June 25, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA
Mariska Hargitay reveals family secret and honors Jayne Mansfield in HBO Max doc ‘My Mom Jayne’. Streaming June 27.”
TV icon Mariska Hargitay is making waves across the U.S. after sharing some eye-opening personal revelations in her upcoming HBO documentary, My Mom Jayne, which is set to premiere on June 27 on HBO Max. This deeply moving film explores the life, legacy, and heartbreaking death of her legendary mother, Jayne Mansfield, and it also reveals a surprising truth about Mariska’s biological father.
What Is My Mom Jayne About?
In this captivating documentary, Mariska takes us on a journey through the glamorous yet complex life of her mother, Jayne Mansfield — a 1950s Hollywood icon known for her beauty, who tragically lost her life in a car accident in 1967.
But here’s the real twist: Mariska uncovers that Mickey Hargitay, the bodybuilder everyone thought was her father, isn’t actually her biological dad.
Who is Mariska Hargitay’s real father?
Through emotional storytelling, Mariska reveals that her real father is Nelson Sardelli, a 90-year-old Italian-American Las Vegas entertainer. She says she found out at age 25 when someone showed her a photo of Sardelli, and she immediately recognized the resemblance.
“It was like everything changed. My whole identity changed,” she said.
Although Mickey raised her and was a loving presence until his death in 2006, the DNA discovery opened a new chapter in her life.
Remembering Jayne Mansfield’s Tragic Death
Jayne Mansfield tragically lost her life in a horrific car accident at just 34 years old when a truck collided with her vehicle in Louisiana. At the time, her daughter Mariska was only 3 years old, but she managed to survive the crash along with her siblings.
This heartbreaking event led to the creation of the “Mansfield bar,” a crucial safety feature that is now mandatory on most trucks in the U.S. to help prevent similar underride accidents.
A Tribute Through Style :
To pay tribute to her mother, Mariska recently donned a stunning beaded suit on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, drawing inspiration from Jayne Mansfield’s legendary look at the Cannes Film Festival back in 1958. Fans hailed it as a “beautiful tribute,” celebrating the heartfelt bond that connects mothers and daughters across the years.
Where to Watch :
• Title: My Mom Jayne
• Platform: HBO Max
• Premiere Date: June 27, 2025
• Directed by: Mariska Hargitay
• Run Time: ~90 minutes
• Festival Screenings: Cannes, Tribeca Film Festival
Why This Story Matters in 2025
Celebrity Family Secrets: Americans love raw, honest revelations — especially from someone as respected as Mariska.
Hollywood History: Jayne Mansfield’s name still carries weight — her tragic death remains part of pop culture.
Public Safety Impact: The Mansfield bar continues to save lives in truck safety.
Women in Control: Mariska’s role as director, narrator, and daughter is inspiring a new generation.