Latest news with #MyMomJayne
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mariska Hargitay Jokes Only ‘Younger People' Didn't Know Her Mom Was Jayne Mansfield
NEED TO KNOW Mariska Hargitay joked that only "younger people" didn't know her mom was Jayne Mansfield during a Q&A following a special screening of her documentary My Mom Jayne on July 17 Mansfield, who died in 1967 at age 34, was a Hollywood icon who starred in films including Promises! Promises! and Too Hot to Handle In My Mom Jayne, which marked Mariska's feature film directorial debut, she examines her mother's life — and reveals a shocking family secretMariska Hargitay's mother, Jayne Mansfield, may be a Hollywood icon — but her fan base runs a bit older. While taking part in a Q&A hosted by HamptonsFilm on Thursday, July 17, Mariska, 61, joked about how not everyone knew that Mansfield was her mom when her revealing documentary, My Mom Jayne, premiered earlier this year. After panel host Molly Jong-Fast noted that "a lot of people had no idea that [Mansfield] was your mom" despite the fact that she's "really, really famous," Mariska replied, "Only younger people don't know. The kids don't know." The discussion followed a special screening of My Mom Jayne at Guild Hall in East Hampton. The documentary, which marked Mariska's feature film directorial debut, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17 ahead of its debut on HBO and Max on June 27. In a press release announcing the documentary, Mariska said, 'This movie is a labor of love and longing. It's a search for the mother I never knew, an integration of a part of myself I'd never owned, and a reclaiming of my mother's story and my own truth." Mansfield — who rose to fame as a Playboy model and an actress, known for such films as Too Hot to Handle and Promises! Promises! — died at age 34 in a car crash in 1967. Mariska, who was 3 at the time, and her two older brothers were in the car and survived the accident. "I've spent my whole life distancing myself from my mother, Jayne Mansfield, the sex symbol," Mariska says in the film's trailer. "Her career made me want to do it differently, but I want to understand her now." "I don't have any memories of her," she adds. In the documentary, Mariska also revealed a shocking family secret that she kept for 30 years. She explained that her biological father is not Mickey Hargitay, the man who raised her, but rather a former Las Vegas entertainer named Nelson Sardelli. She told Vanity Fair that she first learned about Sardelli when she was 25 and then went to see him perform in Atlantic City, N.J., when she was 30. While Sardelli had an emotional reaction to their meeting, telling her, 'I've been waiting 30 years for this moment" — Mariska grappled with "knowing I'm living a lie my entire life." During her discussion with Jong-Fast on Thursday, Mariska shared that she spent Father's Day with Sardelli, 90, this year. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "It was so magical," she recalled. "He apologized and he said, 'Thank you for forgiving me.' And I said, 'Thank you for making the choice that you made.' " "So it's like everyone was right in the end, but I grew up not knowing that," she added. The panel discussion was part of HamptonsFilm's Summer Docs Screening Series. On Aug. 29, Middletown directors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss and film subject Jeff Dutemple will join Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) co-chair Alec Baldwin and artistic director David Nugent in conversation. Richard Gladstein, the new executive director of HamptonsFilms and HIFF, told PEOPLE: "We have a nice platform from which to show our films. And why do films want to come to film festivals? You create buzz and word of mouth about your film. That's what happens at film festivals. You discover films and filmmakers." Read the original article on People
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mariska Hargitay recalls surprise gift of her mother Jayne Mansfield's piano
At a special screening of her documentary My Mom Jayne during SummerDocs series on Thursday, July 17, Mariska Hargitay shared how her husband, Peter Hermann, surprised her with a deeply personal gift last year for her 60th birthday, her late mother Jayne Mansfield 's grand piano. Hargitay explained that the moment unfolded on her first day of filming the documentary in Los Angeles. According to her, Hermann called and told her, 'There's an Uber outside. I need you to get in the car.' She recalled hesitating, but Hermann insisted, telling her to follow his instructions. She recounted that she got into the car feeling upset and gradually became anxious as the vehicle traveled down the 405 freeway, leading her to believe she was headed toward Los Angeles International Airport. When the car switched to another freeway and entered an unfamiliar area, she began to fear the worst. The actress said that thoughts raced through her mind during the ride, even joking that she had momentarily wondered if something bad was about to happen. Eventually, the car arrived at a warehouse where Hargitay found her family, documentary co-producer Trish Adlesic, and cameramen waiting. It was there that Hermann revealed Mansfield's piano, a moment captured on film for the documentary.
Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘My Mom Jayne': Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay crafts a moving tribute to her mother
Mariska and her older brothers, Zoltan and Mickey, were in the back of the car. The children were uninjured, but the driver and Mansfield's then boyfriend, the physically abusive Sam Brody, also died. Hargitay was almost left behind by rescuers, until Zoltan asked where she was on the way to the hospital. They returned to the scene and found her lodged under a seat. She was so young when Mansfield died that she has no vivid memories of her mother. 'It was like this little hole in my heart,' she says in the excellent My Mom Jayne (Sky Documentaries, Saturday, July 12; available on catch-up), a highly personal film that marks her debut as a documentary director. The Jayne Mansfield she knew when she was growing up is the one the world at large knew: the buxom, dumb-blonde sex kitten with the squeaky little-girl voice, which was a put-on. As she grew up, Hargitay recoiled from the image. 'I kind of looked the other way when I heard the public voice,' she says, 'because I knew she was really, really smart'. Mansfield spoke French, Italian, Spanish and Hungarian. She was classically trained in violin. Her teachers considered her good enough to play Carnegie Hall one day. What Mansfield wanted most was to be a serious actor. But in the Hollywood of the 1950s and 1960s, the ditzy, sexy blonde was a more saleable commodity to both the public and the sexist creeps who ran the system. As far as Mansfield was concerned, the sex symbol persona was only ever a tool to leverage her into a position where she could fulfil her ambitions. Instead, it boxed her in and suffocated those ambitions. By the end of her life and career, she'd been reduced to performing in nightclubs and appearing in a few tacky, third-rate movies. It's hard watching the clips of the many appalling indignities she had to put up with, even at the peak of her fame. There she is playing the dumb, man-hungry blonde while entertaining the troops with the odious Bob Hope. There's another clip of the repugnant Mickey Rooney ogling her breasts. Worst of all is an appearance on The Jack Paar Show. Parr, who preceded Johnny Carson as host of The Tonight Show, invites her to play the violin. She begins to play, only for Paar to rudely cut her off. 'Who cares, kiss me!' he says. The audience laughs and she smiles through gritted teeth. My Mom Jayne is Hargitay's attempt to connect with the mother she never properly knew. and to understand why she took on the demeaning persona. She takes a refreshingly unusual approach by sitting down for intimate conversations with her brothers and her mother's daughter from her first marriage, Jayne Marie. It's telling that the two women refer to one another throughout as 'sisters' rather than 'half-sisters'. After Mansfield's death, Hargitay and her brothers were raised by their father, the Hungarian-born actor and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, who was Mansfield's second husband, and his wife Ellen, who became a loving stepmother to them. Mickey, who died in 2006, was by some measure the best thing to ever happen to Jayne. If Hargitay's memories of her mother are fleeting and opaque, there's no doubt about her feelings for Mickey. He was a lovely man and a wonderful father. She adored him, and he adored her and his other children. But despite having as happy an upbringing as possible given the loss of her mother, Hargitay always felt there was something missing. This nagging feeling was exacerbated when her grandmother cryptically told her in her teens: 'I'm all you have.' When she was 25, Hargitay discovered, quite by accident, that her biological father wasn't Mickey Hargitay, but singer Nelson Sardelli, who's 90 now. Life as I knew it was irrevocably changed She was conceived during one of Mickey and Jayne's several splits before their divorce in 1964. 'The bottom dropped out of everything,' she says. 'Life as I knew it was irrevocably changed.' How she coped with that change makes for an exceptionally moving story of forgiveness, reconciliation, understanding, healing and in the end, the strength of family, both immediate and extended. It's a lovely film.
