- Mariska Hargitay suffered a collapsed lung during a 2008 stunt on Law & Order: SVU.
- She initially downplayed the injury, continued working, then needed surgery in 2009.
- The experience changed how she approaches stunts—she now relies on professional stunt performers.
- Hargitay says the ordeal deepened her appreciation for life and influenced choices after becoming a parent.
Mariska Hargitay recalls a dangerous on-set stunt
Mariska Hargitay, the longtime star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has opened up about a serious injury she sustained while performing a stunt in 2008. The encounter, which ultimately led to a collapsed lung and later surgery, prompted a major shift in how she handles physical scenes on the NBC drama.
What happened during the stunt
Hargitay says she was chasing a suspect and insisted on doing her own stunts at the time. On the second take of a jump, she “just landed wrong,” she recalled. At first she thought she had the wind knocked out of her or a pulled muscle and pushed on with filming.
Injury and delayed diagnosis
The pain persisted. Months later Hargitay underwent surgery and returned to work in early 2009, only to experience another collapsed lung shortly afterward. She has described the complication as extremely rare, occurring in roughly one in 1,000 cases. The injury was not immediately obvious, which contributed to her decision to continue working despite discomfort.
How the incident changed her approach to stunts
The experience became a turning point for Hargitay. She now relies on professional stunt performers for more demanding action sequences and has tempered her previous insistence on doing her own stunts—especially after becoming a parent. The change balances her commitment to the character Olivia Benson with concerns for long-term health and safety.
Recovery, perspective and gratitude
Hargitay has said the ordeal taught her gratitude and a deeper appreciation for life. In interviews she reflected that facing a serious injury at a relatively young age reshaped her perspective on risk and the importance of protecting one’s health. She described feeling grateful for her career and opportunities after surviving what could have been a far worse outcome.
When SVU returns
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit returns Thursday, January 8 at 9/8c on NBC, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock. Hargitay continues to lead the series as Captain Olivia Benson, bringing both emotional strength and a more cautious approach to physical scenes.
For viewers and fans, Hargitay’s story is a reminder of the unseen risks actors face and the ways personal experience can reshape a performer’s choices on and off camera.
Image Referance: https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/2025/12/28/mariska-hargitay-recalls-serious-law-order-svu-injury/