Mariska Hargitay and her husband, Peter Hermann, had even more reason to celebrate this holiday weekend as they marked a major milestone in their love story. On Thursday, August 28, the âLaw & Order: SVUâ star and the âYoungerâ alum marked their 21st wedding anniversary.
21 Years Of Togetherness & A Solid Family Built On Love
The couple, who married in 2004, have built a life together with their three children: son August, 19, daughter Amaya Josephine, 14, and son Andrew Nicholas, 13. Amaya and Andrew joined the family through adoption in 2011.
Hargitay Recalls Falling for Peter Hermann at First Sight
Hargitay reflected on their first meeting during an appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show”. She recalled that the moment she saw Hermann on set, her first thought was, âWho is that Clark Gable, Superman guy that I need to marry today?â When they were introduced, Hargitay admitted she was so nervous that she tried to make a joke, but it didnât land.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)Not long after his season 3 guest appearance, Hermann invited Hargitay to attend a church service with him. The actress later told People magazine she instantly knew he was the man she was meant to marry.
âWe went to church together, and it was like getting hit with a lightning bolt,â she said. âI just started sobbing. Peter thought I was crying because I was so moved by the service. No, it was because I was just overwhelmed, realizing he was the one.â
The Couple Shares Rare Anniversary Photos
To mark the occasion, Hargitay shared a carousel of photos on Instagram from their anniversary weekend. In the sweet selfies, the actress glowed in a silky red blouse as she cozied up to Hermann, who looked dapper in a crisp white button-down.
The post quickly drew love from fans celebrating the longtime coupleâs enduring bond.
A Love Story That Began on âLaw & Order: SVUâ
Hargitay and Hermann first crossed paths in 2001 when he guest-starred on âLaw & Order: SVU.â Their connection quickly blossomed off-screen, and three years later, they said âI doâ in Santa Barbara, California, surrounded by about 200 of their closest friends and family.
Since then, they have remained one of Hollywoodâs most admired couples, often praised for their strong partnership and devotion to their family.
Hargitayâs Personal Journey & New Documentary
Earlier this year, Hargitay premiered her directorial debut, âMy Mom Jayne,â a documentary exploring the life and early death of her mother, Jayne Mansfield. Hermann appeared in the film as a supportive presence, with one moving scene showing him gifting Hargitay her motherâs beloved piano, a piece she had long hoped to reclaim.
(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)The documentary also revealed that Hargitayâs biological father was not actor Mickey Hargitay, as she had long believed, but performer Nelson Sardelli. Reflecting on the discovery, she spoke to Variety & said: âIt was like the floor fell out from underneath me. Like my infrastructure dissolved.â
Eventually, she met Sardelli during one of his performances in Atlantic City, where he was moved to tears. âIâve been waiting 30 years for this moment,â she recalled him telling her, as per Variety.
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