Mariska Hargitay, known for her iconic role as Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” shared insights about her past auditions for the hit television show “Friends.” She revealed this during an episode of Amy Poehler’s podcast, “Good Hang.”
Auditioning for ‘Friends’
Hargitay recounted her extensive efforts to land a role on “Friends,” stating she auditioned multiple times. She indicated that she was pursuing the character of Monica. Despite her talent, she faced stiff competition during the audition process.
- Auditioned for ‘Friends’ repeatedly
- Tested for the role of Monica
- Participated in many comedy auditions, including ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘Single Guy’
Pursuit of Comedy
Initially, Hargitay believed her career trajectory would lead her to comedic roles. Throughout her early years as an actress, she insisted that she was destined for comedy. Even when offered serious roles, her desire for humor remained.
She expressed her beliefs about her comedic talents, stating, “I’m funny and I’m pretty.” However, her aspirations shifted after a significant encounter.
Psychic Predictions
During a challenging period as a struggling actress in Los Angeles, Hargitay consulted a psychic. She traveled to Long Island based on recommendations from friends. The psychic provided unexpected insights about her future.
He notably predicted that she would become famous for her unique facial expressions. Despite this revelation, she clung to her comedic aspirations, saying, “No, I’m going to be a comedian.”
In a surprising turn of events, just six months after this meeting, she landed the pivotal role of Olivia Benson on “SVU.” This position has become a significant part of her identity and marks over 25 years in the role, making her the longest-running live-action character in primetime TV history.
Key Takeaways
- Mariska Hargitay auditioned for ‘Friends’ multiple times.
- She envisioned a career in comedy before achieving success in drama.
- Her role in ‘SVU’ has led to significant acclaim and longevity in television.
To hear more about Hargitay’s journey and aspirations, listen to her full interview on the “Good Hang” podcast.
