When you hear the name Hargitay, you likely think of Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay or her father, the legendary bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay. However, there is another Hargitay who has quietly built a successful life away from the cameras. Mickey Hargitay Jr. is the eldest son of Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield and the former Mr. Universe. Unlike his famous parents and sister, Mickey Hargitay Jr. chose a path grounded in nature rather than stardom. While his family dominated the headlines with movies and red carpet appearances, he found his passion in cultivating life through his renowned business, Mickey Hargitay Plants, in Los Angeles.
Quick Bio of Mickey Hargitay Jr.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Miklós Jeffrey Palmer Hargitay |
| Common Name | Mickey Hargitay Jr. |
| Birth Date | December 21, 1958 |
| Age | 67 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Hollywood, California |
| Mother | Jayne Mansfield |
| Father | Mickey Hargitay (Mr. Universe) |
| Sister | Mariska Hargitay |
| Spouse | Dana Hargitay (m. 2002) |
| Occupation | Owner, Mickey Hargitay Plants |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million (est.) |
| Key Event | Survivor of 1967 Car Crash |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
The Early Life of a Hollywood Prince
Born on December 21, 1958, Mickey Hargitay Jr. entered the world as the first child of one of the 1950s’ most publicized couples. His mother, Jayne Mansfield, was an international sex symbol, and his father, Mickey Hargitay, was a Hungarian bodybuilder who had charmed America. Growing up, Mickey Hargitay Jr. lived in the famous “Pink Palace” on Sunset Boulevard, a Mediterranean-style mansion known for its heart-shaped swimming pool and pink shag carpet.
Despite the glamour, his childhood was relatively normal in some ways. His father, a disciplined athlete, instilled strong values in him. However, the brightness of his early years was shattered by a tragedy that would define the family forever. The public often forgets that Mickey Hargitay Jr. was not just a witness to Hollywood history, but a survivor of one of its darkest moments.
Surviving the 1967 Tragedy
On the night of June 29, 1967, the course of Mickey Hargitay Jr.‘s life changed in an instant. He was traveling from Biloxi, Mississippi, to New Orleans in a 1966 Buick Electra 225. In the front seat were his mother, Jayne Mansfield, her boyfriend Sam Brody, and their driver, Ronnie Harrison. Asleep in the back seat were Mickey Hargitay Jr., aged 8, and his younger siblings, Zoltan Hargitay and Mariska Hargitay.
On a dark stretch of Highway 90, their car crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer that had slowed down behind a mosquito fogger truck. The impact was devastating. All three adults in the front seat died instantly. Miraculously, the three children in the back survived. Mickey Hargitay Jr. and his brother escaped with minor injuries, while Mariska suffered a zigzag cut on her head. This traumatic event bonded the siblings for life. After the accident, they were raised by their father and his third wife, Ellen Siano, who provided a stable, loving environment away from the tabloid frenzy.
A Career Among the Plants
While his sister Mariska eventually followed in their mother’s footsteps to become an acting icon, Mickey Hargitay Jr. discovered a different calling. In 1980, he founded Mickey Hargitay Plants, a premier plant nursery located in West Hollywood. For over four decades, he has served the Los Angeles community, providing lush greenery for homes, offices, and film sets.
His business is not just a shop; it is a reflection of his personality—grounded, nurturing, and creative. Mickey Hargitay Jr. is often found at the shop, personally helping customers select the perfect fiddle leaf fig or succulent. His knowledge of botany is extensive, and he has earned a reputation as a “plant whisperer” among Hollywood’s elite. He once described his work as a “labor of love,” noting that he inherited his work ethic from his father, who arrived in America with only seven dollars in his pocket.
Is Mickey Hargitay Jr. in Law and Order?
One of the most common questions fans ask is whether Mickey Hargitay Jr. ever acted. The answer is yes, but very briefly. He made a special cameo appearance on his sister’s hit show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In the Season 5 episode titled “Control” (2003), he appeared in a non-speaking role credited as “Grandfather on Escalator.”
This cameo was a sweet nod to his support for Mariska Hargitay. Unlike his brother Zoltan, who worked in the industry as a carpenter and set dresser, Mickey Hargitay Jr. generally stays away from production sets unless he is visiting family. He prefers the quiet satisfaction of his nursery over the long hours of television filming.
The Unbreakable Sibling Bond
The relationship between Mickey Hargitay Jr. and his sister Mariska Hargitay is profoundly deep. They are not just siblings; they are fellow survivors. For decades, they believed they were full biological siblings. However, recent revelations in the 2025 documentary My Mom Jayne clarified that Mariska’s biological father was actually singer Nelson Sardelli. Despite this, Mickey Hargitay Jr. remains her big brother in every sense that matters.
He is frequently seen supporting her at major life events. When Mariska Hargitay received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013, Mickey Hargitay Jr. was right there beside her, beaming with pride. Their bond is a testament to the loving way their father, Mickey Hargitay, raised them—to value family loyalty above bloodlines or public opinion.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Mickey Hargitay Jr. guards his privacy fiercely. He married his wife, Dana Hargitay, in 2002, and they have built a quiet life together in Los Angeles. Because he keeps a low profile, rumors sometimes circulate, leading to searches like “Mickey Hargitay Jr. gay,” but these are unfounded; he has been happily married to Dana for over 20 years.
As for his finances, Mickey Hargitay Jr. has done well for himself. His estimated net worth falls between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth comes from the steady success of Mickey Hargitay Plants, as well as inheritances from his parents’ estates. While he may not command the multi-million dollar salary of a TV star, he lives a comfortable and fulfilling life on his own terms.
Legacy of the Hargitay Name
The name Hargitay usually conjures images of muscles and movie screens. Yet, Mickey Hargitay Jr. represents a different side of that legacy: resilience and steady growth. He took the discipline his father taught him—the same discipline that built Mr. Universe—and applied it to building a small business empire.
Today, if you visit Mickey Hargitay Plants on North Sycamore Avenue, you might just run into him. He likely won’t be signing autographs or talking about the tragic crash of 1967. Instead, Mickey Hargitay Jr. will probably be talking about soil pH or the best light for a monstera, continuing to bring a little bit of life into the world, one plant at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are Mickey Hargitay Jr.’s parents?
He is the eldest son of Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay.
2. Is Mickey Hargitay Jr. related to Mariska Hargitay?
Yes, he is her older brother. They survived the car accident that killed their mother together and remain very close.
3. What does Mickey Hargitay Jr. do for a living?
He owns and operates Mickey Hargitay Plants, a successful plant shop in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.
4. Was Mickey Hargitay Jr. in the crash with Jayne Mansfield?
Yes. He was 8 years old and sleeping in the back seat with his siblings when the fatal accident occurred in 1967.
5. Is Mickey Hargitay Jr. an actor?
No. Aside from a small cameo on Law & Order: SVU, he has focused on his business career rather than acting.
Conclusion
Mickey Hargitay Jr. is a fascinating figure who bridges the gap between Old Hollywood glamour and modern-day entrepreneurship. He survived a childhood tragedy that claimed his mother, Jayne Mansfield, and went on to honor his father’s memory through hard work and integrity. Whether supporting his sister Mariska Hargitay or tending to his nursery, he remains a pillar of stability in a famous family.
Discover more stories on purpose-driven leadership and community impact Buzz Mega.
