Jayne Mansfield, a Hollywood icon whose vibrant persona defined the 1950s and 1960s, continues to captivate audiences nearly six decades after her tragic death. Her daughter, Mariska Hargitay, recently debuted a trailer for her documentary My Mom Jayne, a heartfelt exploration of Mansfield’s life that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025. This film, set to air on HBO and stream on Max starting June 27, 2025, peels back the layers of Mansfield’s public image as a glamorous bombshell to reveal a complex woman, mother, and artist. Through never-before-seen photos, home movies, and intimate interviews, the documentary reintroduces Jayne Mansfield to a new generation while offering fresh insights into her multifaceted legacy.
Jayne Mansfield: Beyond the Blonde Bombshell
Jayne Mansfield burst onto the Hollywood scene with a magnetic presence, starring in films like The Girl Can’t Help It (1956) and Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957). Often typecast as a bubbly, platinum-blonde sex symbol, she leaned into the persona with charm and wit. Yet, Mansfield was far more than her on-screen image suggested. She spoke multiple languages, played the violin and piano, and boasted an IQ reportedly around 160. Her intelligence and talents were often overshadowed by the industry’s focus on her looks, a narrative Mariska’s documentary seeks to reframe. The film highlights Mansfield’s ambition to take on serious roles, a dream curtailed by a studio system that prioritized her pinup appeal over her artistic depth.
A Tragic End and Lasting Impact
Jayne Mansfield’s life was cut short in a devastating car accident in June 1967 at age 34. Traveling in a 1966 Buick Electra outside New Orleans, her vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer, killing Mansfield, her attorney, and the driver. Mariska, then just three, and her brothers Mickey Jr. and Zoltan, survived with minor injuries. This tragedy catalyzed significant changes in road safety, leading to the eventual mandate of underride guards on large trucks in 1998. The documentary delves into this pivotal moment, exploring its emotional and historical weight. Mansfield’s death left a void, but her influence endures, from her trailblazing roles to her impact on safety regulations.
| Jayne Mansfield’s Key Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Films | The Girl Can’t Help It, Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?, The Wayward Bus |
| Talents | Fluent in multiple languages, played violin and piano |
| Awards | 1956 Golden Globe for New Star of the Year |
| Legacy Impact | Influenced truck safety regulations post-1967 accident |
Rediscovering Jayne Mansfield’s Humanity
In My Mom Jayne, Mariska embarks on an emotional journey to connect with the mother she barely knew. The trailer, aired on the TODAY show on June 3, 2025, shows Mariska sifting through memorabilia, from photos to Mansfield’s long-buried 1956 Golden Globe. Interviews with siblings like Mickey Jr. and Zoltan reveal Mansfield’s playful yet protective nature as a mother. One poignant moment captures Mariska’s discovery of her mother’s piano, a symbol of her hidden talents. The documentary also addresses Mansfield’s struggles with substance abuse and depression, painting a nuanced portrait of a woman who defied the “dumb blonde” stereotype while grappling with personal challenges.
A Daughter’s Tribute and Revelations
Mariska’s directorial debut is deeply personal, driven by her longing to understand Jayne Mansfield’s true self. The film uncovers surprising truths, including a family secret Mariska kept for over 30 years: her biological father is not Mickey Hargitay, as she was raised to believe, but Italian singer Nelson Sardelli. This revelation, shared publicly for the first time, adds emotional depth to the documentary. Mariska’s interviews with Sardelli and her siblings weave a narrative of reconciliation and discovery. The film’s Cannes premiere earned a four-minute standing ovation, reflecting its powerful impact. It will also screen at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 13, 2025, before its HBO release.
Why Jayne Mansfield Still Matters
Jayne Mansfield’s story resonates today because it challenges stereotypes and celebrates resilience. Her ability to navigate Hollywood’s constraints while raising five children and pursuing her passions makes her a figure of enduring relevance. Mariska’s documentary reframes her mother’s legacy, emphasizing her intelligence, warmth, and complexity. By sharing personal memories and untold stories, My Mom Jayne invites viewers to see Mansfield not just as a star but as a woman who loved fiercely and lived boldly. The film’s release, just days before the 58th anniversary of Mansfield’s death, underscores her lasting influence on both cinema and her daughter’s life.
Tune in to HBO on June 27, 2025, to watch My Mom Jayne and discover the real Jayne Mansfield through Mariska Hargitay’s heartfelt lens. Share your thoughts on social media and join the conversation about this iconic star’s rediscovered legacy.