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Mariska Hargitay’s Journey from B-Movies to Television Icon

Mariska Hargitay emerged as a notable figure in the acting world through her role as Olivia Benson on the crime drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Debuting in 1999, Benson began her journey as a junior detective, gradually ascending through the ranks to become a captain over the show’s impressive 26-season run. This character, portrayed with depth and resilience, has not only made Hargitay one of the highest-paid actresses on television but also earned her two Emmy Awards.

Similar to how Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS defines his career, Hargitay’s identification with Benson often eclipses her earlier works. Her transformation from a little-known actress to an iconic role highlights the contrast between her humble beginnings and her current status—a journey that began with her performance in the 1985 horror film Ghoulies.

In Ghoulies, Hargitay plays the character Donna, part of a group of college students drawn into a chaotic scenario involving demonic creatures after visiting an eerie estate. The film, which has gained a cult following over the years, is now mostly remembered for its low-budget charm and campy execution, making Hargitay’s rise to serious dramatic acting all the more notable.

Mariska Hargitay Started at the Bottom With ‘Ghoulies’

Release Date
January 18, 1985

Runtime
81 Minutes

Mariska Hargitay, akin to the legendary scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis, comes from a Hollywood lineage—she is the daughter of the glamorous actress Jayne Mansfield, who tragically passed away in a car accident when Hargitay was only three. Despite her heritage and striking looks influencing her early acting roles, her performances in films like Ghoulies did not provide her with the opportunity to showcase her skills beyond her appearance.

In Ghoulies, Hargitay’s character, Donna, embodies the archetype of a carefree college student seeking primarily entertainment at a party, ultimately meeting a gruesome fate brought on by the film’s titular creatures. Her character’s screams were even enhanced with sound effects, as her real vocal performance did not meet the film’s needs during the chilling scenes.

‘Ghoulies’ Inspired Three Bad Sequels

Upon its release in January 1985, Ghoulies was quickly identified as a derivative response to the successful 1984 film Gremlins. Despite Warner Bros. efforts to block its release, Ghoulies garnered attention. Though it holds a lowly 7% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it notably earned about $35 million against a modest $5 million budget, allowing it to cultivate a cult following that inspired three sequels.

The sequels—Ghoulies II (1987), Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Go College (1991), and Ghoulies IV (1994)—further explored the bizarre concept, even as Hargitay moved on to different areas of her career. She did not reprise her role in any sequels but continued appearing in various B-movie projects throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.

It Took 15 Years for Hargitay to Be Taken Seriously as an Actress

Throughout the early years of her profession, Mariska Hargitay found herself typecast in roles that emphasized her beauty rather than her acting talent. It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that she began breaking free from these constraints, marking a turning point with roles in films such as Leaving Las Vegas and the failed superhero venture Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.

Ultimately, it was through her captivating and multi-faceted portrayal of Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit that Hargitay finally proved herself as a serious actress. Her ability to resonate with audiences has been a remarkable journey of growth alongside the insightful direction of franchise creator Dick Wolf, who recognized her untapped potential that had been previously overlooked, even in her earlier work like Ghoulies.

Ghoulies is available for streaming for free on Tubi.

Source
movieweb.com