Good Hang with Amy Poehler - Mariska Hargitay

Episode Date: October 21, 2025

Mariska Hargitay never gets tired of a bit. Amy hangs with the 'Law and Order: SVU' star and talks about playing Cynthia Hooper on ‘ER,’ teasing Christopher Meloni, and seeing 'Hamilton' 27 times.Host: Amy PoehlerGuests: Christopher Meloni and Mariska HargitayExecutive Producers: Bill Simmons, Amy Poehler, and Jenna Weiss-BermanFor Paper Kite Productions: Executive producer Jenna Weiss-Berman, coordinator Sam Green, and supervising producer Joel LovellFor The Ringer: Supervising producers Juliet Litman, Sean Fennessey, and Mallory Rubin; video producers Jack Wilson, Belle Roman, and Aleya Zenieris; lighting director Caroline Jannace; audio producer Kaya McMullen; video editor Drew van Steenbergen; and booker Kat SpillaneOriginal Music: Amy Miles Visible. Live in the know. https://www.visible.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you're with Amex Platinum, you get access to exclusive dining experiences and an annual travel credit. So the best tapas in town might be in a new town altogether. That's the powerful backing of Amex. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more at Amex.ca. Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Good Hang. Very excited about our guest today, the one, the only Mariska Hargatay. We have wanted Mariska to come by for a very long time. We're so happy that she's here and we're going to talk about a lot of very exciting stuff. We're going to talk about her beautiful new HBO documentary, My Mom, Jane. We're going to talk about the fact that she's America's favorite detective. We're going to discuss what parts we would play. in an all-female version of Hamilton.

It's a great interview, and let's get started listening to it. But, oh, but before we do, guess who we have? You know, we always like to talk to somebody who knows our guest, who has a question for our guest, and we got a good one. We got Christopher Maloney. That's right. Detective Stabler is here. And you may know him from Oz and from SVU and from Law & Order Organized Crime. Most importantly, you might know him from his star turn in Wet Hot American Summer, where I met him.

But Chris Maloney is joining us today. Chris, can you hear us? This episode is brought to you by Palm Olive. Some of the best memories you'll ever make are around the dinner table. You'll never regret trying out those new recipes that may or may not go sideways or putting on a spread so big that your in-laws are still talking about it years later. brownie points. So when it comes to the dishes, it's nice to know there's a product that works as hard as you do. Palm Olive Ultra removes up to 99% of grease, leaving your dishes sparkling

clean. Visit palmolive.com shop now. How are you saying? How are you, friend? I'm fantastic. So good to see you. Thank you. Where am I talking to you from? Are you in the city or? Do you know what the irony is?

I'm staying at Mariska's place. Get out of here. How cool. Yeah. And I can't show it to you because I haven't been authorized. No. But it's super secret. It's like a layer.

You remember the Bat Batmobile? Yeah. It's a fence that goes down and you go into a cave and the fence goes up. I mean, it's really, it's crazy. Oh, you have to like put your hand on a sensor and it only, and it reads your fingerprints. Yep, everything, yep. God, you know, this is all just,

this is also satisfying for listeners that you're staying at Mariska's house. Yeah. Okay, before we get to her, though, hello, hi. Hi. We got to know each other on a cult classic, a film called Wet Hot American Summer,

which, I mean, some could argue you stole that movie right from under all of these sketch little shrinky dinks you just came in. Thank you. That's really sweet because I just look at the whole piece as you know, to me it's the epitome of a cult classic.

I actually, in fact, when it did not do well at the box office, I remember, you know, I'd been in the biz long enough to go, you know, wah, wah. I had a great time, I thought it was great, whatever. And then all of a sudden, you know, over the years you keep seeing these young people or being stopped in the street by younger people. And you're like, okay, am I crazy or is this a thing that's happening? Yeah.

And that was so exciting. Let's talk about what you're working on. Are you shooting currently right now? No. I want to play the head coach of a football team in the NFL. I mean, you definitely have a coach vibe. How do you stay so fit? Oh, man.

You know, four or five days a week. Oh, my God. You know, and as you have, as I, look, I've been working out. I calculate, and I think the longest I've not worked out is maybe two weeks. Oh, my God. And I've been doing that for 50 years. That truly sounds like a nightmare. Yeah.

And it was, yeah, it is. but now it's my drug of choice so it's all good yeah i get it i mean it's a fantastic thing to invest in yourself and it feels good and it's it it it lengthens your life and all of it it but man yeah yeah that's a lot of that's a lot of hard work well i i on behalf of everyone everywhere thank you congratulations all the little people thank me all the little actors in hollywood the frail little actors. Now, Mariska and you, I mean, you've had to answer a million questions over the years about your relationship on the show and off the show and on shows and off shows. But it really is

truly like you are family to each other. Yeah. How would you describe, you know, your relationship to each other? I think it was based, I think there's a strong quarterstone. that is comedic-based. We both are constantly in search of great comedy. And, you know, we've literally tested out on each other. We used to, in between setups, we would act drunk and then critique each other. Go to guess, no, this is too much.

No, no, bring, okay, there, go ahead. I used to say, too, when I had to play drunk, the first thing I would do is I would take a big, step closer to whoever I was talking to. See, that's good. Spatial awareness is gone. Just one step closer. Because I know those people.

You know, they do this thing. And you're like, okay. Totally. Okay, so you and Mariska like to do bits. Like, yes. This is something that for a split second. She was talking about she was looking, you know, she was going out on dates a lot.

Or she was going out on dates. and I said you should be dating a guy named Gerald and why it struck us as funny we don't know but all of a sudden she had a phantom

guys that she dated that she was really in love with but it was difficult to manage with Gerald sure there's nothing like a fake boyfriend yeah

but I mentioned I said I go Gerald's here but I told him to get lost because you were working. In the middle of, like, you know, setting up a scene. And she goes, gosh, Chris, you're not allowed to do that. And she starts running out.

She goes, Gerald! Now, there you go. It makes no sense. Is that any particularly funny, but it's just funny to us. I love a bit. God, I mean, it's the only way sometimes to get through a long day is a dumb bit. Yeah, and I'll say this because the genesis of where I drove us, your question was, you know, what's the secret to the sauce? And so, you know, it's the comedy.

