Since the premiere of in 1999, Mariska Hargitay has portrayed Olivia Benson. This means that for over 20 years, the actress has graced our screens as the stern, yet compassionate NYPD Captain. During a 2018 appearance on  Hargitay shared how she landed the role. She revealed that she went on several auditions before meeting with the show’s creator, . The actress explained that she “saw somebody else, another girl,” who she believed was also up to play Olivia Benson.

She disclosed that while meeting with Wolf, she told him that “this is [her] role.” 

“I said ‘I saw somebody out there and I think you’re a little confused.’ [Wolf] laughed,” said the actress. Hargitay then revealed that the other actress was auditioning for a different character, and Wolf was just interested in her for Olivia from the get-go.

As Hargitay plays one of the most beloved characters on the NBC series, some fans may be curious how she acts in real life while the show is in production. While speaking to

, musician and actor Ice-T gave some insight into how Mariska Hargitay interacts with the cast and crew of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” 

Ice-T discussed his on-set relationship with Mariska Hargitay

During the interview, “Law & Order: SVU” star Ice-T, who plays NYPD Sergeant Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, shared how he feels acting alongside Mariska Hargitay.