Mariska Hargitay attends the 18th Annual Depression Research Foundation HOPE Luncheon in New York on Nov. 12. Photo: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock Despite the intense nature of her role on Law & Order: SVU, Mariska Hargitay is nothing if not funny and full of joy. And so, the actress opened her remarks at the 18th annual Hope For Depression Research Foundation seminar by cracking a joke.