But I would also add that there's something spiritual in it. And I think that's in her nature. And, you know, perhaps it's an aspect of mind that I recognize. Do you think you knew each other in a past life? Oh, that's funny. Yeah. I don't think in those terms, even though I feel that way like New York to me, is that to me that when I arrived in New York, I went, I don't even know what this thought is, but I should have been born here. That's so funny you say that. I felt the same way when I came to New York. I thought, oh, right, this is the city I'm supposed to live in.

Right. Oh, you know something? I can check this box. I'm no longer lost. That's how it felt to me. Interesting. I mean, I wonder if there's like, there's all this like spiritual, speaking of spirituality, there's all this idea that there's like people in your life.

And I can think of some for me who just, when I'm, them, I was like, oh, there you are. And they became part of my life. They're now, you know, we're all of the age now. We're now we're knowing and working people with people for 25 years, 30 years. And suddenly it's like there's some version of a, you know, a group that was supposed to come together. You're funny. I have the same thing. And I've never put it in those terms. But when I walk away from someone, I'll say this. That's a side. Solid citizen. But you go, that's someone that you can build a community with.

Yes. That's a solid citizen. And it makes me, you know, again, makes me laugh at this. Oh, I love that. That's a solid citizen. I love that. Okay, speaking, so we're talking to very solid citizen, Mariska Hargatay today. Yeah. I'm very excited to have her in the studio.

Mariska and I have gotten a chance to see each other out in the world, but never really had a real conversation. And I've seen her, you know, at, you know, I've been. lucky enough to be part of the many good works that she does. And of course, I'm a huge fan of her work and I've been very moved by her recent film. But there's a lot of sides to her. And I feel like you get, you know, that everyday work environment thing is like you really get to know someone. And so I guess do you have a question for me today that I could ask her? that you feel like she never gets asked or that, you know, I don't know, she would like to be asked about. She is the consummate multitasker, and it's a gift that I marvel at.

You know, she's a good connector of people, so she has a wide spectrum of the world as well as a very keen, incisive mono-imano engaged, with people. She can assess people very well and engages them, always from a kind of a pure heart. She's always trying to find the solution or the good. And I guess, you know, a question, what is that, what's the driving force of all of these things? And did you know that, you know, did you start out,

oh, I'm going to be an actor? And then when was it, when do the tumblers start to draw? I love what you're saying because like figuring out the why of things The why of the journey, yeah. That is like to me that, you know, like what a

curiosity is about like she seems like a very curious person and I would be and I'm curious about her curiosity basically. And you know, that's what I thought made her documentary about her mom so poignant was the clarity of what the

journey was right? The genesis of it, her feelings, the things that needed to get resolved for her, the deeper insight. Oh, my God. Oh, we lost video again. Hey. But that's okay. No, no, hold on. Do you have me?

We have you. Do you know why I lost you? Mariska just called me. Amazing. Amazing. She's like, what are you talking about? She goes, why won't you pick up? Are you naked?

Do you want me to call her? Yeah, let's call her right now. Because I think she's on the way here. Does she know you're doing this? No. Amazing. No, so hold on a second. Don't say anything.

What? What's up, girlfriend? But I just, I felt so happy that you're there. I really am. I'm so happy. I want you to enjoy it and just text me. or Sophie, if you need to figure out how anything works or whatever. Okay.

Do you, do you, and was that a hint? Do you want a nudie? Could I? But first of all, I'm so sorry. I'm so gross about those lemons. I went through a bite, a shit ton of lemons because I loved having lemonade there all the time. Seriously. Well, I saw your lemonade sign.

I saw your big lemonade sign right there. Hey, where are you going? What are you doing? I'm, right now I'm going to Amy Poehler. I do a podcast. You know, I've met her, but I don't, like, know her or anything. And then I'm doing that, and then I just have meetings for, like, now that I'm a mogul, I've met him.

So why are you laughing? Why are you laughing? No, no, I love him with all my heart and soul. That's all. I was just playing you. You've always loved her. Since day one, I love you more than you know. Thank you so much.

Ciao. I'm here. that was a lot when i tell you when i tell you that you guys should start an only fans where people pay to hear you guys face time that was incredible i got very nervous that was actually i actually started to sweat because that was like a high school version of like hearing how somebody was going to talk about me thank god she didn't say anything bad what if she had said i have to go do this dumbass podcast well number one i trust that, you know, she's not that, that.

But I love that she didn't want to offend me. I'm like, eh. When you said, eh, I was like, Mommy, are you nuts? She just wants to play. She's the best. I love talking to you. I hope I see you soon. Good.

I love you, Amy. Thanks, Chris. Great to see you, buddy. This episode is brought to you by Visible. You know that one friend who's always the first to know about everything. They've got a dozen tabs open constantly on their phone. end in their head? To be that friend, you need wireless that can keep up. Visible is the ultimate wireless hack that lets you live in the know so you can follow a rabbit hole as long as you want.

Get one-line wireless with unlimited data, talk, and text for $25 a month, taxes and fees included, plus Visible runs on Verizon's 5G network so you can get great coverage and a reliable connection without the premium cost. Ready for wireless that lets you live in the know? Make the switch at visible.com. See Visible.com for plan features and network management details. I was walking out of my apartment this morning and some lady, it's a very sweet lady goes, oh, my son goes to college where she went to college. And so she said, oh, your son, he's so great, blah, da. And then I don't know how my age came up.

And I go, yeah, I know. And now I'm 60. And she goes, don't tell anyone your age. And I go, and she's probably 70. And I go, why? I'm proud of it. And you know, 60. So cute.

60 is very hot. 60 is the new hot. 60's hot. Yeah, it is. That's why I get so happy for people that turn 60. I'm like, trust me, sweetie. It's all just beginning. I know.

I mean, people get really bunched up about age. I want to talk to you about it too because I do think like... I will get into it. I love talking about it. Okay, because I bet you like me, like it's only getting better. Only getting better. Only getting better. And I'll tell you something.

