For millions of television viewers, Mariska Hargitay is the face of justice as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. However, behind the fame of the Hargitay name lies a complex family tree rooted in the Golden Age of Hollywood. While Mariska and her brothers Mickey Jr. and Zoltan are often photographed together, there is another sibling who has largely remained out of the public eye: Tony Cimber. As the son of the legendary Jayne Mansfield and her third husband, director Matt Cimber, Tony Cimber occupies a unique and often overlooked space in this famous Hollywood dynasty.
Quick Bio of Tony Cimber
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Antonio Raphael Ottaviano Cimber |
| Nickname | Tony |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1965 |
| Age | 60 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Father | Matt Cimber (Matteo Ottaviano) |
| Mother | Jayne Mansfield |
| Famous Sibling | Mariska Hargitay |
| Other Siblings | Mickey Hargitay Jr., Zoltan Hargitay, Jayne Marie Mansfield |
| Known For | Son of Jayne Mansfield, Appearance in GLOW |
| Occupation | Director, Editor, Real Estate (Reported) |
| Current Status | Alive and Active |
The Early Life of Tony Cimber
Tony Cimber was born Antonio Raphael Ottaviano Cimber on October 18, 1965, in Los Angeles, California. He was the youngest child of Jayne Mansfield, born just two years before her tragic death. His arrival marked the final chapter of Mansfield’s tumultuous personal life, as she had married his father, Matt Cimber, in 1964. Unfortunately, the marriage was short-lived, and the couple had already separated by the time Tony Cimber was an infant.
The most defining event of his early life occurred on June 29, 1967. On that fateful night, Jayne Mansfield was killed in a car accident in Biloxi, Mississippi. While his three half-siblings—Mariska Hargitay, Mickey Hargitay Jr., and Zoltan Hargitay—were asleep in the back seat and miraculously survived, Tony Cimber was not in the vehicle. He was safe at home, a fact that spared him the physical trauma his siblings endured but set him on a completely different life path.
Who Raised Tony Cimber?
Following the death of Jayne Mansfield, the family was effectively split apart. While the Hargitay children were raised by their father, Mickey Hargitay, Tony Cimber was raised exclusively by his father, Matt Cimber. This separation meant that Tony Cimber did not grow up in the same household as Mariska, creating a distinct distance between the siblings during their formative years.
Matt Cimber, a director known for his work in “exploitation” cinema, remarried Christy Hanak in 1967. Tony Cimber grew up in this new family unit, largely removed from the spotlight that followed the Hargitay children. In the 2025 documentary My Mom Jayne, Tony Cimber revealed that his father rarely spoke about Jayne Mansfield. He admitted that he never asked about her because he feared the “ugly” truths of his parents’ relationship, leaving him with a “blank slate” regarding his mother’s memory compared to his siblings.
Tony Cimber and His Siblings
Tony Cimber is the youngest of five siblings. His eldest half-sister, Jayne Marie Mansfield, was born from his mother’s first marriage to Paul Mansfield. His other three siblings come from his mother’s high-profile marriage to Mickey Hargitay. Despite their different fathers and upbringings, the siblings have made efforts to reconnect as adults.
The career paths of the siblings vary wildly. Mariska Hargitay became a television icon, Mickey Hargitay Jr. owns a successful plant shop in Hollywood, and Zoltan Hargitay has worked as a carpenter on film sets. Tony Cimber has dabbled in the entertainment industry but has never sought the same level of fame as his sister. However, recent public appearances suggest a warming of relations, with Tony Cimber attending family events and participating in projects that honor their shared heritage.
The Relationship with Mariska Hargitay
The bond between Tony Cimber and Mariska Hargitay is one of mutual respect and rediscovery. For years, the public assumed they were estranged due to the lack of photos, but the reality was simply a matter of geography and different lifestyles. Mariska Hargitay has frequently expressed her love for her “baby brother,” and their emotional reunion in My Mom Jayne highlighted their desire to understand their shared trauma.
In the documentary, Mariska Hargitay confronts the silence surrounding their mother. She and Tony Cimber have a heart-to-heart where he confesses that his father, Matt Cimber, was the “worst thing” that happened to their mother, according to some family accounts, yet he remains loyal to the man who raised him. This raw honesty has brought Tony Cimber closer to Mariska than ever before.
Tony Cimber and the GLOW Connection
One of the most fascinating trivia points about Tony Cimber is his connection to the 1980s wrestling phenomenon GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). His father, Matt Cimber, was the creative force and director behind the show. Because of this familial link, a young Tony Cimber actually appeared on the series.
He was cast in a brief, cult-classic role as “Nature Boy.” In this strange bit of television history, Tony Cimber was led around the wrestling ring on a leash by a wrestler named “Jungle Woman.” While it was a minor role, it cemented his place in the bizarre pop-culture legacy of the 1980s, serving as a strange footnote in his father’s eclectic career.
Professional Life and Net Worth
Outside of his brief stint in GLOW, Tony Cimber has worked in various capacities within the entertainment sector, including credits as an editor. However, unlike Mariska Hargitay, he has largely pivoted to a more private career. Reports indicate that Tony Cimber has worked as a real estate agent in Las Vegas, Nevada, preferring a stable profession over the volatility of Hollywood.
Regarding his finances, the net worth of Tony Cimber is estimated to be modest compared to his superstar sister. While Mariska Hargitay commands millions per episode, Tony Cimber lives a comfortable but private life. His financial standing reflects a successful career in the private sector rather than the blockbuster earnings of a top-tier actor.
Dispelling Death Rumors
Internet searches often yield a confusing suggestion: “where did Tony Cimber die?” This is a misconception derived from the tragic death of his mother. Tony Cimber is very much alive. The confusion likely stems from the high-profile nature of the 1967 accident that killed Jayne Mansfield, combined with Tony’s low public profile, leading some to wrongly assume he was also a victim or had passed away young.
As of 2026, Tony Cimber is 60 years old. He continues to reside in the United States, maintaining his privacy while occasionally stepping out to support his family’s legacy. He remains a living link to one of Hollywood’s most enduring tragedies and its most resilient families.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Tony Cimber?
He is the youngest son of Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield and director Matt Cimber, and the half-brother of actress Mariska Hargitay. - Who raised Tony Cimber?
Unlike his siblings who were raised by Mickey Hargitay, Tony was raised by his father, Matt Cimber, and his stepmother after his mother’s death. - Was Tony Cimber in the car accident with Jayne Mansfield?
No. While his siblings Mariska, Mickey Jr., and Zoltan were in the car during the fatal 1967 crash, Tony was safe at home. - What does Tony Cimber do for a living?
He has worked in the entertainment industry as an editor and director, and has also been reported to work in real estate. - Is Tony Cimber still alive?
Yes, Tony Cimber is alive and currently 60 years old. Rumors of his death often confuse him with his late mother.
Conclusion
Tony Cimber may not be a household name like Mariska Hargitay, but his story is no less compelling. From avoiding the car crash that claimed his mother to appearing in the cult hit GLOW, his life has been a series of unique turns. Today, he stands as a testament to resilience, bridging the gap between the eras of Jayne Mansfield and Law & Order.
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