Mariska Hargitay

Mariska:(On what keeps her sane and well nourished on the set) Non-fattening dark chocolate fortified with all the vitamins and nutrients I need... I wish. Actually, its largely about staying away from the craft-services table and making sure there isn't a bag of chips in my hand when we're waiting to get our last shot at 1:00 a.m.

Mariska: (On what about chocolate draws people in) Chocolate is the first luxury. It has so many things wrapped up in it: Deliciousness in the moment, childhood memories, and that grin-inducing feeling of getting a reward for being good.

Mariska: (On which she prefers cooking or eating) Eating. Especially if its not my turn to do the dishes.

Mariska: (about Law and Order SVU) When you see a girl like me bustin' perps, there ain't no time to be pretty.

Mariska: And I'm not going to give up wine for life. Everything in moderation. It's not about being fat or thin. I'm a full figured women. It's about, How am I going to keep up my energy? If I'm supporting myself, I'm supporting my kid. If I'm happy and healthy, I can be a better wife and mom, I can do a better job.

Mariska: During certain times of the month I can eat healthily, and other times I'm like this. (she rolls up her sleeve and slaps her veins) With the chocolate.

Mariska: You know how you wake up in the morning and sometimes you look gorgeous and other times you look like you got hit by a mack truck? I realized that my mack truck is food. If I have no sugar, yeast or wine, I have no undereye bags and my skin is perfect.

Mariska: (on acting the crimes that are ripped from the headlines) It hurts to live in a dark place of something that really happened.

Mariska: When you're healthy and have your loved ones around you, it put things in perspective.

Mariska: I'm so utterly grateful, and therefore I'm happy.

Mariska: (while playing on the set of her SELF magazine photo shoot) It's the little things in life, right?

Mariska: (on what her motivation to resume working out is) I want to be a fun mom. Not a gasping for air mom.

Mariska: When my body is strong, I feel stronger inside. I feel more capable of handling emotional situations. Usually I'm more of a inside-out person, but this was a great case of me from the outside in.

Mariska: If I eat clean, I look 10 years younger.

Mariska: (on helping people) It inspires and replenishes me.

Mariska: When I was in my early 20s, I had my hair permed. Bad idea! It turned into total frizz. My advice to women is, if you have nice hair already, don't get a perm – leave your hair alone!

Mariska: (on how she clears the room after a party) I say good night; go in my room and shut the door. Party over. And they still don't leave, sometimes they sleep over.

Mariska: (on how she would feel about not traveling without August) Thankfully we haven't had to think about that yet. I want to go back to Africa, but we will wait until he's old enough to enjoy it, too. I think because I work 14 hours a day and my schedule is so crazy, we just want to enjoy every moment with him. There's really nothing better than August.

Mariska: (on if she's a big 'just in case' person) Absolutely! We bring the medicines that you would need, just in case. Since teething has been the newest challenge, I'll try to bring a lot safe things he can bite on. Rattles, teething toys, little cell phones, etc.

Mariska: What aren't my must haves. Packing's not my strength, so I always bring way too much stuff. Too many clothes, toys, sleepers, blankets... too much of everything (I guess that's what happens when you're a first time mom). Even packing his diapers takes a lot of room, a whole suitcase! And of course I have to color coordinate. (Laughs) The stroller, the formula, all the bottles, all the toys, the rain jackets, the just in case.

Mariska: (On does she travel with a nanny) Sometimes. Since I usually travel for work, when Peter can't come, I need the extra set of hands. I think that is one of my greatest luxuries. I'm always in awe when I see Moms, especially Moms with multiple children, doing it all by themselves. They are heroes, the superstars. When I grow up I want to be just like them.

Mariska: (On if she baby proofs rooms at hotels.) Yes, one of the things I request is that they remove the normal glass table (or any low tables with sharp edges) from the room and replace it with a cushioned ottoman. My pediatrician told me that most toddler head injuries are caused by bumping into tables or tipping and falling onto them.

Mariska: (On hotels) I always go to the same hotels when I can. And I love it because everyone knows me and now the whole hotel knows August. They always have toys for him, a crib, a changing table, everything. The entire staff is so great. I am a creature of habit and I love routine, so going to the same places is important to me. I like that feeling of safety, family, and familiarity.

Mariska: I pride myself on being August's mom. I think having a baby - especially one that's happy-levels the playing field. Regardless of our career, when it comes to being parents, we share the same profession. We are all in it together. I am always so grateful for all the moms I meet that are willing to share information. No matter how fancy our job or what people project onto you, all of a sudden you're just a mommy and I love that.

Mariska: (when asked Does she find it difficult when all eyes are on her in the airplane? Especially trying to entertain August) As soon as we had a kid, we became so compassionate toward other people. You go from being that person who would get annoyed at the sound of a crying baby, hoping it would just go to sleep, to the one who is completely empathetic toward the parents, hoping the baby is okay and wondering if there is anything you can do to help. Now,we're all in the same boat. We're on the same team, which is one of my favorite things about becoming a parent. I feel like I'm in the club now.