I remember when I turned 40 and I thought, and I used to tell people, oh my God, life begins at 40 because my 20s were super hard and really struggled. And then 30 you go, oh, okay. So now it's a new beginning. But then 40 is when it really kind of kicked in and I got married and had kids. And then 50 you go, oh, I'm in it and I know how to do it. But 60 gives you a new permission. We learn no, but no with love.

and we learn like, oh, this is how much time I have left. And I'm so grateful to be alive. And I want to spend my time in the best, most useful, productive, loving, generous, but also generous to myself way that you go, I'm just so clear. There's a clarity to 60. Top of Act 3. 60s is top of Act 3. That's exactly right. And bottom of Act 2 can be a little, there can be some like some, some clarity.

reckoning. Yeah. But top of act three, you're like, all right, let's do it. Let's do it. But also, listen, you're the teacher of this also to everyone about, I really, I really do, like, I would say humor and comedy has saved my life. And like a person who can make you laugh when you're really down is like an angel. It's exactly right.

Those are the words out of my mouth. And sometimes I'm so, this is why I'm still married. Because my husband, sometimes I'm so upset or if something's happened and I'm so scared and I'm like, no, no, you don't understand. Or I think I'm having an anxiety attack. And then I'm like, no, Peter, something's wrong. I think something's wrong. I feel a thickness, a tightness in my chest and I might have to go to the hospital. I can't feel my right arm.

And I think I'm going to die. He immediately goes in to the comedy. Yeah. As soon as I laugh, I go, because that's his test, the litmus test. Yeah. Should I be scared or not? And I'm so grateful for that. Me too.

I'm so great. I'm profoundly grateful for that. Even when my kids do bad things. I call them losers. And then they say, oh, it must be, it's not that bad if she's calling it. And we laugh through it. I know. I mean, that kind of like, I've said this before, but like, gentle teasing is like a love language that means you're safe.

I'm safe. We will get through this. I know. We'll get through this. I know. And, you know, gentle teasing, even hard teasing. Hard teasing.

Hard teasing. I learned that from, well, Chris Maloney was my teacher. This guy played so rough. Yeah. And was the first person that busted balls so hard. But I did grow up with two brothers. So I was like, oh, oh, is this how we do it? Is this how we do it?

And we were so rough on each other. But then it became truly. our love language. Okay, this leads me to say what I was going to say later in the interview, but I have to say now. Oh, God. Which is we do a thing at the beginning of the interview where we ask someone to speak well behind someone's back. Okay. And we kind of ask like, we do a little like Zoom with somebody. Oh, I'm talking to Mershka today. Do you think, you know, have any questions I should ask her. So we talk to Chris. Oh. And not only did we talk to Chris, but we just talked to him 20 minutes ago and he answered. Oh my God. Look at me starting to sweat. Okay, I'm sweating too because he

answered your phone call while we were on Zoom with him. And I wrote back and said, why won't you answer my face time? Are you naked? That's what I said. Just answer my face time because he's at my house right now. Okay. We know. We know he's at him. Because he was talking so lovingly about you. I mean, absolutely. He's going through your drawer. He's going through all of it. I'm frightened. He is. First of all, thank you for not saying anything bad about me because it was like,

Maloney put us both on the spot in the best way when he was like, what are you doing? And you're like, I'm going into Amy Poller's podcast. And I was like, oh, my God. Wait, you were on the phone. You heard what I said? Yes. And I said, you love her. Yes, you were so nice.

And it was, and so, like, while I was talking well beside someone else's back, somebody else talked well behind my back. That is so. That is so sweet. That's very healing. Thank you. By the way, is there anything better than that than having somebody have your back? No.

There's nothing better. There's just nothing. I was talking to my sisters this morning. I'm worrying about it. It's everything to me. Well, Maloney's got your back. Yeah. And you guys have, I mean, I want to get into it because it's, to me it speaks to like

this bigger idea of like how our workplace becomes like a second home and our family. But you guys tease each other in a way that to me is like that's what what it looks like with the people I love. That's how I show my love. And people don't know you're in the groundlings. Like comedy first. Always. How did I end up as America's sweetheart sex cop? I should have been you. I wanted to be you. I wanted to be a lot or. I was like, oh my God. I wanted to take it seriously. All I wanted to be was you. I was like, oh, my God, she's... Oh, my God, all I wanted to be like, be like, listen to me.

Yes. And everyone was like, no, babe. No one's going to listen to you. Oh, my dream. Okay, I'm going to try to think we could make this happen. Freaky Friday that shit. Yeah, we'll Freaky Friday that shit. I mean, because I would watch and I was like, God, to have that gravitas and to play those scenes and to be able to be in charge

instead of being like, doing, doing, doing, do you. But I'm in real life, I am. You wanted to be doing, doing, doing. Because you start, wait, how old were you when you did groundlings? God, that was many a year ago. Many of the 20s, right? Yeah, 20s. And then Kathy Griffin always tells me.

In her book, she tells a story about how she dropped me. Also, out of it, she was holding you? She said we did the trust exercise. And then I, of course, I'm like, you know, yes, and. And she said that I just, you know, leaned back and she dropped me. Dude, you don't remember that? I don't, and I also think maybe that's part of what's wrong with me now. When you were auditioning in the beginning, were you going out for comedic stuff?

Yes. I did a lot of, yeah, I did, you know, I did Seinfeld and I did single guy and, you know, I tested for friends. You did? So many times. Oh, yeah. Do you remember? I think it's Monica, I think. So long ago again.

