Mariska Hargitay Almost Quit SVU | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 25, 2026 · 1m

Mariska Hargitay, the iconic Olivia Benson of “Law & Order: SVU,” nearly walked away after two decades—feeling creatively stuck and craving new challenges, even joking about comedy. She confided in Julianna Margulies, who bluntly told her, “That ship’s sailed,” a wake-up call that made her pause. Despite the temptation, Hargitay stayed, fueled by the show’s unique power to offer comfort through justice and the undeniable impact of its legacy. Now, as an executive producer and Emmy host, she’s not just enduring—she’s evolving, proving that even after breaking records as the longest-running…