Mariska Hargitay Auditioned for ‘Friends’ Multiple Times

Mariska Hargitay recently shared some surprising insights on a podcast with Amy Poehler, revealing that she had auditioned for several comedy roles before landing the iconic role of Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She mentioned auditioning for shows like “Friends” and “Seinfeld,” even testing multiple times for “Friends” for the role of Monica. Hargitay always thought she would end up on a sitcom or doing comedy.

Interestingly, Hargitay noted that she initially wanted to focus on comedy roles because she believed her strength lay in making people laugh. She shared, “I want to do drama but it has to be funny because that’s what I felt like my gifts were… I’m going to be a comedian because I’m funny and I’m pretty.” Despite her aspirations for comedy, she ultimately found immense success in the dramatic role of Olivia Benson on “SVU.”

It’s fascinating to learn about Hargitay’s journey in the entertainment industry, especially considering her enduring and acclaimed portrayal of Olivia Benson on “SVU” for over 25 years, making her the longest-running character on the show. It’s a testament to her talent and versatility as an actor, transitioning from comedy to drama seamlessly and leaving a lasting impact on audiences.