But I always thought that I would end up being on a sitcom or doing comedy. That's what I thought. Yeah. And it was so funny because this is one of my favorite stories that you will love. So I'm in L.A. struggling actor was doing, I think it was after, after ER. Yeah, after ER, I was like, what am I going to do? What am I going to do? I loved ER, but I was like, I had a development team.

deal with Warner Bros. Dreamworks. And so I was developing a show, and it was sort of like a la, what's the show with Callista Flockhart. Oh, yeah, Allie McBeal, where it was half drama, dramedy. And that's what I wanted to do. I was like, I wanted to do drama, but it has to be funny because that's what I felt like my gifts were. So I came to New York, which I did three times a year to see theater, and then I met with the psychic. Everyone said to me, Oh, my gosh, Mershka, you have to meet with his psychic. He's amazing. So I drove out somewhere on Long Island to this man, and I went there, and he started saying

all this amazing stuff to me, stuff about my mom and stuff about a ring. My grandmother had just died, and he said there was going to be an issue with the ring, which there was. And then he said, he looks at me and he goes, I was listening to him really intently like this. And he said to me, Amy, you see that face you're doing right now? you see that face? And you just look like that. I said, yeah, he goes,

you're going to be famous for that face. You're moving to New York and you're going to be famous for that face. And I said, no, I live in L.A. And I'm going to be a comedian because I'm funny and I'm pretty. And that is a deadly combination. I am going to be a comedian.

And he looks at me. And this is my favorite moment in my life. He goes like this. I don't give a rat's ass. what you say, you're going to be famous for that face. Six months later, swear to God, are my children, I got us for you. Woo-woo.

Right? Woo-woo. And it was one of those things where you just go, but I don't know, who says rats' ass? Yeah. Is that not the best line you ever? Here's how I talk about psychics. Like, I love a bossy psychic.

Yes. Because, sure. You know what I mean? Just tell me. And tell me with confidence. Because if you're insecure, I'm out. And I'm going to forget what you said anyway. I'm going to forget.

I'm only going to remember the parts that came true. That's right. And he said, I don't give a rants ass. Six months later, I was walking around doing that face going, where were you Tuesday night? Okay, so, guys. God, I want to do that so bad. It's so good. I'm going to make this happen.

Well, you know, let's talk about you were on ER. And you were incredible on that show. And can you just tell me before we get to your. incredible show, what it was like to work. Change my life. And your performance on that show is very tender. Thank you. I love your performance on that show.

That character was, I felt very vulnerable and very funny and very sweet and tender. And to me, what was your character's name? Cynthia Hooper. Thank you. Cynthia Hooper's working at the desk, being like overwhelmed and being in love with Dr. Mark Green. played by Anthony Edwards, and being like, is this the right place for me? And it was so interesting to watch that character on that show at that time, because the show was about like, we're all here with a mission. And there was someone that was like, or maybe I'm, or maybe I shouldn't be here.

Yeah, very much so. And it was so nuanced how you played her, loved her. Oh, thanks. Amy, what was that experience to be on that show? You know, we all, we lived through what ER was. is the pinnacle of all television. I mean, it was the greatest show on the planet, and acting was so next level. And I look back at it, and I think of how that show really shaped me, and those actors shaped me, and how invested they were, how amazing they were,

how it was acting like I'd never seen, but I knew I didn't know how to do exactly what they were doing. it was it was like a little out of my league but I watched them so skillfully and so in such a beautiful nuanced way I think that was when I went I want to do that I want to do that whatever they're doing that's so masterful and skilled and that was sparkly I love that you're bringing this up it was such a turning point in my life because of enacting, the truth is it's both, right? It can be so tragic. But then it's so funny, right? Because we panic. You know, our heads get squeezed. We don't know how to deal with it. All we can do is laugh. And so it was such an

integration moment. One of the greatest gifts I think that my dad ever gave me was Mariska, you can learn from everyone around you. So I've always been like, if you don't know it, watch and learn, watch and learn, whether they're younger, older, anyone, watch and learn. So I did. And I do attribute so much of my success to those days of watching these masterful actors and going, I want to do that. You have this moment. You're on that set. You're learning what kind of actor you want to be. Can you walk us through how SVU comes into your life? Because it is, I mean, it's, that's, that's, show is beyond a TV show. That show is not only like a cornerstone for a network, a franchise, but it's also become, you know, an iconic American experience that show. And you

are the captain of that ship. And I'm sure all of these things you are now able to reflect and kind of process and hopefully enjoy. But at the very beginning, when it's not a treat, yet, and it's just a little tiny seedling, what's that experience you walking in, finding out about that show, auditioning for it, meeting Dick Wolf, scary to scary. I'm scared of Dick Wolf. I'm sure he's so young. You know what, Dick Wolf wasn't scary to me then because I didn't fully know who he was and what he represented.

And, you know, I don't know if you've talked to Chris, but if he told you about our audition. No. The experience was pretty magical. in terms of, in terms of, I mean, listen, I have this personality, and Chris and I, I think where we bond it is that we both have that sense of humor, that sense of play, that sense of risk, that sense of, I love you, it's safe, so I'm going to beat you, you know what I mean? And so that's where the trust was built. And it came immediately. So I had read for SVU. He obviously had read for SVU.

And so our callback was three women, three men. Mm-hmm. And we got to the audition and we were to be paired up. Yeah, a lot of people don't know that, that you, an audition sometimes you just get like a dance partner and it can make or break your chance to get on the show. Period. Because it was about chemistry.

Yeah. So my agent said, oh, my God, there's an amazing guy there. His name is John Slattery, and he's reading for the role as well. Inwatch Chris Maloney and I go, Slattery! And he goes, Maloney! And so minute one, that's how it opened. That's how it opened. Because I didn't know what either one of them looked like in 1999.

And he came in, and I didn't know there was going to be 47 people there. So as soon as Chris comes in, I'm like, slattery, it's going to be me in slattery. And he goes, Maloney. And then I said, Chris comes in and, you know, he's like wearing no clothes. Big surprise. And so he has this huge cross. And I'm like, oh, my God, you're a Christian. You're just getting it wrong left and right.

And it goes like this. Yeah, no. And I go, then why do you have Jesus Christ on your arm? He goes, because I admire his commitment. And I'm like this. Okay. Got it. Got it.

And it was such a, I was like, okay, well, there's that. I've never met anyone like you, but I like it. And so we're sitting there and then everyone comes in, and then we got paired up. And that was the end of it. Because I knew he was going to get it. I knew that he was Elliot Stabler. I knew it. I knew it.

Wow. And so the other people, I think he felt the same way. Yeah. So as soon as they paired us up, we were like, oh, okay, partner. It was interesting. It was overwhelming to get back to your question. It was utterly overwhelming. I loved the script, and I loved the progressive nature of the show.

