You know her as the tough, compassionate Olivia Benson from "Law & Order: SVU," and she's not just a fan favorite—she's also one of the highest-paid actresses in the business. Back in 2014, Mariska Hargitay was the second-highest paid actress, just behind Sofia Vergara. But let's break it down—how much does Mariska Hargitay, the star of the long-running NBC series, make per episode? And what's her total net worth?
Mariska Hargitay is one of the few remaining original cast members since "Law & Order: SVU" premiered way back in 1999. Her dedication to the series over nearly two decades is remarkable. At 53 years old, she continues to play the iconic Olivia Benson, a role that has earned her not only critical acclaim but also an impressive paycheck. Let’s dive into the numbers and see what makes her financial success so noteworthy.
MORE: Mariska Hargitay Opens Up About an Unforgettable Meltdown on the 'Law & Order: SVU' Set
Read also:Nadia Farmiga The Rising Star Whos Making Waves In The Entertainment World
Keep scrolling to uncover more details about Mariska's financial journey!
View this post on InstagramA #DreamTeam full of #BenchWarmers. The #SVUCrew before wrapping #SVU18. This is what I call #SquadGoals #SquadroomGoals #BenchGoals #EliteSquad… #Hargiglasses #CrossLeggedCops #LieuAndCrew #BTS #ILTLF
Mariska Raked In Major Cash in 2014
In 2014, according to Forbes, Mariska Hargitay was earning an impressive $450,000 per episode. With that kind of paycheck, it’s no surprise that her total earnings for the year amounted to approximately $13 million. Over the years, her consistent work on the show has built up her estimated net worth to around $45 million. Talk about a successful career!
Syndication Keeps the Cash Flowing
Don’t forget about the magic of syndication! "Law & Order: SVU" is always on someone's TV screen, thanks to reruns. So, while Mariska earns her $450,000 per episode during the show's run, she's also benefiting from those marathon viewing sessions. Every time you binge-watch an old episode, Mariska's bank account gets a little bit happier.
Read also:Soupy Sales Net Worth The Untold Story Of A Tv Legends Wealth And Legacy
MUST SEE: Check Out All the Glamorous Looks from the 2017 Tony Awards Red Carpet
She's Almost Always on the Screen
With very few exceptions, Mariska has been a constant presence on "Law & Order: SVU" since its debut in 1999. The only time she took a break was during Season 6, when she welcomed one of her three children into the world. Other than that, she's been a steady force in the series, delivering powerful performances as Olivia Benson episode after episode.
View this post on Instagram#FlashbackFriday to #Yesterday's #BarsonMoment… #CourtRecess #CourtJesters #KeepingTheCitySafe #PerpByPerp #CourthouseStepByStep 📷 @mpclickclicks
Season 19: Still Going Strong
NBC's decision to renew "SVU" for its 19th season is a testament to its enduring popularity. The show has been on air for nearly two decades, and it continues to attract a substantial audience. Just look at the 400th episode, which aired in February and drew in 6.84 million viewers, according to Variety. That's proof that Mariska's star power is as strong as ever.
Mariska Wears Many Hats
Mariska doesn’t just act—she also serves as an executive producer of "SVU." Beyond her television work, she founded The Joyful Heart Foundation, inspired by her experiences portraying Olivia Benson. The foundation addresses the critical issues of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, offering resources and support to survivors.
View this post on InstagramAll eyes on Benson. We'll see you TONIGHT at 9/8c on @NBC. #SVU
Mariska has always been grateful for the opportunity to use her platform to make a difference. "Every day I get on my knees and thank God for this opportunity," she once told E! News. "It's not lost on me that God gave me this platform to speak about these issues. I really feel like it was a calling, it's not an accident I came on this show. I always wanted to be of service, but it's hard. You say, 'What do I do? How do I be of service?' and this was an opportunity."
More From Closer Weekly
Law & Order: SVU Stars Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni Reunite — See the Unforgettable Pic!
What Is the British Royal Family's Net Worth?
What is Golden Girls Star Betty White's Net Worth?
