Mariska Hargitay and her husband, Peter Hermann, always dreamed of having a large family. Although they initially worried about whether their eldest child would have siblings, they eventually grew their family through adoption, welcoming two sons and a daughter.
Hargitay and Peter first met on the set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and their chemistry was undeniable. Despite a brief rough patch in their relationship, they married in Santa Barbara on August 28, 2004. Hargitay later reflected that their marriage was always destined to be strong.
Balancing career and family has been a challenge for Hargitay, who has openly discussed the difficulty of managing both. In a 2018 interview, she emphasized her commitment to staying fully present, whether at work or with her children.