Hugging Her Adopted Daughter: Mariska Hargitay’s Journey to Motherhood

Mariska Hargitay, the renowned actress known for her role in “Law & Order,” was recently captured in a heartwarming photo embracing her only daughter, Amaya Hermann. This rare glimpse into their bond sheds light on Hargitay’s journey to motherhood, filled with both joy and challenges.

Mariska Hargitay & Teen Adopted Daughter Hug in Rare Pic Years after She Cried Becoming Her Mom

A Painful Experience Turns into a Blessing

Before Amaya was adopted, Hargitay went through a painful ordeal when a mother who had intended to give her child to the actress changed her mind. However, destiny had a different plan. An African-American mother entrusted Hargitay with her child, and she became a loving and devoted mother to little Amaya. Today, Hargitay feels incredibly blessed to have a multiracial family.

August, and Peter Hermann, Mariska Hargitay, and Tshidi Manye backstage at the Broadway musical production of "The Lion King" in New York City, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

A Private Life Shielding Her Loved Ones

Mariska Hargitay, 59, values her privacy when it comes to her family life. She prefers to keep her children, including Amaya and her two sons, August and Andrew, out of the limelight. However, a recent Instagram post by a close friend gave us a glimpse of the actress and her family at the Chiltern Firehouse restaurant. The picture shows Hargitay, her husband Peter Hermann, one of their sons, and 12-year-old Amaya cuddled together, radiating warmth and love.

Mariska Hargitay, and Amaya Josephine Hermann on the "Law & Order SVU" set in New York City, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Adoption

Becoming a mother for the first time at the age of 42, Hargitay faced heightened risks due to her age. She gave birth to her son, August, and after a few years, she and her husband decided to expand their family through adoption. They faced numerous obstacles and false starts but persisted in their journey. However, they experienced a heart-wrenching setback when a birth mother changed her mind after they had bonded with their newborn for two days.

Amaya, August, and Andrew Hermann, and Mariska Hargitay at The Children's Museum Of The East End 5th Annual Family Fair in Bridgehampton, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

Tears of Joy: Amaya Enters Their Lives

In their pursuit of adoption, Hargitay and Hermann received a glimmer of hope. They were introduced to a young pregnant woman who was willing to give her baby up for adoption. Despite trying not to get their hopes up, Hargitay couldn’t help but be excited after meeting the expectant mother, describing her as bright and incredible. Their dreams were shattered once before, but this time, it felt different.

A Multiracial Family Built on Love

After a successful visit, ongoing communication, and the birth of the baby, Hargitay received a phone call from the mother while on set for “Law & Order SVU.” This time, the news brought tears of joy – the birth mother had chosen them. Amaya Josephine Hermann, meaning princess, warrior, and night rain, joined the Hargitay-Hermann family in April 2011. They were overjoyed to have a multiracial family that reflects the diversity of the world.

An Unexpected Addition to the Family

The family grew once more when their lawyer informed them of another baby boy available for adoption. Without hesitation, Hargitay and Hermann welcomed baby Andrew into their lives, just months after Amaya’s arrival. Despite the challenges and uncertainties they faced during their adoption journey, Hargitay and Hermann feel incredibly blessed to have their beautiful multiracial family.