Mariska Hargitay, widely recognized for her dramatic roles, had aspirations of becoming a comedic actress early in her career. Recently, during her appearance on Amy Poehler’s podcast, “Good Hang,” she spoke candidly about her numerous auditions for the iconic sitcom, Friends.
Mariska Hargitay’s Journey to Comedy
Reflecting on her early experiences, Hargitay shared that she auditioned for Friends multiple times. She mentioned, “I did a lot of comedy auditions,” pointing out her attempts for various projects including Seinfeld and Single Guy.
Auditioning for Monica
When discussing specific roles, Hargitay revealed she auditioned for Monica Geller, a character ultimately portrayed by Courteney Cox. Friends aired on NBC from 1994 to 2004 and featured a star-studded cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc.
Turning Points in Her Career
Despite her comedic ambitions, Hargitay found herself navigating a serious career path. After her role on ER as Cynthia Hooper, she faced uncertainties regarding her future in acting. “I had a development deal with DreamWorks, and I was developing a show,” she recalled, reflecting on her comedy aspirations.
The Influence of a Psychic
During a pivotal trip to New York City, Hargitay met a psychic who made a profound impression on her. He predicted her future fame, saying, “You’re going to be famous for that face.” Despite this encouragement, she remained focused on her comedy dreams, insisting, “I’m going to be a comedian.” However, her fortunes changed dramatically.
Embracing a New Path
Six months after her meeting with the psychic, Hargitay landed the role of Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. She has portrayed this character for over two decades, with the series currently in its 27th season.
- Mariska Hargitay auditioned for Friends multiple times.
- She aimed for the role of Monica Geller.
- Her notable auditions included Seinfeld and Single Guy.
- Currently stars on Law & Order: SVU for over 20 years.
- Series is in its 27th season.
Though Hargitay did not fulfill her sitcom aspirations with Friends, her journey reflects the unpredictable nature of an acting career. Today, she is celebrated for her long-standing role in a groundbreaking series that blends drama with occasional comedic elements, thus fulfilling her passion in a different way.
