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Unveiling family truths
Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role in Law & Order: SVU, is stepping into a new role as a director with her documentary My Mom Jayne. This film, which will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival before its release on HBO Max, is not just a tribute to her mother, the iconic Jayne Mansfield, but also a personal exploration of her own identity.
For years, Hargitay has kept a significant family secret: the man she believed to be her father, Mickey Hargitay, was not her biological parent. This revelation is a pivotal moment in her life, as she finally confronts the truth she has held onto for decades.
Confronting the past
In a candid interview, Hargitay shares her emotional journey of discovering her biological father, Nelson Sardelli, a retired Las Vegas showman. After years of searching, she found him at the age of 30 and confronted him with her truth.
“I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything from you… I have a dad,” she recalls telling Sardelli. His response was filled with emotion, as he expressed that he had been waiting for this moment for 30 years. Hargitay’s decision to reveal this truth now stems from a deep sense of loyalty to Mickey, who had asked her to keep the matter private.
However, living with this secret has weighed heavily on her, leading to a sense of liberation through the documentary process.
Jayne Mansfield’s legacy
The documentary also delves into the life of Jayne Mansfield, a Hollywood sex symbol of the 1950s, known for her roles in films like The Girl Can’t Help It and Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?.
Mansfield’s life was a blend of glamour and tragedy, culminating in a heartbreaking car crash that claimed her life and the lives of two others. Hargitay and her siblings were left to navigate their childhood without their mother, a loss that profoundly impacted their lives.
My Mom Jayne aims to reclaim Mansfield’s legacy, showcasing her as more than just a blonde bombshell, but as a complex woman whose life was filled with both triumph and tragedy.
A platform for truth
Through this documentary, Hargitay not only pays homage to her mother but also provides herself with a platform to share her truth. The film is described as uplifting, allowing Hargitay to reflect on her upbringing and the choices made by those around her. “I grew up where I was supposed to, and I do know that everyone made the best choice for me,” she states, emphasizing her connection to Mickey Hargitay, whom she proudly identifies as her father. This documentary is a powerful exploration of identity, family, and the complexities of living in the shadow of a legendary figure.