Mariska: (when asked about what she did to handle the nightmare flight with August.) Anything! Everything! We let him play with earphones, and anything else we could get our hands on. So many times we pack all of these toys that should keep his attention, but in most cases he's more interested in the stuff that he's not supposed to play with like computers, pencils, cell phones, etc. Thank god for the reading lights in between the seats, our very kind and patient fellow passengers and gracious flight attendants.

Mariska: (when asked what is different about flying with August now that he can walk) It's not pretty. From the second we board, he wants to explore. We were recently on a nightmare flight from LA to New York. Because of extreme turbulence, the captain had the fasten seatbelt lights on for almost the entire flight. I didn't know what to do. August was just miserable and did not understand why he couldn't get up. He's such a curious and social little guy. I think he was going stir crazy sitting in a chair. That was hard. He cried a lot. I did, too.

Mariska: (when asked What are some of the unique challenges flying commercially?) The challenges have just begun. When August was a young baby, everything was so easy... all I did was either nurse him or give him bottles on take off and landing. The rest of the time he was content sleeping on my lap.

Mariska: We coordinate our work schedules so we're always together. Peter just got his show [Cashmere Mafia], which shoots in NY...if the production was going to shoot out of town, he probably wouldn't have done it just because we don't want to separate the family and be apart from the baby.

Mariska: (When asked if there are any rules when she and Peter travel.) Rules? Peter and I are never apart for longer than two weeks.

Mariska: (On what she would like see happen to Olivia Benson) I would love for Olivia to experience being a mom. She's such a compassionate, protective person. I always describe her as a lioness protecting other people, yet she's so sad and lonely and her whole life is her work.

Mariska: I often work 14 to 16 hours a day and he (August) has gotten too big to hang out at the set, as he did when he was an infant and I was nursing...We try to cram as much as we can into the weekends but the weeks of being with August every day during the strike was a very special time. The show is so great; you couldn't ask for a better writing team or cast. It's creatively fulfilling. But when I'm there, I am torn. Other than that, I have to say I'm a pretty happy detective.

Mariska: (On the writers strike) The writers strike had a silver lining for me. I was blessed to have that time with August.

Mariska: I think people were expecting me to be that kind of glamorous sexpot. So they were always, Wow you're not what I expected.

Mariska: (On her baby talk) Of course everyone says they hate baby talk, but mine was not annoying.

Mariska: (On does she have date night with Peter) Date night? We just want to hang out with August! We do a lot of dancing at our house-he's a little dancer.

Mariska: I've been doing voices my whole life. Friends used to wind me up at parties, like, "Do Joan! Do the realtor!" To this day they're like, "you're on SVU? It doesn't make sense."

Mariska: Everything has combined to make my life in New York an amazing experience. I told my manager a few years ago that I wanted to move here and try acting in the Theatre. Then this show came up. Now I'm in this show that means something to me and a lot of other people.

Mariska: (On the disturbing aspects of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) When I read the script sometimes, it's like 'Christ! Enough!' I can't sleep at night sometimes. There's the occasional script that just hammers you, that you can't shower off.

Mariska: (When asked would she ever get a Myspace page.) Never. I do not condone Myspace and it disappoints me that people are posing as me. I think it is unsafe for anyone under 18 to have pictures and personal information on the Internet. You should never ever give out your address, phone number, or full name to someone you don't know.

Mariska: (When asked if she smoked) No way, no how, nowhere. I value my lungs and my life way too much.

Mariska: (On her father) He was my greatest champion, always encouraging me to follow my dreams with everything I had and to never give up. He is responsible for the person I am today and I will always be grateful that he had a chance to look into his grandson's eyes and pass along his love and strength.

Mariska: What a beautiful and bittersweet year 2006 was; the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I became a mother, something I had dreamed about all my life. Then shortly after my son, August, arrived, I lost my father, Mickey.

Mariska: (When talking about the worst item in her wardrobe) My big pink bunny suit with feet. That is something that I love so much and I will not throw it away no matter what. My grandmother gave it to me. It is the cosiest, most comfortable thing. I wear it at Easter. I am not afraid to do the ears.

Mariska: (when talking about her favorite item in her wardrobe) I have a T-shirt that is the most beautiful blue that my husband made for me with a big "S" on it. It's [short for] a name that my husband named me. But I won't tell you what it is.

Mariska: (when talking about Law and Order SVU) I'm living every ten-year-old boy's fantasy. The other day, Chris and I had this big scene where we had to pull out our guns, and I was thinking, 'Here we are in New York City— a place where every actor wants to be— and we are literally playing cops and robbers. How great is that?'

Mariska: (when talking about learning to play golf) I had no connection or natural ability. Usually you have beginner's luck and it hooks you, but I had none. I got intimidated and frustrated by the swing. Golf made me feel like a loser. So I dismissed it.

Mariska: (when talking about learning to play golf) I thought, you can't be up here and not play golf, because it's so gorgeous. So I went out and tried to hit some balls.

Mariska: (when talking about winning the Golden Globe Award) It was a surprise. I didn't think I was going to win. I just thought, 'What an honor to be invited to the party.'