I loved the subject matter and the fact that they were willing to tackle it. and I loved Chris. What's so interesting about your performance in the show and your dynamic together is you trade kind of like masculine and feminine a lot back and forth. That's right. And the dance is really interesting. And in other hands,

that character of Olivia Benson would feel a little one-dimensional because she would feel kind of cut off from certain parts of herself. But what's been so interesting And what I'm sure he brings out in you and you bring out in him is the like the ying and yang of those people. Very much so. And I changed very much when he left. But also that was done by design.

And because as soon as I got the role, I went through a 40-hour training and became a rape crisis counselor so I could fully understand because I was entering in such a new world. And I wanted to understand the cops of it. I wanted to understand victims' advocates, rape crisis counselors. and sexual assault from a, you know, more holistic viewpoint. And there was so much for me to learn. And so once I became, you know, did the 40-hour training, I went, oh, I am not going to play this, you know, like a hard-nosed detective woman who's trying to fit into a man's world and be masculine. I am going to be all of myself because that's where, as women, our power lives. Yeah.

But also that's where anyone's power is, is when they have the ability for integration, right? And to say, I'm this and I'm this and I'm this. What you don't want to do is let is be put into a box or let anyone put you a box or put other people in a box for that matter. And then we learned very young, I mean, very early. We weren't young. There was nothing young about us when we got the show. But we learned very early that the show was only as good as the guest cast, right? So then we became very, with the guest cast, and we would just, like, help everyone.

And it became really, and that's one of the things I think I'm most proud of is, like, when you step on to SVU, some people come on and they're just unbelievable and talented and they understand it. And some people, they're nervous or they struggle or they don't fully understand the character or they don't, whatever. We have, like, 16 safety nets in place that they, it's very hard to fail on our show because we got you. I mean, you're often someone's first job. You're often, like, Adam Scott was on here, and he talked about how he did a long-in-order episode. I don't think it was my show. No, it wasn't as for you. And I'm really upset because I'm so obsessed with Adam Scott and all things severance.

And I think it was with Jerry Orbach, who also I used to hear was like, really, like, if you showed up and you knew your scene, Jerry would love you forever. If you didn't know your scene, hit the road kid. Yeah, like chop, chop. Yeah, I got a hard out of five. I get it, Jerry. There's a steak waiting for you and more. like you've got to get out of here. Period. Period. Period. Of story. Yes. But what, who were some people? You must have seen a lot of people

that have come through that you thought, you saw them at the beginning of something. Is there anyone that you could- Abigail Breslin? The two people that I went, holy, holy God, were Abigail Breslin. She was so young on the show. She kept doing this dance between takes and going like, some kind of dance she was doing and then I started doing it with her and then we would just do it and it was some funny little nursery rhyme schick I don't know what it was

but I would just do it with her and then they'd say action and I swear to God I don't think I've ever seen anything like it she would turn one tear and start like lip quiver one tear

no acting but like I said I remember going what the are you like Merrill Street I said are you like Merrill Street and she'd be like

I don't know If I think she'd go back to her nursery rhyme. And I was like, oh, there's something this kid is touched. Yeah. She is so magical. Savant. And then there was another person. Another person that I called it, and I remember saying it to her, is Megan Fahey.

When she did the show, I was like, let me tell you something. I'm just going to tell you right now, you're going to be a big movie star. You're going to be a huge star. And I don't like use that word because it's so like, star. What does that even mean? But I just recognized her, A, talent. be light and see she was like she was so sparkly internally like an internal sparkle and there's just been people that have come through where you go oh oh wow and it's it's almost

like an effortless yeah beautiful light and it's so exciting it's so exciting to see them go on and go I called it totally I And also to your point, like, I'm just so in awe of the fact that you, in working with the material on a daily basis, then made sure that you were able to handle the material in your personal life, like, that you knew, like, okay, I'm going to really get trained here. So I not only know what I'm talking about, but I imagine you anticipated, because I know you do get people who approach you with very personal things. I do. Yeah. Listen, the subject matter of the show is the reason I started Joyful Heart, my foundation. Yeah, talk about that.

Well, I just felt like I can't, when I found out the statistics, which was one out of four, one out of three women in their lifetime will be sexually assaulted. One out of six men in their lifetime will be sexually assaulted. And when I learned those statistics, I was like, stop, hold please. Why is everyone not talking about this? This is an epidemic. This is something that affects everyone. If you're at lunch with three or four women, one person has been assaulted.

And so because as soon as I started the show, everybody, because it was, you know this, it's on television, it becomes water cooler conversation, and then it's okay to talk about. Yeah. And that was the power of SVU, is that you had these horrific stories, true stories, ripped from the headline stories, being told, and then you had a fierce, protective father figure and a fierce nurturing mother figure, which was, you know, Chris and I to protect you. And that's all anybody wanted. So I think that a lot of it comes from the fact that there's space to be heard. And think about everybody, every person on this planet,

all we want is to be seen, to be seen and listen to. That doesn't always happen. But when we're listened to, half of it and believed, half of the injury can go away. And so I know that that's how I heal is being listened to and believed. And so I think the character who listens, who believes, and then feels a need to fix and protect, obviously, is going to create safety because that's all you want. But I also, I can't save the world. I can't, I'm just trying to do it.

But what I can do is teach people about how we begin. I teach people how we can listen and live in a more compassionate, empathetic, and kind way. And simply by listening. And simply by believing and simply by saying, I'm so sorry that that happened to you. It's like tectonic plates shifting. Well, it kind of gets back to what we were saying, which is it's not so much always about the doing of the thing. It's just about the sitting in the feeling of the thing. It's sitting in it.

