Mariska Hargitay Reveals She Auditioned for Friends Role Before Landing SVU

Mariska Hargitay almost joined the cast of Friends. The actress recently disclosed she tested for the iconic sitcom. This happened before she became famous for Law & Order: SVU.

The revelation came during a podcast appearance. It highlights a major “what if” moment in television history. Hargitay’s path took a dramatic turn instead.

The Comedic Dream and the Psychic’s Prediction

Hargitay was pursuing comedy roles in Los Angeles. She tested for Friends multiple times in the 1990s. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the role was likely that of Monica Geller.

That character ultimately went to Courteney Cox. Hargitay had appeared in other sitcoms like Ellen. She was determined to make people laugh.

Frustrated, friends suggested she visit a psychic. The psychic made a startling prediction. He told her she would be famous for her “face” in New York.

Hargitay dismissed the idea at the time. She insisted her future was in Los Angeles comedy. The prediction proved accurate just six months later.

From Central Perk to the Squad Room

Hargitay landed the role of Olivia Benson in 1999. She has now played the character for 25 years. The show is in its historic 27th season.

This career-defining role changed television. It made her an icon of the procedural drama genre. The missed Friends role seems like a footnote now.

The story shows how casting decisions shape pop culture. Fans of both shows are left imagining an alternate timeline. Hargitay’s success, however, is undeniable.

The story of Mariska Hargitay’s Friends audition is a fascinating twist of fate. Her legendary career on SVU was almost entirely different. It proves that sometimes the wrong role leads to the right destiny.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Which Friends character did Mariska Hargitay audition for?

Hargitay indicated she likely tested for the role of Monica Geller. The part famously went to actress Courteney Cox. This was during the show’s early casting phase.

Q2: How did a psychic influence her career?

A psychic told Hargitay she would be famous for her “face” in New York. She scoffed, believing she would be an L.A. comedian. She booked the SVU role just six months later.

Q3: Where did she reveal this information?

She shared the story on the podcast “Good Hang with Amy Poehler.” The conversation covered her early career ambitions. It provided new insight into her path to stardom.

Q4: How long has she played Olivia Benson on SVU?

Mariska Hargitay has portrayed Detective Olivia Benson since 1999. The show is currently airing its 27th season. This makes it one of the longest-running prime-time dramas.

Q5: Did she do other comedy work?

Yes. Before SVU, she had roles in sitcoms like Can’t Hurry Love and Ellen. She also appeared in the series Key West. Comedy was her initial career focus.