![](https://extra-images.akamaized.net/image/33/3by2/2024/01/17/33dc0746105544938ab082fd3c95706a_md.jpg)
getty images
It was Mariska Hargitay’s 60th birthday celebration during the “Law & Order: SVU” 25th anniversary celebration!
“Extra's” Mona Kosar Abdi spoke with Mariska about how much this show meant to her and how proud she is of what they created together.
An impressed Mariska said of the show: “Words cannot express how grateful and proud I am to be standing here,” she said. It's a special moment that I'm still trying to find the words to say, but I'm really proud of it. “I’m proud of what we did.”
Mariska emphasized that she is still 'growing' and does not think she will 'go anywhere anytime soon'.
Hargitay recently confessed the reason she decided to share her sexual assault experience, saying, “It just hit me.”
She said, “It was easy and not difficult. “The timing was perfect,” she said.
When Mona praised Mariska for sharing her story in a way that resonated with people, Mariska said, “I've heard that it's made people retell their stories, and that's really beautiful.”
Mona also spoke with Kelli Giddish, who called Mariska a “badass!”
Kelli said: “She is truly a role model… She has three children in her real life… Become #2 on the show with Chris and watch her navigate her own path. [Meloni] And then it became number one and went through various showrunners… [and] Watch her explore, stay true to this character, stay true to the story, and make sure everyone is putting out a good product. You have to make sure everyone on set feels good about coming to work.”