Mariska Hargitay, a beloved and iconic actress, is best known for her portrayal of Olivia Benson on the long-running TV show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Over the years, she has built an impressive career in Hollywood, which has earned her substantial financial success. As of 2024, Mariska Hargitay’s estimated net worth is an impressive $100 million. In this article, we will explore how Hargitay amassed her fortune and compare her wealth to that of her Law & Order co-star Kelli Giddish.
Mariska Hargitay’s Earnings from Law & Order: SVU
Mariska Hargitay has been the star of Law & Order: SVU since its debut in 1999, playing the role of Olivia Benson for over two decades. The show has become one of the longest-running dramas in television history, and Hargitay’s consistent presence on the series has been a major factor in its success. Naturally, her role as the lead actress has contributed significantly to her net worth.
Hargitay’s salary for Law & Order: SVU has increased steadily over the years, reflecting both the show’s success and her pivotal role in it. In recent seasons, she has reportedly earned around $500,000 per episode, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on television. Given that a typical season of SVU consists of around 22 episodes, Hargitay’s annual salary from the show alone is estimated to be over $11 million.
In addition to her salary as an actress, Hargitay also serves as an executive producer on SVU, which allows her to earn additional income from the show’s overall success. The combination of her acting salary and executive producer credit has been a significant factor in building her impressive net worth.
Syndication and Royalties
One of the major factors contributing to Mariska Hargitay’s wealth is the syndication of Law & Order: SVU. The show has aired in over 60 countries, and its reruns are frequently broadcast on networks like NBC, USA Network, and other streaming platforms. As a key figure on the show, Hargitay earns royalties from these reruns, adding a significant amount to her income over the years.
Syndication deals are highly lucrative for long-running TV shows like SVU, and Hargitay’s role as the lead actress has ensured that she benefits from these deals. While the exact amount of her syndication earnings is not publicly known, it is likely that they form a substantial part of her overall net worth.
Other Acting Roles and Projects
While Mariska Hargitay is best known for her role on Law & Order: SVU, she has also appeared in other television shows and films throughout her career. Some of her earlier work includes appearances in shows like ER, Seinfeld, and Falcon Crest. Although these roles were not as high-profile as her work on SVU, they still contributed to her career growth and earnings.
In addition to acting, Hargitay has directed and produced various episodes of Law & Order: SVU, further increasing her earnings and adding to her impressive wealth. Her role behind the scenes as a director and producer has allowed her to diversify her income streams within the entertainment industry.
Real Estate Investments
Like many high-net-worth individuals, Mariska Hargitay has invested in real estate as part of her wealth-building strategy. She owns multiple properties, including a luxurious townhouse in New York City, where she resides with her family. The property is valued at approximately $11 million, reflecting her substantial financial investments in real estate.
Real estate investments can provide a stable and lucrative source of income, and Hargitay’s properties have likely appreciated in value over the years, contributing to her overall wealth.
Kelli Giddish’s Net Worth Comparison
Kelli Giddish, another Law & Order: SVU star, has also enjoyed financial success thanks to her role as Detective Amanda Rollins. Giddish joined the show in 2011 and quickly became a fan favorite. As of 2024, Kelli Giddish’s estimated net worth is $8 million.
While Giddish’s net worth is significantly lower than Hargitay’s, this is primarily due to the fact that Hargitay has been on SVU since its inception and has taken on more responsibilities as an executive producer and director. Giddish’s salary on the show is reportedly around $400,000 per episode, which is still a substantial amount, but lower than Hargitay’s earnings.
Here is a comparison of the estimated net worths of Mariska Hargitay and Kelli Giddish:
| Actor | Estimated Net Worth (2024) |
|---|---|
| Mariska Hargitay | $100 million |
| Kelli Giddish | $8 million |
Philanthropy and Charity Work
While philanthropy does not directly contribute to an individual’s net worth, it is worth noting that Mariska Hargitay is heavily involved in charitable work, which has had a positive impact on her public image. Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The foundation has raised millions of dollars for its cause and has further cemented Hargitay’s role as a compassionate and dedicated public figure.
Mariska Hargitay’s Estimated Net Worth Growth Over Time
Mariska Hargitay’s net worth has grown steadily over the years, thanks to her long-standing role on Law & Order: SVU and her various business ventures. Below is a table showing her estimated net worth growth over time:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $40 million |
| 2015 | $60 million |
| 2020 | $85 million |
| 2024 | $100 million |
Future Earnings Potential
As Law & Order: SVU continues its run, Mariska Hargitay’s net worth is expected to grow even further. Her salary per episode remains one of the highest on television, and with no signs of the show slowing down, Hargitay’s earnings will continue to rise. Additionally, her work as a producer and director offers more opportunities for financial growth in the future.
Outside of SVU, Hargitay may also pursue other acting, directing, or producing projects, which could add to her wealth. Moreover, her real estate investments and potential endorsement deals could provide further income opportunities.
Conclusion
As of 2024, Mariska Hargitay’s estimated net worth is $100 million, making her one of the wealthiest actresses in television. Her wealth has been built primarily through her long-standing role on Law & Order: SVU, where she earns a substantial salary per episode and benefits from syndication deals. Additionally, her real estate investments and behind-the-scenes roles as a producer and director have further contributed to her financial success.
In comparison, Kelli Giddish’s estimated net worth is $8 million, reflecting her success as a key player on SVU but highlighting the difference in earnings between the two stars. With both actresses continuing to play vital roles on the show, their net worths are expected to grow in the coming years.