Mariska Hargitay is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her role as Captain Olivia Benson on the NBC drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (SVU). She has portrayed Benson since the show's inception in 1999, making her the longest-running actress in a primetime drama series. Beyond her acting career, Hargitay is a dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors and works to change society's response to these issues. Her impactful work both on and off-screen has solidified her as a respected figure in the entertainment industry and a champion for social justice.