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Mariska Hargitay, the acclaimed Law & Order: SVU star, has bravely shared a deeply personal and harrowing experience from her childhood in a new documentary, My Mom Jayne. Premiering at the Tribeca Festival on June 13th, the film offers an intimate look into the life and legacy of her iconic mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, and the devastating circumstances surrounding her untimely death.

The documentary delves into the tragic events of June 29, 1967, when Jayne Mansfield and her lover, Mickey Hargitay (Mariska's father), along with their children – Mariska, Miklós, and Tina – were involved in a horrific car accident in Louisiana. The car, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer, resulting in Mansfield's death and leaving her children critically injured.

In a particularly heartbreaking revelation within My Mom Jayne, Mariska's siblings recount the terrifying moment they were rescued from the wreckage, only to realize that Mariska, then just three years old, had been inadvertently left behind at the scene. This agonizing detail underscores the chaos and trauma of the event, highlighting the emotional toll it took on the entire family.

“It’s a very difficult thing to talk about,” Miklós Hargitay shared in the documentary. “We were pulled from the car, and then we realized Mariska wasn’t with us.” The siblings' memories, pieced together through interviews and archival footage, paint a vivid picture of the confusion and panic that ensued. The discovery of Mariska’s absence added another layer of anguish to an already unimaginable tragedy.

The documentary doesn't shy away from exploring the aftermath of Mansfield’s death and its profound impact on Mariska and her siblings. It examines the challenges of growing up in the shadow of a famous mother who died so young and the long-term psychological effects of witnessing such a traumatic event. My Mom Jayne also celebrates Mansfield’s vibrant personality, her talent, and her enduring legacy as a Hollywood icon.

Mariska Hargitay has long been an advocate for survivors of trauma, and her willingness to share this deeply personal story is a testament to her commitment to raising awareness and fostering healing. The documentary is not just a tribute to Jayne Mansfield; it's a powerful exploration of grief, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family in the face of unimaginable loss. It's a story that will undoubtedly resonate with audiences and shed light on the lasting impact of tragedy on those left behind.

My Mom Jayne promises to be a poignant and impactful film, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of a Hollywood family forever marked by loss and the enduring strength of the human spirit.