarantees. But we keep going and find a way to transform ourselves.” Hargitay viewed her ability to overcome adversity as her own special strength, acknowledging that early traumas played a role in shaping her journey.
She also spoke about her challenging childhood, saying, “There were times when I was solely focused on surviving and felt emotionally frozen.” Hargitay recognized that her life has been about gradually peeling back those layers of self-protection, rebuilding trust, and learning to trust again.
Wishing a joyous heavenly birthday, Jayne!