Who plays Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU?

Mariska Hargitay plays Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Hargitay has portrayed Benson since the series premiered in 1999. Benson begins the show as a junior detective in Manhattan’s Special Victims Unit, which investigates sex crimes, and gradually rises through the NYPD ranks. She becomes a sergeant, lieutenant, and eventually captain and commanding officer of the unit.

The role made Hargitay one of television’s most recognizable drama performers. She won the 2006 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe for her performance. She also trained as a rape-crisis advocate while preparing for the role, helping her approach the character’s work with greater understanding.

Viewers sometimes confuse Hargitay with Tamara Tunie, who played medical examiner Melinda Warner, or Diane Neal, who played Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak. Hargitay is the actor associated with Benson throughout the series.