Mariska Hargitay’s Persistent ‘Friends’ Auditions Fueled Sitcom Aspirations
Mariska Hargitay has expressed a long-standing desire to work in comedy. On a recent episode of Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, she shared details about her early audition experiences, including multiple attempts to join the popular series Friends.
Mariska Hargitay’s Early Career Aspirations
During her conversation with Poehler, Hargitay recounted her aspirations and comedic auditions at the start of her career. She had pursued roles on various shows, including Seinfeld and Single Guy, and openly acknowledged her repeated auditions for Friends.
A Bid for the Role of Monica
- Hargitay auditioned for the role of Monica, a character that ultimately went to Courteney Cox.
- Friends, an NBC sitcom, aired from 1994 to 2004 and featured stars like Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry.
Hargitay’s confidence in breaking into the sitcom world was strong. She mentioned, “I always thought I would end up being on a sitcom or doing comedy.” However, her path took an unexpected turn after her role on ER.
Turning Points in Her Career
While reflecting on her journey, Hargitay mentioned a significant career moment during a trip to New York City. She regularly visited the city to see theater, where she encountered a psychic who predicted her future success.
A Life-Changing Encounter with a Psychic
Hargitay sought the guidance of a well-regarded psychic on Long Island. According to her, the psychic remarked, “You’re going to be famous for that face. You’re moving to New York and you’re gonna be famous for that face.” Despite the prediction, she remained focused on becoming a comedian in Los Angeles.
Ultimately, just six months later, she landed her iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. Hargitay has portrayed this character for over 20 years, with the series currently in its 27th season.
Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s journey reflects the unpredictable nature of an acting career. Despite her strong desire to be part of a sitcom, fate led her to become a beloved figure in a drama series. Her determination and resilience in pursuit of comedic roles remind us that dreams can take unexpected directions.