There's not as much to do as you think. That's exactly right. And I think to go back to how we started this conversation, I think that is the clarity of being old. and understanding. And for me, it's been more about learning to be tolerant, tolerant with myself. And the more tolerant I've become with myself or my own pain, the more internal space that I've had, which is why I was able to make my film. Yeah. So let's talk about your film. And Chris's question to me for you is a perfect segue into the film, because Chris wanted me to ask you when we were talking well behind your back and then he took a phone call from you and then

you talked well behind my back thank god um but no but chris wanted me to ask you like and it's kind of what we've been talking about today there's a curiosity to you you you don't want to just figure out you know you don't want to just be outraged about things that are wrong or not working you want to figure out the why behind things the why is very important to you and he was wondering where do you think that comes from? And that question made me think about your film because, you know, for people, you know, it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. My mom, Jane, Mariska made a beautiful documentary about learning more about herself and her mom and her entire family and all the connections there. And it felt like that exercise.

size in trying to figure out the why behind your origin story feels like it also exists in other things that you do and work and in life and in your family right now. Is there a connection there? Is there figuring out the why? Yeah, it's funny. My mom, my stepmom just actually texted me yesterday. This sort of why of it all is just coming up right now in a very crystallized way, which I love when sort of everything sort of comes together like that. But yeah, I think that I've spent a lot of my life trying to make sense of things, of chaos. And also, I'm living a life right now that I never thought that I was capable of living, living, right? And so I still am trying to put together the pieces of why.

And what those jenga or Lego pieces were that helped build it, right? And so for my film, I was just trying to understand these people and their decisions. And so I wanted to go in with this disciplined curiosity because... I had jumped to so many conclusions. And because I felt different my whole life and, like, I didn't belong. And then when I found out, what I find out in the film, I was like, why would he not choose me or claim me? Like, what's wrong with me? Why would she leave me in this mess?

Why did I feel? What were the things that were set? Why did, like a little detective child? I was like, okay, this doesn't add up, this doesn't add up, this doesn't add up. And I wanted to understand why. And I also wanted to just have somebody be straight with me. I mean, Mirjka, it's so deep what you're saying, that that is little, like that is detective child then becomes in real life this powerful detective on television who is advocating

for other people to get answers while she's spent, you know, the, the, the, the very most important beginning years of her life trying to figure that out for herself. Yeah. And I think that, you know, I don't think I could have made this movie before now. Yeah. I had to build the infrastructure. Yeah. Right? To make sure that it was solid as a rock. One of the most beautiful things about the film is, you know, this idea that you're toggling between kind of like yesterday and today and your present, you're such a beautiful family. And you have such a wonderful partner in Peter. I do. And that we're, we're looking at. We're relationship watching that in real time is so moving. And also just, like, sexy and fun. Like, you guys are a lot of fun together. I've had the opportunity to see you together. And you're a really,

like, you spoke about it earlier, like the way in which he can kind of joke you off of the ledge. Like, you guys have fun with each other. You enjoy each other. You've been married for how long? 21. And you met on SVU. Chris and I were so, that was what was hard for people. And a lot of people said it, we were so in our own private Idaho and we would just be joking, joking. And it was such intense energy between us that I think people were like, I can't play on that level. Do you know what I mean? I can't.

I'm sure it's like that on you guys with SNL, people go, oh shit, this is some next level shit. Oh, yeah. Like sometimes when I would kind of, you know, have someone around all the comedy people and they would just be doing bits and bits and bits, I'd look over it. to a person's face and they'd be like, get me out of here. Yeah, yeah, no, I can't imagine. Help me, help me. Yeah. And or also like, I don't know how to get in there.

Okay, but Peter, tall Peter. Tall Peter. How tall? Six five. Damn. Six five. Six five. No, it's so crazy with Peter and I, and I'll taste something.

That was another thing that my dad said to me, he goes, Murska, find out where you're going and then who's coming with you. Oh, that's so good. But Peter and I just, you know, I didn't get married until I was 40. And we dated for two years. And then once he asked me to marry him, we got married in four months because I had to do it over hiatus. You know what I mean? And so it was like, okay, chop, chop.

They were like, and we're rolling. And yeah, we're rolling. And so then it was just, it's been a, you know, I'm so grateful for me that I don't think I could have handled a marriage earlier. I don't think I'd be married. I was just too, had too much to learn. So I just went straight to like, you know, the second husband. Yeah, smart. Yeah, right?

Yeah, smart. And so it's just good. You know, I'm just grateful that I had a little bit more of life experience. And what's your communication style? Like, how do you guys, you know? It's so genius. How do you, yeah, how does it work? I'll tell you something.

We have a skill that I wish I could teach. You can. You could start a seminar right now. What we do is there's like tension, like somebody will say something that'll annoy me. And then there's this brilliant thing we do. And I think it's brilliant Because it's, again, it's comedy It always works

Where we do this thing Where we switch roles Right But you do a thing like If I said Peter You know, I'll get mad at him Because he'll leave his clothes around And he leaves little messes everywhere

And I'm like, why can't you just pick your shit up And put it Like why does it have to be in every room Everywhere he goes There's messes everywhere Just tiny little pile And I'm like And he's so tall

that the piles must be huge. Huge. That's exactly right. And I'm like, why? Do you see how much effort I put into having the house neat? I need the mental space for something to be organized. There's so much going on. And so then he'll do, I'll get like mad and we'll have things. He's like, I just left it for one second, whatever it is. And then he'll come in and left a cup and he goes, how many times have I asked you? It's really important to me if you could just, and then he'll say exactly what I said. So what it means is he gets it. He really gets it. And it works with. And it works with everything. So you meaning he key he he he he parents back to you what you said but from his point

but but like as if he it's as as as he takes it's like wife appropriation well I think it's actually what they do in couple therapy which is basically like say back yes yes but he does it as it's his and my the problem now is because I'll do it to him I go like he'll sometimes I'll say the wrong word and he's like I wish you'd be more thoughtful with your words because he always says the right word and I say the gist, right? I'm a gist person too. I'm a gist. And so I go, you know what I mean? And look at all this gesticulating I'm doing. So you could feel me. I could, my energy is coming at you. And he's like, just be, take a second and maybe think about it. But all in our house, the comedy thing is

we just rip on the kids. Same. I mean. I just say don't do that because if you do that, you're a hack and a loser. Is that what you want to be? Is that what you want to be? Totally. And people come over and they don't know us. They're like, oh, shit. And I go, yeah. To me, that is what intimacy. is that. I've said this before, but like, politeness is for strangers and for people that we don't know. Like, by the way, I don't feel safe around polite, because then I'm like,

me neither, because what are you thinking? I promise you, I won't torture you. I won't play games with you. And don't, and please, if I go, do you like this? And someone goes, no. I go, great. I want to know if they don't like it. We're exactly the same this way. Yeah. Somebody came to me and said, do you like these shoes? And I went, nope.

