Mariska Hargitay's documentary "My Mom Jayne" delves into her mother's life and reveals the surprising identity of her biological father.

Mariska Hargitay made headlines when she revealed that her biological father was not Mickey Hargitay — but was, instead, Nelson Sardelli. Mariska was born in 1964 to late actress Jayne Mansfield ...

During a brief time in 1963-64, Mansfield filed for divorce from Mickey and began dating Italian entertainer Nelson Sardelli. However, Mickey and Mansfield reconciled months before Mariska’s birth.

The documentary details Mariska's late mother, legendary actress Jayne Mansfield, and her affair with Italian singer Nelson Sardelli, thus revealing that Mickey was not her biological father.

"Like my infrastructure dissolved." Brazilian-born singer and comedian Nelson Sardelli with an assortment of 'weapons', UK, 6th June 1972. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) ...

Courtesy of HBO Mariska Hargitay Reveals Biological Dad Nelson Sardelli Apologized to Her on Father’s Day Originally posted on TV Insider | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 5:12 PM ET ...

Actress Jayne Mansfield clutches her dog, "Galena," as she poses with nightclub entertainer Nelson Sardelli in Los Angeles, April 30, 1963.

Mariska Hargitay Reveals Biological Dad Nelson Sardelli Apologized to Her on Father’s Day ‘General Hospital’: Sofia Mattsson Explains Why She’s Leaving & If Sasha Could Return ...