Mariska Hargitay’s new documentary, “My Mom Jayne,” takes viewers on an emotional journey as she uncovers the life and legacy of her mother, iconic actress Jayne Mansfield. The film opens with Hargitay visiting the demolished remains of her Beverly Hills home, known as the Pink Palace. Through interviews with her siblings, access to Jayne’s untouched storage locker, and home movies, Hargitay brings to life the woman behind the public persona.
A compelling moment is when Hargitay and her siblings discover Mansfield’s long-lost 1956 Golden Globe award, symbolizing the connection between their legacies. The film delves into lesser-known aspects of Mansfield’s life, including her intellectual pursuits and musical talents, presenting a multi-faceted image of a woman often typecast as a “dumb-blonde.” Interviews with notable figures add depth to the narrative. Late in the documentary, Hargitay reveals a family secret she had kept hidden for three decades.
Family secrets and star legacies
She discovered that Mickey Hargitay, a famous bodybuilder and her mother’s second husband, was not her biological father. Instead, her birth father was Nelson Sardelli, an Italian singer who had a brief affair with Mansfield.
This shocking but ultimately freeing revelation adds a layer of raw emotion to Hargitay’s journey. “My Mom Jayne” captures the glamour of Mansfield’s career, the struggles she faced as a mother, and the heartbreak of her untimely death. The film’s climax leaves audiences with a profound sense of closure and healing.
Overall, “My Mom Jayne” is a moving and revealing documentary that merges a Hollywood biography with a personal quest for identity and closure. It is a testament to the enduring bond between mother and daughter, filled with heartbreak, discovery, and healing.
