How Mariska Hargitay keeps her marriage to Peter Hermann “fresh”.

While Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has built its legacy on delivering captivating and heartbreaking storylines, a heartwarming love story emerged: the romance between SVU Sensation Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann.

Hargitay and Hermann’s paths first crossed after he appeared on the third season of SVU as charming defense attorney Trevor Langan. During his first appearance on SVU was brief, his influence on Hargitay was profound. Today the couple is happily married and still as in love as the day they met over 20 years ago. Given the grim nature of SVUHargitay and Hermann’s long-term marriage was, ironically, a heartwarming development, and their beautiful family life was anything but bleak.

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With over two decades behind them, Hargitay and Hermann know a thing or two about keeping their relationship exciting heading into a January 2024 appearance TODAYHargitay offered her sage advice.

Mariska Hargitay reveals the secret of her long-term marriage

Hargitay fondly remembered her decades-long relationship with Hermann TODAY with Hoda & Jennaand expressed great gratitude for their growth over time.

“I’m at a point in my life where things are getting better with him. And marriage isn’t always like that,” Hargitay said TODAY Anchor while using her hand to mimic a rising slope. “Or any relationship that is deep and important. But you know, I learned so much. Peter always says this beautiful quote about… breaking through from marriage into marriage.”

The SVU Star references a line from Jack Gilbert’s 1994 poem “Tear It Down,” in which the late poet wrote: “We can break one marriage into another / By insisting on love, we spoil it, get over it.” out / affection and wade deep into love. “Love.”

Hargitay continued, “And that’s what I think we’ve been living, because at this point in my life I feel very different than I have in the last maybe 15 or 18 (years). I feel (safe) in our love. “

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Hargitay is overflowing with love and appreciation for their beautiful marriage, and after all these years, it’s surreal to remember that it all started after Hargitay and Hermann’s paths diverged behind the scenes SVU.

The love story of Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann began behind the scenes of SVU

He referred to Hermann as “Clark Gable, Superman type” while telling their story SVU meet-cute at a performance in 2022 The Drew Barrymore ShowHargitay was fascinated by Herrmann from the moment she met him backstage SVU. Hargitay told People In 2019, Hermann finally asked Hargitay to attend a church service with him. The date selection received high praise from Hargitay.

“We went to church together and it was like we were struck by lightning,” Hargitay said. “I just started sobbing. Peter thought I would cry because I was so moved by the service. No, it was just because I was just overwhelmed when I realized he was the one.”

Hargitay’s instincts were spot on; The couple tied the knot on August 28, 2004, two years after they met. Hargitay and Hermann reportedly exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by over 200 loved ones in Santa Barbara, California People. After many years together – including the birth of three children – Hargitay and Hermann have created a beautiful family of five.

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“I think we both kind of knew what we found,” Hargitay said People in 2019. “We kind of knew we had found the right one. I never thought it could be this good, and I never thought that along the journey I would be reminded that I was marrying the right person. That I waited and I married the right person and it’s better than I thought because sometimes you take a snapshot and you’re like, “I can’t believe this is my life.”

The feeling is mutual: Hermann loves his wife and family and has maintained his status as Hargitay’s biggest cheerleader and loudest fan. In October 2021, Hermann made a social media post expressing his love for the SVU Sweetheart in honor of the series’ 500th episode and shared a sweet picture of the couple together.

“You amaze me,” Hermann I titled the post. “We met in episode 54. The best 447 episodes of my life. Congratulations, you beautiful life force. I love you.”

For a series steeped in tragedy, Hargitay and Hermann’s union is the perfect subplot – a love story that continues to shine brightly.

Regard Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC and Peacock.