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Jayne Mansfield and Nelson Sardelli: A Hollywood Story

Mariska Hargitay’s Parents: About Jayne Mansfield & Nelson Sardelli



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Mariska Hargitay has established herself as a television icon through her remarkable portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, a role she has captivatingly embodied since 1999. Her outstanding performance not only earned her a prestigious Emmy Award in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actress but also solidified Benson as one of the most enduring characters in television history. Prior to this breakthrough, Mariska navigated the entertainment industry by taking on various small roles in horror films and making guest appearances on notable series such as Falcon Crest and Downtown, showcasing her determination and talent as she climbed the ranks in Hollywood.

Mariska’s connection to the entertainment world is deeply rooted, stemming from her lineage as the daughter of two major stars: the iconic Jayne Mansfield, a celebrated screen siren of the 1950s, and Mickey Hargitay, a renowned bodybuilder turned actor. The couple married in 1958, welcoming three children, including Miklós, Zoltán, and Mariska, before their marriage ended in divorce in 1964. A shocking revelation came to light in May 2025, when Mariska disclosed that Mickey is not her biological father. She revealed to Vanity Fair that her mother had a brief romantic relationship with musician and comedian Nelson Sardelli during her separation from Mickey, ultimately making Sardelli her biological father.

To delve deeper into Mariska’s fascinating family background and the impactful lives of her parents, continue reading below.

Exploring the Life and Legacy of Mickey Hargitay

Mickey Hargitay was born in Hungary in January 1926. He began his journey in the world of performance at a young age, participating in an acrobatic act alongside his four brothers, which eventually graced the stage of the largest opera house in Budapest, as reported by NBC. His aspirations in bodybuilding led him to the United States, where he settled in Cleveland, Ohio. It was here that Mickey dedicated himself to rigorous training throughout the 1950s, winning several local “body beautiful” competitions and ultimately preparing to claim the title of Mr. Universe by 1955.

Mickey’s triumph as a champion bodybuilder inspired countless individuals to pursue the sport. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a legendary figure in bodybuilding, expressed admiration, stating, “Bodybuilding was dominated by American champions; there was no hope for anyone else. That someone from central Europe became Mr. Universe gave hope for someone like myself and others to dream about.” This statement underscores the profound impact Mickey had on aspiring bodybuilders around the world.

Historian Gene Mozee noted that during Mickey’s era, bodybuilding was often viewed as an unconventional and peculiar pursuit, lacking popularity among the general public. He remarked, “Back in those days, bodybuilding was thought of as a freakish, unusual activity that wasn’t popular with the general public. Athletic coaches discouraged lifting weights, thinking you’d become muscle bound. And along came Mickey Hargitay, a great all-around athlete.” This perspective highlights Mickey’s role in changing perceptions about bodybuilding.

In 1956, Mickey found success as a muscleman in Mae West’s nightclub act, known as the Mae West Revue. According to the L.A. Times, it was during one of these performances that Jayne Mansfield first spotted him in a New York club. When asked what she desired that evening, she humorously responded, “I’ll have a steak and the man on the left!” This playful encounter marked the beginning of their romance, leading to their marriage two years later.

Together, Mickey and Jayne collaborated on various films, including The Loves of Hercules, Promises! Promises!, and Primitive Love. Mickey reflected on his career with contentment, stating, “I enjoyed my career. I never wanted to be any more than what I was, and I had fun doing it.” His life came to a close at the age of 80 on September 14, 2006, due to complications from multiple myeloma.

Mariska fondly remembers the lessons imparted by her father, stating, “I’ll take inspiration and information from wherever I can get it, whether that’s from my character, from my husband, or from my dad, who always said, ‘Mariska, you can learn from anyone and everyone.’” Additionally, she has a half-sister, Tina, from her father’s relationship with Mary Birge.

Unveiling the Glamorous Life of Jayne Mansfield

Jayne Mansfield was born on April 19, 1933, in Pennsylvania, and made her mark as a midwestern girl who quickly rose to fame through Playboy photo shoots. She soon became a prominent sex symbol in Hollywood, starring in classic films such as The Girl Can’t Help It (1956), The Wayward Bus (1957), and Too Hot to Handle (1960).

Despite the overwhelming fame and the adoration from fans eager to learn more about her life, Jayne maintained a grounded perspective. In a 1960 interview, she articulated her belief that a star has a responsibility to share their life with their audience, stating, “I feel like a star owes it to her public to bring the public into her life because the fans feel like they own you and if you kept your life a complete secret it wouldn’t be fair to them. But my private life, and when I say private life I mean my private life, will always be private.”

The romance between Jayne and Mickey appeared to be tumultuous, characterized by an on-again, off-again dynamic. In 1963, Jayne attended a brief divorce hearing in Mexico with Mickey, as reported by the LA Times. However, the divorce was deemed invalid in California. Following a short reconciliation and another split, Jayne successfully petitioned for the recognition of their Mexican divorce in 1964.

Tragically, Jayne’s life was cut short in 1967 when she died in a car crash, along with her boyfriend and their driver. At the time, Mariska and her brothers were also in the vehicle but miraculously survived. Mariska was only three years old when she lost her mother, who was just 34 at the time of her untimely death.

Understanding the Role of Nelson Sardelli in Mariska’s Life

In May 2025, Mariska revealed in her HBO documentary My Mom Jayne that Nelson Sardelli is her biological father. Despite this revelation, she continues to regard Mickey as her dad, given that he raised her with love and care.

Born in Brazil on September 20, 1934, Nelson is a multifaceted talent with Italian heritage, known as a singer, comedian, and actor who became a cherished performer in Las Vegas during the 1960s and 1970s, headlining in renowned venues like the Sahara Hotel and Flamingo.

Mariska first began to suspect the truth regarding her paternity at the age of 25. She met Nelson around her 30th birthday but chose to keep this information private out of loyalty to Mickey. In My Mom Jayne, she opens up about the emotional turmoil of harboring this secret and credits the documentary as a vital part of her healing journey. The film also features Nelson’s other daughters—Mariska’s half-sisters Giovanna and Pietra.

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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.