Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her iconic role as a police officer on “Law & Order: SVU,” experienced a moment where fiction blurred with reality. On April 10, while preparing to film a scene in New York City, a young girl who had lost her mother approached Hargitay, mistaking her for an actual police officer. The incident occurred at the Anne Loftus Playground in Fort Tryon Park, as reported by TMZ.

The girl, seeing Hargitay in her Olivia Benson costume, instinctively sought help from the actor. Demonstrating the compassion and dedication characteristic of her on-screen persona, Hargitay halted the show’s production for about 20 minutes to assist the distressed child in finding her mother.

This touching incident underscores the profound impact Hargitay’s role has had on viewers over the years. “Law & Order: SVU,” which has been airing for 25 seasons, holds the title of the longest-running primetime live-action series in American television history, as noted by People magazine. This blend of on-screen and off-screen heroics highlights Hargitay’s deep connection to her role and her influence as a beloved figure in popular culture.