Mariska Hargitay recently revealed in an exclusive interview that she was “panicked” during her audition for Law & Order: SVU, despite her eventual iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson. The actress admitted that the pressure to succeed was overwhelming, especially considering the high stakes of landing a role in a series created by Dick Wolf. Hargitay recalled feeling a sense of anxiety as she stepped into the room, but she quickly found confidence in herself when she connected with the material. In a moment of honesty, she shared what she told Wolf during her audition—expressing her nervousness and her desire to bring authenticity to the role. Wolf, known for his sharp instincts in casting, was immediately impressed with her performance, leading to the start of what would become one of the longest-running characters in television history.

In conclusion, Hargitay’s candidness about her early fears and the pivotal moment with Dick Wolf shows just how much passion and dedication went into bringing her legendary character to life, a journey that has resonated deeply with audiences over the years.