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Must-see TV this week: stars confront sharks, Human and Hotel Inspector returns
From nail-biting drama and showdowns to deep dives and thought-provoking insights, this week's TV schedule has all it takes to keep everyone entertained. Get the lowdown. Seven celebrities go head-to-head with one of nature's biggest predators as they take a trip to paradise in The Bahamas. ITV is challenging the likes of Sir Lenny Henry and Call the Midwife 's Helen George, among other beloved names, to overcome their fear of sharks in a ground-breaking new show premiering this week. Over on BBC2, Ella Al-Shamahi takes the reins of a compelling docu-series as she digs deep into the vast history of the human species, uncovering secrets from around the globe throughout five thrilling episodes. Meanwhile, 5 dedicates another documentary to Kate Middleton 's 2011 wedding, which officially made her a member of the Royal family. It's the perfect treat to help TV fans prepare for the return of Alex Polizzi in The Hotel Inspector 's 20th series later on in the week. Discovery + viewers can also expect more long-distance love, explosive rows and messy shake-ups in the brand new season of 90 Day Fiancé UK while on Sky, Mariska Hargitay reconnects to a beloved Hollywood icon - her mother, Jayne Mansfield. Kate: The Royal Wedding Minute by Minute Saturday, 5 On April 29, 2011, the world watched as Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge. This documentary revisits every unforgettable second, from her breathtaking entrance in her Alexander McQueen gown - shrouded in mystery until the big day - to her balcony kiss seen around the globe with her husband Prince William. With rare footage and royal commentary, this film breaks down the moment-by-moment magic of the big day - including King Charles ' personal involvement. It's a must-watch for royal fans and romantics alike, reliving the fairytale wedding that captivated two billion viewers. My Mom Jayne Saturday, Sky Mariska Hargitay was only three when her mother, Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield, tragically died. In this emotional documentary, the Law & Order: SVU actress uncovers the truth about her glamorous but complicated mother. Featuring never-before-seen family footage and intimate interviews, Mariska sets out to meet the woman behind the headlines. As she confronts secrets and embraces her legacy, this powerful film reveals a daughter's raw journey to finally know her mum - and herself. It's a moving tribute to love, loss and the lasting bond between a mother and her child. 90 Day Fiancé UK Sunday, discovery + Love knows no borders - especially in the fourth series of 90 Day Fiance UK. Seven starry-eyed Brits are risking everything to be with their long-distance lovers from places like The Gambia and Albania. But cultural clashes, jealousy and shock religious conversions threaten their fairy tales. Episode one introduces the new couples as they prepare for their high-stakes reunions, dramatic ultimatums and family clashes. It's emotional, unpredictable and full of visa drama. Can they say 'I do' or will reality ruin the romance? 999: On the Front Line Sunday, More4 Now in its thirteenth series, 999: On the Front Line returns with raw, real-life drama from the West Midlands Ambulance Service. Each episode, viewers are thrown straight into the chaos as paramedics handle cardiac arrests, severe trauma injuries and harrowing road collisions - all in a single shift. With bodycam footage and first-hand accounts, this series shines a light on the critical decisions made under pressure. These frontline heroes bring humanity and heart to the toughest job imaginable - and every second matters. The Couple Next Door Monday, 4 Things get messier in season two of The Couple Next Door. Charlotte (Annabel Scholey) and Jacob (Sam Palladio) are trying to keep their relationship afloat, but new colleague Mia (Aggy K Adams) has other plans. Charlotte begins the new season with a blast from the past - her ex-flame Leo (Sendhil Ramamurthy) crawls out of the woodwork. And Mia starts manipulating her way into the couple's affairs, trust, home and bed. Based on the hit Scandi thriller Dopamin, this sultry psychological drama explores the danger of feeding your darkest fantasies. Human Monday, BBC2 Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi unearths 300,000 years of human history in this ambitious five-part series. Homo sapiens were once just one of seven human species roaming the Earth. So why did we survive? And how did we become the dominant species? Using revolutionary fossil science and DNA tech, Ella travels from African dig sites to South American caves - where prehistoric secrets are rewriting everything we thought we knew. From ten-foot bears to ancient migrations, this is a mind-blowing journey into the shared story of all of us. SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters Seven celebs dive into deep water - literally - in this wild five-part shark series. Lenny Henry, Rachel Riley, Ross Noble, Ade Adepitan, Helen George and more face their fears at they get up close and personal with reef sharks. But the stakes get higher throughout the series, with tiger, bull and hammerhead sharks circling next. From panic to power moves, each star battles their terror with flippers on and heart rates soaring. Who will swim, who will sink - and who will be bait? Below Deck Monday, E4 Set sail for a brand new season of Below Deck, where a young, flirtatious crew juggles demanding yacht guests and interpersonal meltdowns on the high seas. A fresh charter brings champagne tastes, short tempers and high expectations. While tensions simmer below deck, romance and rivalries explode topside. There's no escape when you live at work - and sleep with your coworkers. Expect boatmances, breakdowns and beach parties in paradise. Luxury living has never looked so exhausting. Ladies in Black Wednesday, U Set in 1961 Sydney, Ladies