Mariska Magdolna Hargitay (/məˈrɪʃkə ˈhɑrɡɨteɪ/ mə-RISH-kə HAR-gi-tay; born January 23, 1964) is an American actress, best known for her role as New York City sex crimes Sergeant Olivia Benson on the NBC television drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role that has earned her multiple awards and nominations, including an Emmy and Golden Globe.