Mariska: (when talking about her career as an actress) As an actress, there were so many months, years even, when I didn't get work, when I wanted to quit.

Mariska (when talking about her marriage to Peter Hermann) It's my first marriage. I wanted to find out where I was going before I found out who was going with me.

Mariska: (when talking about her role on SVU) I'm an L.A. girl who became a tough New York cop.

Mariska: (when talking about her SVU costars) Belzer, with his gallows humor, is so great and Dann comes up with the best lines. Everyone is a comedian. That's how we survive this show.

Mariska: (when talking about being nominated for her Emmy Award) When people say that I'm the frontrunner, I laugh. I'm nominated with Glenn Close - like I've got a shot.

Mariska: You make sacrifices to become a mother, but you really find yourself and your soul.

Mariska: (on her son) I have so much love that I didn't even know about.

Mariska: (When asked in a interview what her favorite episodes of SVU were) I love them all but I believe that my favorites are Birthright, Charisma, Weak, Rage and Intoxicated.

Mariska: What I'm capable of. What we ALL are capable of. Being on SVU is great, but it is incredibly demanding. When I first started I was like, Who works this hard? And now, six years later, I do and I don't even think twice about it. It has been such a gift. Without incredible challenges how would we discover how much we have to give? It's opened my eyes to the plight of victims. And helped me find new ways to make a difference in the world. Without SVU, I would've never started the Joyful Heart Foundation.

Mariska: (on their son, August) We stare at him, we're so in love. This is what I was meant to do.

Mariska: (describing the changes made to her SVU dressing room for August) A big crib, and there will be all kinds of shelves for toys. I'm also getting a rocker, so I can sit and hold him. It's going to be all baby - all the time!

Mariska: (converting Peter's office into a nursery for August) The ceiling has a big beautiful blue sky that's a giant print of a photograph Peter took. We also found this big, old toy airplane and we're going to hang it from the ceiling. It's just wonderful.

Mariska: (on her son, August) When I first heard him cry, that's when I lost it. I feel like I've waited for him my whole life.

Mariska: (on becoming a mother) I've never been happier in my life. This is all I've ever wanted.

Mariska: (when asked what it was like to work with Chris Meloni) He is simply amazing. One of the most passionate, dedicated, talented actors I've ever worked with. He's a genius. And a hot one at that.

Mariska: (regarding an autographed photos) Due to volume, I am unable to accept requests via email. If you would like an autographed picture, please send a SASE (Self-addressed stamped envelope—9x12 manilla and an .87 cent stamp are perfect!) to: Mariska Hargitay 1357 Broadway #321 New York, NY 10018 Requests without proper envelopes and stamps will not be fulfilled. Please allow at least 8 weeks for delivery. If you live outside the U.S., please use proper country postage.

Mariska: Yes, I'm madly in love with each and every one of them. They are a joy to work with and are gifted comedians. Might sound hard to believe, but sometimes I feel like I'm on SNL instead of SVU.

Mariska: Yes. I did more research than I ever wanted to and saw some things I wish I didn't. I went on ride-alongs, spent time with Homicide, Cold Case, and SVU detectives, hung out in subways learning how to spot pervs and pick-pockets, viewed an autopsy, went to a police firing range, and witnessed court cases and I read, read, read.

Mariska: I do on occasion slap handcuffs on unsuspecting pedestrians if that's what you mean. Seriously, though, I'm a girl who loves to laugh and Olivia never smiles. I'm also a bit of a chicken and she's a total superhero. There have been a few times when I've seen a problem or an accident on the street and I've sort of taken charge like she would. I guess it's Pavlovian. Putting that gun on in the morning definitely changes me. When I take the gun off, I'm usually done and I'm a big fan of a skirt and three inch heels.

Mariska: The biggest tip I could give you is to get enough sleep and drink loads of water (a bottle of Fiji water is like an American Express card--I never leave home without it). I truly believe you are what you eat. If you treat your body right inside, you will have a healthy glow on the outside. In terms of make up, I think less is more. You'd be surprised how much a little mascara and the palest lip gloss will get the job done.

Mariska: I am proud to be a role model for my viewers. I am finding out that helping victims is as or more rewarding the all the awards I wins.

Mariska: Speak The Truth. Seek The Truth. Be The Truth.

Mariska: Being sexy is just one part of being a woman and an actress. But if the part calls for sexy.

Mariska: When you see a girl like me bustin' perps, there ain't no time to be pretty.

Mariska: (about working on SVU) It's been quite an education doing this show and living in New York at the same time, and being exposed to so many different kinds of people.

Mariska: (during the Emmys) I already feel like I've won. It's an honor to be nominated. Really, unless you're an actor, you don't understand. To be nominated in the same category as Glenn Close?

Mariska: It's a life's journey of finding ourselves, finding our power, and living for yourself, not for everyone else.

Mariska: (about being a mother) This is what I was meant to do. You make sacrifices to become a mother, but you really find yourself and your soul.

Mariska: We were 20 minutes from home, so Peter found a cop and we had sirens on and were running all the real lights like an episode of SVU.