Mariska Hargitay has been gracing us with her incredible performance in “Law and Order: SVU” for over two decades. Peter Hermann, her husband of 18 years, has been by her side most of that time.

The couple met on the set of the successful drama series in November 2001 when Hermann booked a guest-starring role. Hargitay’s co-star Christopher Meloni (Detective Elliot Stabler) immediately noticed she was in love with Hermann.

CRYING ON THEIR FIRST DATE

Most of us are told we would know when we find “the one.” Although Hargitay had been engaged before meeting Hermann, she never felt they were the right person.

It was a different story with Hermann because she fell in love with him at first sight. She even made a joke to break the ice during their first meeting, but he didn’t laugh.

Months later, they discussed religion, and Hermann invited her to church. It was an unusual move for a first date, but it worked: Hargitay thought, “that’s my husband” when she saw him in the church.

Hargitay felt such a strong connection with him that it was like “getting hit with a lightning bolt.” She was so overwhelmed by her feelings that she started sobbing in the middle of the service.

Hermann didn’t know what was happening and was sure she was moved by the service and couldn’t hold back tears. However, Hargitay cried because she realized Hermann was “the one.”

Still, they faced challenging times, and Meloni supported Hargitay after her first serious argument with Hermann. Meloni revealed Hargitay once came to the “SVU” set crying over her relationship.

She had been dating Hermann for several months, but after having a “deep, long conversation,” the couple considered their romance wouldn’t work.

[The master bedroom has] a large walkthrough closet, an impressive marble bathroom, and a dressing room.

Meloni listened to his co-star, but he couldn’t stop thinking she would end up marrying Hermann, and he was right. On August 28, 2004, Hargitay and Hermann tied the knot in Santa Barbara, California.

In June 2006, Hargitay and Hermann welcomed their first child, August. Although she dealt with gestational diabetes and needed an emergency C-section, she was thrilled about having a child. She explained:

“Nobody wanted to be pregnant more than me. From the minute I found out, I was wearing full-on maternity pants. My stomach was totally flat, mind you, but I was just so excited.”

GETTING A PLACE FOR THE FAMILY

Hargitay’s career in the entertainment industry has been outstanding, and the fact that she made between $500,000 and $540,000 per episode in “SVU” in 2021 proves it.

Nobody should be surprised that her family has lived in impressive New York City properties with such paychecks. One of them was a penthouse bought in 2008 for $7.1 million. However, Hargitay sold it in 2020 for $13.5 million.

In 2010, the couple acquired a mansion in East Hampton for almost $7.5 million. The 11,000-square-foot house featured 11 bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms, a pool, gardens, and a guesthouse.

Nowadays, Hargitay lives with her husband and children in an Upper West Side townhouse (seen in the pictures). They bought it in the late 2010s, and it is currently valued at $8.7 million.

The mansion’s tall windows provide natural light in the living room, which also has mirrors cleverly placed that give the illusion of depth.

One of the most impressive floors of the six-story home is the first. Apart from the modern-looking kitchen with a massive center island and high-end appliances, it has a cozy but large den serving as an escape from the rest of the house.

Balancing her work and family has not always been easy.

The first floor also has access to a rear garden equipped with a barbecue, a dining table, and a couch. Due to its framed window doors and windows, the back garden overlooks the kitchen and its double-height breakfast area.

One of the property’s five bedrooms – the main bedroom – spans the entire second floor. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, a large walkthrough closet, an impressive marble bathroom, and a dressing room.

ENLARGING THE FAMILY

Hargitay and Hermann adopted daughter Amaya and son Andrew in 2011. August, the couple’s eldest son, was sure the adoptions were his idea. The actress admitted that Amaya came after August said he wanted a baby sister, and Andrew did when August asked for a baby brother.

However, adopting was always part of the plan. Hargitay pointed out that the process was challenging and not for the “faint of heart,” mainly because she faced breakups and disappointments before finally finding the right mothers.

Everything turned out great as Hargitay is a doting mother of three and one of the most successful TV actresses alive. Balancing her work and family has not always been easy, though.

One thing that has helped her find balance is being “super present” in every situation, whether at work or with her family.

Since Hermann is also an actor, he understands Hargitay’s tricky schedules and always supports her. Apart from that, she frequently takes her children to the “SVU” set with her to keep things “organic.”

LIVING IN HAPPY CHAOS