Fri Jun 27 23:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Mariska Hargitay Explores Legacy and Motherhood in New Documentary, “My Mom Jayne”**

**NEW YORK, NY -** Emmy-winning actress Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Olivia Benson in “Law & Order: SVU,” makes her directorial debut with the deeply personal documentary “My Mom Jayne,” now streaming on Max. The film takes an intimate look at the life and legacy of Hargitay’s mother, Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield, who tragically died in a car accident when Hargitay was just three years old.

Instead of a traditional biographical approach, Hargitay engages in heartfelt conversations with her three elder siblings, blending their recollections with archival footage of Mansfield’s public persona. The documentary reveals a stark contrast between the “ditzy coquette” Mansfield portrayed in the media and the intelligent, talented woman her family knew.

“My Mom Jayne” delves into the complexities of identity, legacy, and the enduring impact of loss. Hargitay grapples with how to reconcile her mother’s multiple selves and explores the tension between Mansfield’s public image and her private life. The film also touches upon the accident itself, and reveals that rescuers nearly left her at the scene until her brother alerted them that she was there.

Beyond a biography, “My Mom Jayne” becomes a personal exploration for Hargitay, akin to Sarah Polley’s “Stories We Tell.” The documentary builds to a courageous revelation about how the mysteries surrounding her mother’s life shaped her own identity as a daughter and sister.

“My Mom Jayne” poses profound questions about what truly defines a person’s legacy: the public face or the private self. Through her journey, Hargitay ultimately arrives at a generous understanding of Mansfield, celebrating her musical talents and offering a moving tribute to her mother’s enduring spirit.

“My Mom Jayne” is a raw and emotional journey that redefines the documentary genre.

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