Jamie Lee Curtis and Mariska Hargitay reveal the Hollywood history behind their sisterly friendship

Jamie Lee Curtis and Mariska Hargitay have revealed the deeply personal connection that transformed them from Hollywood contemporaries into what they now describe as sisters.

Speaking together for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, the two stars discussed their family histories, careers and the friendship they formed only recently despite their lives intersecting decades earlier.

Hargitay, best known for playing Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is the daughter of screen icon Jayne Mansfield. Curtis is the daughter of Hollywood legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. Their families crossed paths years ago when Hargitay lived in a pink house on Sunset Boulevard that had later been purchased by Curtis’ father.

Curtis recalled that there was even a photograph of the two together in the driveway when they were young, although they never developed a relationship at the time. Looking back, both women expressed surprise that they had not become close sooner considering their shared experiences as children of famous parents.

Their friendship eventually began while Hargitay was working on her HBO documentary My Mom Jayne, which explores the life and legacy of her mother. Hargitay explained that their first conversation felt emotional because Curtis understood aspects of her upbringing that few people could truly appreciate.

Curtis later hosted Hargitay at her home, where they spoke extensively about the documentary and the complicated family histories they both carry. Curtis praised the film as deeply human and said their bond extends far beyond the entertainment business.

The conversation also turned to their professional achievements. Hargitay discussed the significance of Law & Order: SVU finally having a female showrunner after more than two decades on air. She praised Michele Fazekas and directing producer Brenna Malloy, saying their leadership has brought fresh energy and pushed her creatively.

Curtis highlighted how remarkable it is that both women, now over 60, are working on productions led by female creative leaders. Curtis currently serves as both actor and producer on Scarpetta, the upcoming series starring Nicole Kidman.

The Oscar winner also reflected on her past work, recalling how John Ritter once encouraged her to embrace physical comedy during the making of Anything but Love. She credited that advice with helping shape performances in projects including True Lies.

Meanwhile, Hargitay shared her excitement about making her stage debut in Every Brilliant Thing. Although audiences closely associate her with Olivia Benson after 27 years, she said theatre has long been a personal ambition.