Mickey Hargitay
Actor
About Mickey Hargitay
Mickey Hargitay, born Miklós Hargitay, was a Hungarian-American bodybuilder and actor who rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s. After winning the Mr. Universe title in 1955, he transitioned into acting, leveraging his muscular physique and charismatic presence to secure roles in sword-and-sandal films and B-movies. His career reached new heights when he married Hollywood sex symbol Jayne Mansfield in 1958, making them one of the most photographed couples of their era. Hargitay appeared in numerous films throughout the 1960s, including Italian productions like 'The Loves of Hercules' and the cult horror classic 'Bloody Pit of Horror.' Following Mansfield's tragic death in 1967, he continued acting sporadically while focusing on his family and business ventures. His legacy extends beyond his film career through his daughter Mariska Hargitay, who became a successful actress in her own right. Hargitay remained a beloved figure in classic cinema circles until his death in 2006.
The Craft
On Screen
Hargitay's acting style was characterized by his imposing physical presence and earnest, straightforward delivery. He often played heroic or romantic leads in sword-and-sandal epics and adventure films, relying more on his charismatic screen presence than nuanced character development. His performances typically featured a blend of action-oriented sequences and dramatic moments, though he was never considered a method actor. His Hungarian accent added an exotic quality to his roles, particularly in European productions.
Milestones
- Won Mr. Universe title in 1955
- Married Jayne Mansfield in 1958
- Starred in 'The Loves of Hercules' (1960)
- Appeared in 'Bloody Pit of Horror' (1965)
- Father of actress Mariska Hargitay
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Mr. Universe (NABBA) - 1955
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (shared with Jayne Mansfield)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mickey Hargitay represented a unique intersection of physical culture and Hollywood glamour during the transition from the Golden Age to the New Hollywood era. His success as Mr. Universe helped popularize bodybuilding in mainstream culture, predating the fitness boom of the 1970s and 1980s. His marriage to Jayne Mansfield created a media sensation that exemplified the celebrity culture of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Hargitay's career in European sword-and-sandal films contributed to the genre's popularity and helped establish the template for muscle-bound heroes in cinema.
Lasting Legacy
Hargitay's legacy extends beyond his filmography through his influence on physical culture in entertainment and his family's continued presence in Hollywood. His daughter Mariska Hargitay's successful acting career, particularly her long-running role on 'Law & Order: SVU,' has kept the Hargitay name in the public consciousness. His films, particularly 'Bloody Pit of Horror,' have developed cult followings and are celebrated by fans of classic horror and B-movies. Hargitay is remembered as a pioneer who helped bridge the gap between competitive bodybuilding and mainstream entertainment.
Who They Inspired
Hargitay influenced subsequent generations of action heroes by demonstrating that a muscular physique could be combined with mainstream Hollywood appeal. His success paved the way for other bodybuilders-turned-actors, most notably Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. His work in European productions also helped establish the international co-production model that became common in the 1960s and 1970s. The cult status of his horror films has influenced filmmakers working in the genre, particularly those who appreciate the atmospheric style of 1960s European horror.
Off Screen
Hargitay's personal life was as dramatic as his film career. He married Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield in 1958, creating one of the most famous celebrity couples of the era. Their marriage produced three children, including future actress Mariska Hargitay. The couple divorced in 1964 but remained close until Mansfield's tragic death in a car accident in 1967. Hargitay later married Ellen Siano and remained married to her until his death. He was known for his devotion to fitness throughout his life and maintained his physique well into his later years.
Education
Limited formal education, trained as a plumber and acrobat before focusing on bodybuilding
Family
- Jayne Mansfield (1958-1964)
- Ellen Siano (1967-2006)
Did You Know?
- Won Mr. Universe just one year after beginning serious bodybuilding training
- Served in the Hungarian underground during World War II
- Worked as a plumber and acrobat before his bodybuilding career
- His marriage to Jayne Mansfield was featured in the film 'The Wayward Bus' (1957) where they both appeared
- Was a skilled ice skater and performed in ice shows early in his career
- His daughter Mariska Hargitay was in the car accident that killed Jayne Mansfield but survived with minor injuries
- Appeared on numerous television shows including 'The Jack Benny Program' and 'The Beverly Hillbillies'
- Spoke five languages fluently: Hungarian, English, German, Italian, and French
- Owned and operated a successful restaurant chain called 'Mickey Hargitay's'
- Was offered the role of Tarzan but turned it down due to scheduling conflicts
In Their Own Words
Bodybuilding is not just about building muscles, it's about building character and discipline.
When you're married to Jayne Mansfield, you learn that privacy is a luxury you can't afford.
I never wanted to be just a muscle man. I wanted to be an actor who happened to be in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mickey Hargitay?
Mickey Hargitay was a Hungarian-American bodybuilder and actor who won Mr. Universe in 1955 and later became known for his roles in sword-and-sandal films and B-movies. He was also famous as the husband of Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield and father of actress Mariska Hargitay.
What films is Mickey Hargitay best known for?
Hargitay is best known for 'The Loves of Hercules' (1960), 'Bloody Pit of Horror' (1965), 'Promises! Promises!' (1963), and 'Primitive Love' (1964). His horror film 'Bloody Pit of Horror' has become a cult classic.
When was Mickey Hargitay born and when did he die?
Mickey Hargitay was born on January 6, 1926, in Budapest, Hungary, and died on September 14, 2006, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 80.
What awards did Mickey Hargitay win?
His most significant achievement was winning the Mr. Universe title in 1955. He also received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, which he shares with Jayne Mansfield.
What was Mickey Hargitay's acting style?
Hargitay's acting style relied heavily on his imposing physical presence and straightforward delivery. He typically played heroic or romantic leads, using his muscular build and charismatic screen presence rather than nuanced character development.
How was Mickey Hargitay related to Mariska Hargitay?
Mickey Hargitay was the father of actress Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Olivia Benson on 'Law & Order: SVU'. Mariska was born during his marriage to Jayne Mansfield.
What was Mickey Hargitay's connection to Jayne Mansfield?
Hargitay married Jayne Mansfield in 1958, making them one of Hollywood's most famous couples of the era. They had three children together before divorcing in 1964, though remained close until Mansfield's death in 1967.
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Films
1 film
