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Mariska Hargitay’s Biological Father: Nelson Sardelli Explained

Who Is Mariska Hargitay’s Biological Father? 5 Things About Nelson Sardelli After the Reveal
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Mariska Hargitay has skillfully preserved a significant family secret for many years — the revelation that her late father, Mickey Hargitay, was not her biological father. The talented actress known for her role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit discovered that her mother, Jayne Mansfield, had separated from Mickey in 1963 and began a romantic relationship with an Italian singer and performer named Nelson Sardelli, who is indeed Mariska’s biological father. It wasn’t until the release of her 2025 documentary, My Mom Jayne: A Film By Mariska Hargitay, that she felt ready to share this truth, presenting insights from her siblings and featuring Nelson himself.

In this article, Hollywood Life has compiled five intriguing facts about Nelson Sardelli, covering aspects of his career, personal life, family dynamics, and his relationship with Mariska, particularly in light of her documentary’s release and the revelations it entails.

Discovering Nelson Sardelli’s Italian Heritage and Brazilian Roots

Nelson Sardelli was born on September 20, 1934, in São Paulo, Brazil. His heritage is deeply Italian, reflecting the cultural influences of his parents who hailed from Italy. This rich background adds a fascinating layer to his identity, contributing to his artistry and personal story, as he navigated life from Brazil to the vibrant entertainment landscape of the United States.

The Journey from General Motors to Stardom: Nelson Sardelli’s Career Path

Before embracing his passion for music and performance, Nelson Sardelli worked at General Motors in Brazil, where he held a position in economic research and analysis. He experienced a pivotal moment when he moved to Pontiac, Michigan, only to be affected by mass layoffs in the area. This circumstance led him to temporarily return to Brazil for construction work before ultimately making his way back to the U.S. to pursue a fulfilling career in the entertainment industry. Despite initial challenges in securing a position within the competitive business, Nelson’s determination propelled him to perform in Las Vegas, where he eventually achieved great success.

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Though his beginnings in the entertainment industry were marked by struggles, Nelson’s persistence and talent eventually shone through, allowing him to establish himself as a performer in Las Vegas, where he became a well-known figure.

Nelson Sardelli’s Long-standing Residency in Las Vegas Since the 1960s

Since 1965, Nelson Sardelli has made Las Vegas his home. This iconic city, known for its vibrant entertainment scene, has played a significant role in shaping his career and personal life. His long-standing residency there has allowed him to immerse himself in the local culture while providing audiences with unforgettable performances for decades.

The Personal Life of Nelson Sardelli: Fatherhood and Marital Journey

Nelson Sardelli is a proud father, sharing his daughters — who are also Mariska’s half-sisters — with his late wife, Fledia Fay Sardelli, who sadly passed away in 2012. Following this loss, Nelson found love again and remarried his current wife, Lorraine Sardelli. His role as a father and husband has been a significant part of his life, shaping his experiences and the legacy he wishes to leave behind.

Exploring the Close Bond Between Nelson Sardelli and Mariska Hargitay

In her twenties, Mariska began to have suspicions about Nelson being her biological father, especially after a friend showed her a photograph of him, as recounted in an article by Vanity Fair. Following her mother Jayne’s divorce from Mickey in 1963 and her subsequent affair with Nelson, Jayne reconciled with Mickey just months before giving birth to Mariska in 1964. This complicated family history adds depth to Mariska’s personal journey.

Tragically, Jayne passed away in a car accident in 1967, leaving Mariska and the world believing that Mickey was her biological father for many years. As Mariska grappled with her identity and the truth about her father, she took the courageous step to visit Nelson in Atlantic City during one of his performances, introducing herself for the first time. Nelson, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed, “I’ve been waiting 30 years for this moment.” However, Mariska felt the need to guard her heart, as she shared with Vanity Fair in May 2025.

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“I went full Olivia Benson on him,” she reflected, drawing a parallel to her character from Law & Order: SVU. “I was like, ‘I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything from you … I have a dad.’ My loyalty to Mickey was paramount.” This moment reflects the complexity of Mariska’s emotions as she navigated her past and the newfound truth about her lineage.

Prior to the release of her documentary, My Mom Jayne, in June 2025, Mariska organized a private screening for Nelson’s daughters, with whom she had developed a close bond over the years. This gesture highlighted the depth of her connections within this intricate family dynamic.

Mariska’s recollection of the screening was poignant: “They just wept and wept and wept,” she shared during her interview with Vanity Fair. “These two women that I love so much — I made them secrets! It’s so heartbreaking to me.” For many years, Mariska had introduced her half-sisters as “family friends,” reflecting the complexities of their relationships and the weight of the secrets they carried.

When asked about her motivation for creating the documentary, Mariska expressed, “I’m not good with lies. So, I also made this movie to unburden all of us,” revealing her desire for transparency and healing within her family narrative, as shared with Vanity Fair.

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Here you can find the original article; the photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.

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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.