Who Is Mariska Hargitay’s Biological Father Nelson Sardelli?

Mariska Hargitay made the headlines when she revealed that her biological father was not Mickey Hargitay – But was instead Nelson Sardelli.

Mariska was born in 1964 from the end of the actress Jayne Mansfielddied in a car accident in June 1967. The incident left the Law and order: SVU starwho was 3 years old at the time, with serious injuries.

The 2025 documentary My mom Jayne Explore Jayne’s life before and after the car accident, including the separation of Mariska’s mom with Mickey and Brief Romance with Nelson. Jayne called her with Mickey and found Nelson before Mariska’s birth in 1964. The pair divorced that year.

Mickey raised Mariska and the brothers and sisters Mickey Jr. and Zoltán, discovering the truth about The identity of his biological father In her twenties, when she saw a photo of Nelson. When she brought him back to Mickey, he denied it. (Jayne was the mother of her daughter Jayne Marie, born in 1950 with the first husband Paul Mansfield and his son Tony, born in 1965 with the third husband Mat Cimber.)

Mariska then met Nelson at the age of 30 and said that she was going “Olivia Benson on him”, referring to her beloved character. “I said to myself,” I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything about you … I have a father, “recalls Mariska. “There was something about loyalty. I wanted to be faithful to Mickey. “

Mariska finally changed her mind, deciding that she “grew where [she] was supposed to do so. She added: “I know everyone has made the best choice for me. I am Mickey Hargitay’s daughter – It’s not a lie.

So who is Nelson? Scroll down to find out more about Mariska’s biological father:

Nelson has other girls

Mariska said Vanity In 2025, she and the other two daughters of Nelson, who appeared in the documentary My mom Jaynehad a private projection for my mother Jayne.

“They just cried and cried and cried,” said Hargitay at the exit while becoming emotional. “These two women that I love so much – I gave them secrets!” It’s so heartbreaking for me. “

Mariska explained that she was referring to her sisters as “family friends”, adding: “I’m not good with lies. So I also made this film to discharge us all. ”

Nelson served in the army

Norm Clarke Vegas Journal reported that Nelson served in the army for most of 1965 and until 1958. He continued to work in construction before winning a concert by singing in an open microphone and pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.

When Mariska was 30 years old, she went to watch Nelson play at Atlantic City. She told Vanity Fair in 2025 that he had become emotional, saying to him: “I have been waiting for 30 years for that time.”

In relation: Mariska Hargitay reveals the identity of her biological father

Mariska Hargitay revealed the identity of her biological father after “living a lie” for 30 years. The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Star, 61, confirmed to Vanity Fair in an interview published on Saturday May 17, that her biological father is Italian singer and actress Nelson Sardelli – not the bodybuilder and actor, Mickey Hargitay, […]

Nelson resides in Las Vegas

Norm Clarke Vegas Journal reported in 2019 that Nelson had been in Las Vegas since 1965, almost a decade after Brazil immigration. “I came to the United States in 1956, in Pontiac, Michigan, because in Brazil, I worked for General Motors, but they dismissed people throughout Michigan,” he said at the exit.

Nelson continued the theater

Nelson appeared in films including the 1970s Myra Breckinridge, 1982 Fake and 2001 Cold dogs.

Nelson is active in philanthropy

THE Sun in Las Vegas reported in 1998 that Nelson organized collection of “Star Shine” funds, with celebrities that shone shoes in exchange for charity.