Actress Mariska Hargitay will be taking on a new role on Broadway, leaving behind her crime-fighting character to step into the spotlight of the stage.
Hargitay, 62, known for her role as Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” since 1999, will be replacing Daniel Radcliffe in the Broadway production of “Every Brilliant Thing.”
Radcliffe’s limited engagement in the play ends on May 24, as reported by The New York Times.
“Every Brilliant Thing,” written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe, tells the story of a person whose mother attempted suicide. The characters in the play try to uplift the woman by listing reasons to appreciate life.
Hargitay expressed her enthusiasm for the play, stating, “I’m always drawn to themes of healing and renewal… It feels like an extraordinary gift to make my Broadway debut.”
The director of the production, Jeremy Herrin, shared that he wanted a performer who would bring a fresh approach to the role, different from Radcliffe. He believes Hargitay is the perfect choice for the part.
Hargitay, who recently made her debut as a documentary director, exploring the life of her mother, the late actress Jayne Mansfield, has a personal connection to the themes in “Every Brilliant Thing.”
Mansfield tragically passed away when Hargitay was young, and the upcoming Broadway role holds special significance for the actress.
(Short Context Note: Mariska Hargitay is known for her long-running role on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and is now making her Broadway debut in “Every Brilliant Thing.”) (Short Fact Check Note: Jayne Mansfield died in a car accident at the age of 34.)
