The story of Mariska Hargitay mom—iconic Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield—comes to life in a deeply personal new documentary, “My Mom Jayne,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025 and is set to debut on HBO and Max on June 27. Directed by Mariska Hargitay herself, the film offers an unprecedented look at the woman behind the legend, sharing never-before-seen family footage and intimate interviews that reveal the true essence of Jayne Mansfield beyond her bombshell public image.
For years, Mariska Hargitay has carried the weight of her mother’s legacy while longing to know the real woman behind the headlines. The documentary, marking Hargitay’s feature directorial debut, brings healing and clarity as it explores the complexities of Jayne Mansfield’s life, her tragic death in a car crash in 1967, and the enduring impact on her children. “I just wanted to know her,” Hargitay has said, expressing the universal longing that drives this project.
Uncovering the Real Jayne Mansfield
One of the most striking revelations in “My Mom Jayne” is the portrait of Jayne Mansfield as a highly intelligent, multi-talented individual—far removed from the “dumb blonde” stereotype she often played on screen. The documentary reveals that Mansfield spoke several languages, played the violin, and had an IQ of 160. These details, often overlooked in her public persona, are brought to the forefront through interviews with family and friends.
Mariska Hargitay’s journey to understand her mother is both emotional and enlightening. The film features candid conversations with her siblings, rare home videos, and personal reflections that paint a fuller picture of Jayne’s life. The documentary also touches on the pain of Mariska’s childhood loss, the confusion surrounding her family’s history, and the surprising discovery in her twenties about her biological father—a revelation that adds another layer to her quest for identity.
The film is not just about Jayne Mansfield’s glamorous career, but also about her struggles with typecasting, her devotion to her children, and her desire to be taken seriously as an artist. “I have a newfound clarity regarding the truth,” Mariska says in the documentary. “This overwhelming fog has lifted—a shroud of fear. Now, I feel an immense sense of tranquility.”
Tribeca Premiere and Audience Impact
The North American premiere of “My Mom Jayne” at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 13, 2025, was met with critical acclaim and emotional responses from audiences. Many praised Mariska Hargitay’s courage in sharing such a personal story and her skillful direction. The film’s screening at Cannes, where Jayne Mansfield once walked the red carpet, added a poignant layer of symbolism to the project.
At Tribeca, Mariska was surrounded by family, friends, and co-stars, all of whom came to support her in this deeply personal endeavor. The documentary’s universal themes of loss, identity, and healing resonated with viewers, many of whom shared their own stories of longing to know a parent they lost too soon.
The film also highlights the lasting impact of Jayne Mansfield’s death, which led to changes in road safety regulations, including the introduction of underride guards on large trucks—a detail explored in the documentary. This connection between personal tragedy and public safety underscores the broader significance of Jayne Mansfield’s story.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Mariska Hargitay’s Directorial Debut: “My Mom Jayne” marks her first feature as director and producer.
- Premiere Dates: The film debuted at Tribeca on June 13 and will stream on HBO and Max starting June 27, 2025.
- Family Revelations: The documentary uncovers long-buried truths, including Mariska’s biological father and the complexities of Jayne’s public and private life.
- Critical Acclaim: “My Mom Jayne” has earned strong reviews for its emotional honesty and cinematic quality.
- Legacy and Impact: Jayne Mansfield’s tragic death led to changes in road safety, a fact explored in the film.
A Daughter’s Tribute and Healing Journey
For Mariska Hargitay, making “My Mom Jayne” has been a journey of self-discovery and healing. The documentary is more than a biography; it is a daughter’s love letter to the mother she barely knew, a way to finally meet the woman who shaped her life from afar.
As Mariska Hargitay mom’s story reaches a new generation, viewers will witness a tale of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of family. The film invites audiences to look beyond the headlines and see the real Jayne Mansfield—a woman of intelligence, passion, and deep maternal love.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this powerful documentary. Tune in to HBO or stream on Max starting June 27, 2025, and witness Mariska Hargitay’s moving tribute to her mother.