‘Law & Order: SVU’: Mariska Hargitay ‘Almost Passed Out’ When She Met Her Husband for the First Time

When Mariska Hargitay, the formidable star of “Law & Order: SVU,” first laid eyes on Peter Hermann, now known for his role in “Younger,” she felt an overwhelming reaction that would change her life forever. Their romance, which blossomed on the set of “Law & Order: SVU,” has become a tale of love, destiny, and serendipity.

A Magical First Encounter

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann first met on the set of “Law & Order: SVU,” where Hermann guest-starred. Though they have slight disagreements about the exact details of their initial meeting, they both felt an undeniable connection.

“I knew very quickly that we had dealings with each other, business with each other,” Hermann shared in the book What Makes a Marriage Last, by Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue. “And it was very telling that at the end of that episode, I didn’t want to leave.”

Hargitay’s reaction was even more intense. She recalls being physically overwhelmed the moment she saw Hermann. “We were in a very small scene in the interrogation room,” she recounted to Thomas and Donahue. “Peter was on the other side of the table. I saw him, and I almost passed out. That had never happened before on a set. Normally, I’m the greeter, the welcomer—my job is to make everyone feel comfortable. But I was nervous. I didn’t know what to say.”

A Church Date to Remember

Their first date was unconventional but deeply meaningful. Hargitay, raised Catholic, chose to attend church with Hermann. It was during this date that she had a profound realization.

“I knew I was going to marry him that day,” Hargitay confessed. “As a woman, you hear your whole life that you’ll know, you’ll know, you’ll know. And I always thought, ‘What does that mean?’ And then as I sat in that church, I just knew that this was my husband. This was it. We were getting married. I knew it and I wept the whole time.”

A Grandfather’s Spirit

Interestingly, Hermann reminds Hargitay not of her father, but of her grandfather. “Ironically, he reminded me of my grandfather,” she explained. “My grandfather was tall and gentle, and he knew so much. You could ask him anything and he’d have the answer. And I loved the way he dealt with my grandmother, who was such a strong and fiery woman. He was also kind. Peter reminded me of that.”

While Hermann found the comparison to Hargitay’s grandfather to be less than sexy, he took it in stride. “That’s one of the least sexy things you can ever hear as a guy,” Hermann admitted. “‘You remind me of my grandfather.’ But I thought, ‘OK, I’ll take it.’”

A Love That Stands the Test of Time

Their story is one of destiny and deep connection. From their first meeting to their heartfelt church date, Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann have built a relationship grounded in mutual respect, admiration, and love. Their journey from co-stars to soulmates is a testament to the power of genuine connection and the magic that can happen when two people are meant to be together.

Conclusion: A Hollywood Love Story

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann’s love story is one that transcends the screen. It’s a tale of serendipity, deep emotional bonds, and the kind of love that many dream about but few experience. Their journey together continues to inspire and captivate fans, proving that true love can indeed be found in the most unexpected places.