Introduction
Mickey Hargitay was a Hungarian-American actor, bodybuilder, and Mr. Universe titleholder. He was known for his work in movies such as “Slaughter on Tenth Avenue” and “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?”. Hargitay was also famous for his relationship with actress Jayne Mansfield, with whom he had three children.
Early Life and Career
Miklós “Mickey” Hargitay was born on January 6, 1926, in Budapest, Hungary. He grew up in poverty and worked as a coal miner before moving to the United States in 1947. Hargitay began his career as a bodybuilder and won the Mr. Universe title in 1955. He then transitioned to acting and made his debut in the movie “Iron Man” in 1951. He went on to star in several movies and TV shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Relationship with Jayne Mansfield
Hargitay met actress Jayne Mansfield in 1956 and the two began dating. They got married in 1958 and had three children together: Miklós Jeffrey Palmer Hargitay, Zoltán Anthony Hargitay, and Mariska Magdolna Hargitay. Hargitay and Mansfield were known for their extravagant lifestyle and often made headlines for their public displays of affection. However, their marriage was not without its problems and they eventually divorced in 1964.
Later Career and Legacy
After his divorce from Mansfield, Hargitay continued to act in movies and TV shows. He appeared in the TV series “The Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island” in the 1980s. Hargitay also worked as a personal trainer and opened his own gym in Los Angeles. He passed away on September 14, 2006, at the age of 80.
Legacy and Personal Life
Mickey Hargitay’s daughter, Mariska Hargitay, followed in his footsteps and became an actress. She is best known for her role as Olivia Benson on the TV series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”. Hargitay’s other children, Mickey Hargitay Jr. and Tina Hargitay, also pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Hargitay is remembered for his contributions to the world of bodybuilding and acting, as well as his role as a father and husband.
