After more than 25 years of portraying the iconic Olivia Benson, Hargitay revealed that she was nearly axed from the series in Season 3

Home

After more than 25 years of portraying the iconic Olivia Benson, Hargitay revealed that she was nearly axed from the series in Season 3

2026/06/29 Report

ADVERTISEMENT

The verdict came in — and this hairstyle was a no-go.

After more than 25 years of portraying the iconic Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: SVU," Mariska Hargitay revealed that she was nearly axed from the series in Season 3.

The actress, 61, came to work with a pixie cut that the producers found too drastic.

ADVERTISEMENT

"My hairstylist had a glass of wine and I really should have known better," Hargitay told Allure Magazine earlier this month. "Maybe he'd thought I'd be aerodynamic when I was chasing perps. I have no idea. We went real short—shorter than anticipated.

The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.

ADVERTISEMENT

The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.

Next page

Law & Order: SVU’s Season 26 Premiere Shocks Fans—Has Benson & Stabler’s Romance Hit a Dead End? ❤️🔥

NBC announces its Fall 2026 premiere lineup, with 'Law & Order' Thursdays returning on Thursday, October 8.

The Drama Just Got Real! 🎉Law & Order Season 25 Shocks Fans with Star Trek Discovery Star David Ajala as NYPD Detective! 🚨

Season 5 of 'Law and Order: Organized Crime' Won’t Be on TV—But Here’s Where You Can Watch It and the Trailer!

Kelli Giddish Returning to Law & Order: SVU for Season 27 After Surprising Exit!

Mariska Hargitay Has the Best Bombshell to Share About 'Law and Order: SVU' Season 26

Mark Your Calendars! SVU Season 26 Premieres Soon with Epic Character Comebacks

Jennifer Lawrence Reveals a Heartbreaking Hunger Games Reunion with Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson

Grey’s Anatomy in Crisis? Major Exits, Fewer Episodes and Possible Nostalgic Returns Leave Fans Reeling

Joy-Anna Duggar’s Surprise Baby Reveal: Evelyn’s Priceless Reaction—and Will There Be a Fifth Child?

Demi Lovato opened up about reconnecting with her childhood best friend Selena Gomez. (

Chiefs Sign Justin Tucker After Suspension as Harrison Butker’s Kicking Struggles Deepen

Erin Andrews Reveals Painful On-Air Meltdown During Lions-Packers Game: “I Couldn’t Speak”

Emma Slater Eliminated From DWTS—Boyfriend Alan Bersten Reacts With Love

Amber Glenn Refuses a “Frozen” Costume—Then Makes the Sweetest Promise to 3-Year-Old Kiki

“I’ll Never Forgive Myself”: Mother’s Heartbreaking Words After Trusted Friend Kills 6-Week-Old Son

Savannah Chrisley’s Fiancé Faced a Shocking Divorce Claim—What Did His Ex-Wife Know?

From NFL Star to Sumo Rookie: Jason Kelce Reveals His Weight-Loss Struggle and the One Goal He Refuses to Abandon

Tyler Cameron Storms Out of Frame After Low Score, but His Heartbreaking Explanation Changes Everything

Oscar-Nominated Actress Barbara Barrie Dies at 95 With Medical Assistance After Cancer Battle