And it helps with directing, doesn't it? Because you just make really fast decisions. I say, do you know what I do on his head? You can't ask them. When I'm directing, I go, guys, guys, oh, you suck. And I'll say that. I go, oh, my God, you're so bad. We'll be in the middle of the day.

I'd say, you guys are so bad. I don't know what just happened, but I'm embarrassed for you. Let's cut and try that again. But now they know what they love. Yes. But they also know I'm right. Yes. And also, you know what I love about you, Mariska, is I knew that you would.

Tell me. I knew you wouldn't do this podcast unless you wanted to. I wanted to so bad. Because I know that you don't really do things you don't want to do. Not anymore. Right. That's the, that's kind of like the reward that one gets. If they're trying to stay true and they're trying to be a good person.

One of the rewards, if you're paying attention, is you might get to a point where you really try to stay true to what you want to do. Yeah. And so I get comfort in that, like, you're here because you want to. to be here, not because someone told you to be here. No, exactly. Okay, but let's get into some real questions. Okay, hold on, guys.

This is rapid fire. Speaking of directness. Okay. Rapid fire. Let's go. Jalen Brunson. Love. People are so jealous of me.

I know. I like it. That cutest relationship ever. How did that start? He loves you. I love him. I know. You guys love each other.

I think it started. New York Knicks, Player for the New York Knicks. I mean, it's just. the sweetest thing. And it's just, it's just like another one of those meant to be. Sometimes I don't even question things. I think Jalen was brought up on SVU. You know what I mean? I think his dad, Rick, I, every time I say that I laugh, it sounds like I'm named driving Rick. Rick and I were like this. But Rick, Rick, Rick loved SVU. He watched it, Jalen. So I think the first time I went, they were like, oh, like, you know, they was in that. And then we connected and it was just easy and

effortless, and I'm, you know, huge basketball fan. And I got to meet Jalen also before he was Jalen. You know, he's Jalen now these last, what, three, four years, right? But it was, it predates that. And so it's so beautiful because he, there was just such a, he's so sweet. He's such a killer and such a captain and such a leader, but he is so, like, soft and mushy and sweet and kind. And he's such a lover of his family. He's so good. And so I just feel so honored to be in his orbit. Yeah, it's really, I really do. It's crazy.

It makes you feel good. Yeah. Okay, strange. I'm sure you've had a million of strange things happen to you shooting in the streets of New York. Yeah. Anything that stands out like a moment of pretty wild New York, like, you know, only in New York moment. Well, there's the old one we're shooting and then people will just come up to us right while we're in the seat and start talking.

And then be like, oh, you know, there's the old one we're shooting. my God, I love your show. And I'm like, well, that's good because we're actually shooting it right now to see that camera. And they're like, oh, I got high. And then they keep talking. So that I like. Okay. Or there's the opposite of that when people have said to me, and Chris, Chris was there.

I love this one. I don't really get you show. I don't get you or your show. And I'm like, well, okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for the in-person feedback. It doesn't speak to everyone.

And they go right up and tell you. Do you think of yourself as a New Yorker now? I do. You do. I do now. Yeah. Okay, what about, who should play you in the movie of your life? I always, let's think about this. Oh, God, that's a good one.

I mean, it's, because it's like, do we want, do we want, I feel like it's got to, I feel like it's like a, there's this really good girl. I can't think of her name. I think it's Kate Blanchette. I think Kate Blanchette plays you in the story of your life. I like it. Now, you are really thinking outside the box here, sister. I'm not this movie, no?

I want this movie. Oh, good, and it's a Cape Lanchette. I think it's, well, I'm going to go with the Megan Fahey. See how I go. Nice. Megan Fahey is you in your 20s and 30s on ER trying to figure it out. And then we cut to the shoot at the same beautiful. And it's Cape Lanchette.

Beautiful blue eyes. Go ahead. You're right. Okay. Have you always had such nice hair? Yes. Yes, I have. Your hair is incredible.

Well, my hair was good. Was good. Well, my hair was good. I didn't love, I had some bad years on SVU and it turned red and short. I did some Martha Washington stuff that was not good. We always did. We all been there. So there was some stuff that I, there was not good.

That combined with like bad Botox, I had some bad years. We all have had some, we've all made some choices that we regret. Yeah. And we have kind of like, oh, we're just tosseled and loose. But I have so much fake hair and I don't even want to take it out on the table. It would be horrifying. Do you know that I didn't wear fake hair today because I was like, Because you were like, Amy's not going to wear it.

I know. She goes, do you want to put in a piece? I go, no. Amy's like just real and natural. I'm totally real. And she, I just want to be like Amy and half that. 25 pieces of fake hair. Okay.

Next time I come, should I be invited back? I'm going to look like Rapunzel. I want full volume. How badly have people screwed up your name? Oh, I still live with it. Who was it last night? Oh, I had a lunch yesterday. I had a brunch yesterday.

for my sister, and my cousin was there. Your own cousin. I've known him since 1994, and he kept calling me Mariska. And I, at one point, I go, and then I said, no, just let it go. And then Chris and my friends, when it happens, because it happens on set a lot,

now on the call sheet, it's M-A-R-I-S-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-K-A. That's how I put it on the call sheet, just so people go, oh, okay, got it. She's big on the H's big on the H's. But he was calling me, I get called Maritza, Marseica Marquisca but Chris

will call me Maritsa and on set just to confuse people Oh yeah Marisa Marita and Marissa you know I'll tell you who learned it

All of America and the world The world learned it But it's Mariska Mariska And what does it mean What does that name mean? Oh gorgeous talented one

Way of sunshine Queen of, queen of, queen of, queen of, queen of something, queen of, queen of straight talk. Yes. One with thick, luxurious hair. That's it. It means it's a nickname for Maria. It means little Maria. In Hungarian, the K-A or K-E on the end of a name, it just is like a little endearment.