in Black follows Magda (Debi Mazar), the glamorous Head of Model Gowns at Goodes, as she plans her grand departure to start her own boutique. But the shift in power rattles the team - and more particularly her work friends Lisa (Clare Hughes) and Fay (Jessica de Gouw) who have to adjust to their icy new boss, Mrs Ambrose (Miranda Otto). Across generations, these women navigate ambition, rebellion and love with elegance and wit. It's a stylish and heartfelt slice of vintage life. Bookish Wednesday, U&Alibi London, 1946. War is over, but murder doesn't sleep. In this darkly charming crime series, Sherlock star Mark Gatiss stars as Gabriel Book - bookshop owner by day, police consultant by necessity. When a local librarian is found dead in a locked room, Gabriel's curiosity gets the better of him. With support from his sharp wife Trottie (Polly Walker) and newcomer Jack (Connor Finch), it's clear Gabriel has secrets of his own. Expect mystery, mayhem and a touch of noir. The Hotel Inspector Thursday, 5 Alex Polizzi returns for the landmark 20th series of The Hotel Inspector, taking on hospitality nightmares across Britain. She first heads to Devon, where Tracy and Terry run a chaotic guesthouse with an attached spa. Bookings are low, tensions are high and standards are slipping. But Alex brings her signature no-nonsense approach and expert know-how to turn things around - though not everyone is ready to hear the truth. With the future of the business hanging by a fragile thread, it's sink or swim.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Oscars: Mariska Hargitay's Jayne Mansfield Doc ‘My Mom Jayne' Has Qualified, Campaign to Come (Exclusive)
My Mom Jayne, Mariska Hargitay's documentary about her late mom Jayne Mansfield, which dropped on HBO on June 27, became the talk of the town in recent days as people caught up with it over the July 4 weekend. And Hargitay's film directorial debut is likely to remain a topic of conversation over the coming months because, The Hollywood Reporter can report, it received an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run the week before it hit cable — quietly screening at the Laemmle NoHo 7 in North Hollywood from June 20-26, and thereby meeting the Academy's documentary feature Oscar eligibility requirement of a one-week run in at least one of several major cities — and Hargitay and Co. are committed to giving it a real grassroots push this awards season. The Academy's 693-member documentary branch, which solely determines the best documentary feature Oscar shortlist and nominees, has, in recent years, demonstrated an aversion to films by and/or about celebrities. Indeed, it infamously declined to even shortlist well-received docs about Robert Downey Sr. (Sr.), Anthony Bourdain (Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain), Val Kilmer (Val), Alexander McQueen (McQueen), Quincy Jones (Quincy) and Aretha Franklin (Amazing Grace), and opted to shortlist but not nominate widely admired docs about Fred Rogers (Won't You Be My Neighbor?), Roger Ebert (Life Itself), Billie Eilish (Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry), Jon Batiste (American Symphony), Michael J. Fox (Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie), Jane Goodall (Jane) and David Bowie (Moonage Daydream). More from The Hollywood Reporter 'Severance' Leads TCA Awards Nominations "I Love You. Send Bitcoin." Inside the Billion-Dollar Celebrity Impersonation Scam 'Wednesday' Season 2 Trailer Teases Jenna Ortega Attempting to Save Emma Myers or "Die Trying" However, a strong argument can and will be made that My Mom Jayne is not, in fact, just another 'celeb doc,' but rather something more akin to Sarah Polley's acclaimed 2012 doc directorial debut Stories We Tell, in which the filmmaker methodically revealed secrets that she had been keeping about her family. (That film was ultimately Oscar-shortlisted.) Indeed, Hargitay's film — which had its world premiere at May's Cannes Film Festival and its U.S. premiere at June's Tribeca Festival, and is currently at 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with the New York Times hailing it as 'an exceptional family tale' — chronicles not only Mansfield's brief but colorful life and career, but also the way that her 1967 death in a car crash impacted Mansfield's children, three of whom — including Hargitay — were also in the vehicle at the time but survived. In the film, Hargitay, who was just 3 years old at the time of the accident, movingly discusses how she spent the nearly 60 years since then juggling grief, resentment and secrets — including a big secret about herself that she shares publicly for the first time late in the film — before finding healing through the process of making My Mom Jayne. Hargitay told me on Tuesday, 'The messages I have received both directly and through social media since we released My Mom Jayne have been extraordinary. It has been beautiful to see how the story has not only resonated with people, but how many have been moved to engage with their own families' stories in a new way. I am excited to keep sharing this film and deeply grateful that so many have joined me in remembering — and discovering — my mom in this way.' HBO, in a statement to THR, added, 'We're incredibly proud of the film and heartened by the extraordinary audience reception. We continue efforts to raise awareness for this remarkable film.' A fun fact to keep in mind this awards season: Both Mansfield and Hargitay were awarded Golden Globes — Mansfield won most promising newcomer in 1957 for The Girl Can't Help It and Hargitay won best actress in a TV drama in 2005 for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit — but Mansfield never received an Oscar nomination. Rather poetically, this film about her could bring Hargitay one. Best of The Hollywood Reporter The 40 Best Films About the Immigrant Experience Wes Anderson's Movies Ranked From Worst to Best 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts
