An Enduring Legacy

Despite her life being cut short at the young age of 34 in a tragic car accident, Jayne Mansfield’s influence as a Hollywood icon continues to resonate. A new documentary titled My Mom Jayne, directed by her daughter, Mariska Hargitay, seeks to explore the multifaceted legacy left by Mansfield, who was often labeled Hollywood’s “smartest dumb blonde.”

Director’s Personal Journey

Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is set to make her directorial feature debut with this film for HBO. This project not only serves as a professional milestone for Hargitay but also as a deeply personal quest to reconnect with the mother she lost when she was only three years old.

The Tragic Incident

On that fateful day in 1967, Jayne Mansfield, along with her boyfriend and lawyer, was involved in a horrific car accident that took their lives instantly. The vehicle they were in collided with a tractor-trailer. Miraculously, Hargitay and her two older brothers, Miklós and Zoltán, who were in the backseat, survived the incident with only minor injuries.

Exploring Jayne’s Legacy

Through intimate interviews and a treasure trove of previously unseen photographs and home movies, My Mom Jayne aims to shed light on both the public persona and the private life of Jayne Mansfield. Hargitay’s goal is to gain a deeper understanding of her mother—not only as a glamorous celebrity but also as a loving parent.

“Through intimate interviews and a collection of never-before-seen photos and home movies, she grapples with her mother’s public and private legacy and discovers the layers and depth of who Jayne was, not only to her audience but to those who were closest to her,” stated HBO.

Premiere Details

Viewers will have the opportunity to witness this heartfelt homage when My Mom Jayne is scheduled to premiere on HBO in June.