So the name is actually Maria, after my grandmother, both of them, Hungarian and Italian. See the film, people. That's right on HBO right now. Such a good film. It's such a good. But don't you kind of love that both grandmothers? Beautiful.

I'm the same name. Maria. Maria? You're a Hamilton fan, by the way, because I was just about to sing. So hardcore. Me too. Did you see it 27 times?

No. I win. Two seven? Two seven. And by the way, my claim to fame and when people say, like, when did you know you were famous? And I go, when I would call Hamilton or just show up at the theater and they'd go, they'd bring a chair and put it in the audience.

And I'd be like, what? You earned that. You earned that. I was so like, I've made it. You earned that. I don't even have to have a ticket. You know how much those tickets were? No, they were like, let's get Maryska her chair. Just get her her chair. I was like the old woman. I didn't even mind. You went by yourself. And I'd go in with a cane. That is a 27 times. I know. And I just had this great actor on SVM.

last episode and he's now in the show and so he was like oh i'll be there so i'm it's even a thing where the new cast members want me to come see oh that's so have you ever done broadway broadway yes that's how um that's how you're supposed to say well thank you broadway that's how i know i want to do broadway i want to be in an all-woman hamilton fuck right you and me was straight talk okay wait a minute we would be Aaron Burr and And Hamilton. Well, who's who? Let's get, let's take a minute.

Let's go slow. Okay, let's go slow. Slow it all down right now. Who's who? Aaron Burr, because. I think I, I think you might, I think I might be Aaron Burr. That's what I was going to say. You swear?

Yes, and not just because I want to be Hamilton. I want you to be Hamilton. I think you are Aaron Burr. And I feel like I could get the rage. I think, I think you have a gravitas. that Aaron Byrne needs because, and I think I have a, um, like a,

like a... I know all the lines though, do you? An energy. I don't know all the lines. I get, you, maybe you should do both. But you just do there and then you lip sync to me. I'm a stage. But the only problem is one thing.

I can't sing. No, but maybe we do it like in top speed. Well, God is fair. We don't need to. One thing you can't do, babe. We can't say it. One thing. You can't think.

Oh, that's funny. Ask me more questions. Okay, okay. Okay, what's making you laugh these days? What do you, is it what I ask, I always ask my guess, what do you like, what do you listen to do, do, read, like, you know, to lighten up, to laugh. Nate. Nate, Fargozzi. Oh, love Nate.

He's my favorite. He's so funny. I don't even know who, I don't even understand what he's doing. Okay, let's break him down because I love him. Well, it's the, it's, he's like, mastered this. like kind of slow guy that's a genius, right? That's the schick, right? He's like he's kind of slow and dumb, but he's smarter than everyone.

Yes. I love him so much. And can I tell you why also I love him? I was in L.A. I didn't know who he was. And I was with my friend. And she said, I think that's Nate Bargotsie. And I said, who's Nate Bargotsie?

And he goes, that's August's favorite comedian. So I went up to him and I go, are you Nate Bargotsie? Hoping I'm saying it, right? He was like, we're shooting right now. And he goes, yeah, I am. And I go, well, I, my son loves you. Can we call him? Mariska, you did not.

No, I swear to you. I swear to you, I did. And you know why I did it? Because do you know how many people do that to me? And I thought that I had good karma. I had good call karma. And you know what he said? Yeah.

And so we called him. And I'm like, August, you did not. For God's seen. He's like, hey, man. I love him. Love him. He's so funny. Do you watch a lot of stand-up?

Do you like to go to see stand-up? I love good comedy. It's my happy, that is my happy place. August, that's what we love. But I'm all so critical. Yeah. So not funny. Yeah.

And I don't know who I have to judge. You can judge as much as you want. I like. I feel like comedy is like music. Yeah, that's true. You just like who you like. You like their song, whatever it is. I love it.

And I love Nate. And I love... You know what I'm listening to do late in night before I go to bed? I don't know why I love it so much. Is that Jim Carrey bit doing vanilla ice? Hold on.

Okay, it's an in-living color sketch. This is it. And he's dancing? Watch, just listen it. Oh, my God, he really looks like him. He kicks his shoe off. Just watch. Is that not the best thing?

This was so fun. I know, but can you imagine how excited? Because I said, I used to see you around. Well, we, I don't even, I don't see you anymore. And I remember. I remember. What do you remember? Just that you're good and sparkly and beautiful and kind and you bring joy.

Thanks, Mariska. And Chris doesn't like anyone. Yeah. He really is a very judicious guy. And he loves his family. He loves his kids. And he has like three friends. He likes me.

Yeah. And that's pretty much it. And I just remembered, like, he just loved you. Oh, that's nice. That's very nice to say. I was so funny that I called him today. Okay, Marischka, you're the best. This was so fun.

I told you, she's like, are you ready? I was like, sweet out, I'm born ready. Thank you so much, Mariska. That was so fun. That was such a good hang. And, you know, in this polar plunge, I just want to take a second to say, let's picture a world in which Kate Blanchett plays Mariska Hargatay in a movie of her life story because I would watch it.

And if there's any producers or financiers listening who want to partner up with me on that, and Kate, if someone can get this message to Kate, I think that that would be a great project. And I've been asked before, if your life was a movie, who would you want to play you? and my answer is very simple, and that is Meryl Street. I want the best, and I can't guarantee the movie will be good or interesting in any way. Honestly, it'll probably be a flop. But Meryl at the helm, it's going to be a good performance. So Meryl, Kate and Meryl, I'm assuming you're together.

Please call us at 1-800 Good Hang the movie, hashtag Marisha Hargatay's. movie hashtag slash life life rights and we'll get this going okay sorry i'm i've lost i've lost the plot okay bye bye you've been listening to good hang the executive producers for this show are bill simmons jena weiss burman and me amy polar the show is produced by the ringer and paper kite for the ringer production by jack wilson cat spilane kaya mcmullen and a laia zanaris for paper kite production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles.