Mariska hargitay, the beloved star known globally for her iconic role in “Law & Order: SVU,” takes on a new, deeply personal challenge in her feature directorial debut. She steps behind the camera to explore the life and legacy of her late mother, the legendary Hollywood figure jayne Mansfield. Titled “My Mom Jayne,” this powerful documentary offers an intimate look at a woman often defined by her public image, as seen through the eyes of the daughter who barely knew her. The film premieres tonight, June 27th, on HBO and is available for streaming simultaneously on Max.
A Daughter’s Quest for Truth
Jayne Mansfield tragically died in a car accident in 1967 at the young age of 34. Mariska Hargitay, who was also in the car, was just three years old at the time. Growing up with only vague memories of her mother, Hargitay embarks on a poignant journey in “My Mom Jayne.” She seeks to discover the woman behind the “blonde bombshell” persona cultivated for public consumption. This documentary represents Hargitay’s first public deep dive into her mother’s story, a personal quest for understanding a fundamental part of herself and her heritage.
The film premiered to acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year before its United States debut at Tribeca. Reviewers have highlighted its intimacy and honesty, praising Hargitay’s bravery in navigating complex family history. It’s described as a “search for the mother I never knew,” a process of “integration” and “reclaiming” her mother’s narrative and her own truth.
Unpacking a Life Beyond the Image
Jayne Mansfield was often presented by the media primarily as a sex symbol and pin-up girl. However, “My Mom Jayne” actively works to unveil a more nuanced individual. The documentary draws from Jayne’s extensive scrapbooks, personal artifacts, photos, and home movies to reveal her lesser-known facets.
Far from being just a manufactured image, Mansfield was a woman of intellect and talent. She was raised in Texas, played classical piano and violin, and reportedly spoke several languages. She initially pursued a serious acting career before her distinctive looks led to her being typecast. The film touches upon key career moments, including her success on Broadway in “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” and her appearance in the early rock-and-roll movie “The Girl Can’t Help It,” featuring artists like Little Richard and Fats Domino. The documentary makes it clear that Jayne Mansfield actively used her “pin-up type publicity” strategically to “get her foot in the door” in the entertainment industry, even while facing objectification and dismissal from figures like Jack Paar.
Digging into Family Secrets
A central element of “My Mom Jayne” involves Hargitay’s “detective-like work” to uncover hidden truths about her family. This involves delving into long-untouched storage spaces filled with her mother’s belongings. She sifts through items, discovers hidden photos, and pieces together clues that redefine her understanding of the past.
A significant part of this exploration includes interviews with Mariska’s siblings who shared more years with their mother: Jayne Marie Mansfield, Mickey Hargitay Jr., Zoltan Hargitay, and Tony Cimber. Some siblings are initially hesitant, but their shared memories, even painful ones about the fatal crash, provide crucial insights, often moving them to tears on camera. Through these candid conversations and her own investigation, Hargitay uncovers profound family secrets.
A Shocking Revelation About Her Father
Perhaps the most impactful discovery detailed in the film is a secret held for 36 years. Mariska reveals that the man who raised her, celebrated bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay (Jayne Mansfield’s second husband and Mariska’s mother’s partner at the time of her death), is not her biological father. The documentary identifies her biological father as Nelson Sardelli, a Las Vegas showman who had a brief affair with Mansfield.
Hargitay shares her emotional reaction to discovering evidence related to this secret, describing it as the floor falling out from underneath her. This revelation underscores the depth of the secrets kept from her after her mother’s death and highlights the complexity of her family history. The film also provides a critical detail about the fatal 1967 crash: the children present, including young Mariska, survived the accident. This fact, often obscured by the tragedy of Mansfield’s death, is another piece of the past Hargitay clarifies through her research.
Themes of Identity and Reclamation
“My Mom Jayne” is more than just a biography of a famous star. It’s a deep analysis of the complexities of fame, the often-cruel nature of the show business machine, and the profound impact of secrets. The documentary explores themes of loss, healing, and transformation. It’s presented as a testament to the power of an “unflinching search for truth.”
Hargitay reveals she spent years distancing herself from her mother’s public image, wanting to pursue her career “differently.” The film signals a shift, driven by a powerful desire to understand her mother not just as the icon, but “as Jayne, my mom Jayne.” This journey is inextricably linked to her own identity. One poignant scene involves Mariska confronting her mother’s former press agent, Rusty Strait, about his tell-all book. This moment prompts reflection on who has the right to tell someone’s story and the impact of keeping secrets. The film argues that truth, even in its messiness, can be beautiful and help combat inaccurate public perceptions. Reviewers compare the documentary to other recent works re-assessing female celebrities who faced exploitation by their public images, calling it a “most fascinating reclamation-of-narrative doc.”
How to Watch ‘My Mom Jayne’
The documentary “My Mom Jayne” premieres tonight, June 27th. You have two primary ways to watch this compelling film.
Watching on HBO
If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes the HBO channel, you can tune in to watch “My Mom Jayne” live tonight. The documentary airs at 8 p.m. ET. Check your local listings or provider’s guide for the exact channel number.
Streaming on Max
For those who prefer streaming or don’t have HBO through cable, “My Mom Jayne” will be available to stream on the Max service starting tonight, June 27th, at 8 p.m. ET.
You can subscribe directly to Max. As of the premiere date, Max offers various subscription tiers. You can access the service starting at $9.99 per month with advertisements, or opt for an ad-free experience at $16.99 per month.
Alternatively, you can subscribe to Max through other platforms. For instance, Max is available as an add-on channel through Prime Video starting at $9.99 per month with ads. Streaming services like Sling TV also offer bundles that can include Max. With Sling’s Blue plan and a Max add-on, you can watch HBO live and still stream on-demand content via Max. Keep an eye out for potential deals when subscribing through partner services; for example, past promotions have included discounts on the first month.
Watching “My Mom Jayne” allows viewers to join Mariska Hargitay on her incredibly personal and illuminating journey to understand her mother, her family, and herself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the documentary “My Mom Jayne” about?
“My Mom Jayne” is a deeply personal documentary directed by and starring actress Mariska Hargitay. The film explores the life and legacy of Hargitay’s mother, the iconic Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield, who died when Mariska was just three years old. The documentary follows Mariska’s journey to understand the real woman behind the public “blonde bombshell” image, uncovering family history, secrets, and her own identity through interviews, artifacts, and archival footage.
How can I watch the “My Mom Jayne” documentary?
You can watch “My Mom Jayne” starting June 27th. It premieres on the HBO cable channel at 8 p.m. ET. The documentary is also available for streaming on the Max service at the same time. You can subscribe to Max directly or access it through add-ons on platforms like Prime Video or bundles from live TV streaming services like Sling TV.
What new information does the documentary reveal about Jayne Mansfield or Mariska Hargitay?
Through her investigation, Mariska Hargitay uncovers significant details previously unknown or kept secret. The film delves into Jayne Mansfield’s complexities beyond her sex symbol persona, highlighting her intellect, talents, and strategic career choices. It also reveals a major family secret: Mariska Hargitay’s biological father is identified as Las Vegas showman Nelson Sardelli, not the man who raised her, Mickey Hargitay. The documentary also clarifies details about the 1967 car accident, confirming the children survived the crash.
Conclusion
“My Mom Jayne” offers a powerful and moving portrait of a daughter seeking to understand a legendary mother taken too soon. Mariska Hargitay’s unflinching exploration of Jayne Mansfield’s life, her public image, and the deeply personal secrets intertwined with their family history makes for compelling viewing. By delving into the past with honesty and vulnerability, the film not only reclaims Jayne Mansfield’s story but also illuminates Mariska Hargitay’s own path. Available now on HBO and Max, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in Hollywood history, personal journeys of discovery, or the enduring impact of family ties.
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