Mariska Hargitay revealed her initial fear that husband Peter Hermann was “gonna have me whacked” when he surprised her with her late mother’s grand piano for her 60th birthday, a heartfelt gesture that transformed into a magnificent moment of emotional connection and reclamation of her mother’s legacy.

Mariska Hargitay, the beloved star of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” recently shared a captivating and humorous story about the dramatic surprise her husband, Peter Hermann, orchestrated for her 60th birthday.

During a Q&A session at the HamptonsFilm’s SummerDocs series on July 17, 2025, Hargitay recounted how she initially feared for her safety when Hermann instructed her to get into an Uber without revealing the destination.

The unforgettable surprise began on the first day of filming for her documentary, “My Mom Jayne,” which pays tribute to her late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield. Hargitay received a call from Hermann, who told her, “There’s an Uber outside.

I need you to get in the car.” When she hesitated, he insisted, “I need you to listen to me. Do as I say and get in the car. It’s an Uber.”

Feeling frustrated and confused, Hargitay reluctantly complied, but her anxiety began to mount as she realized her husband and their three children had turned off their location services.

As the Uber drove down the 405 freeway in Los Angeles, Hargitay’s mind raced with possibilities. When the car veered away from familiar territory and she thought they were headed to Los Angeles International Airport, her imagination spiraled.

“I’m sure that my husband’s gonna have me whacked,” she joked, eliciting laughter from the audience. “I’m so scared. I was like, ‘I did nothing but be a perfect wife!’”

After what felt like an eternity of uncertainty, the car finally arrived at an unmarked warehouse. To her surprise, Hargitay was greeted by her family and Trish Adlesic, her co-producer on “My Mom Jayne,” along with cameramen ready to capture her reaction.

The moment turned emotional when Hermann revealed the grand piano that belonged to her late mother, a cherished piece of family history that Hargitay had longed to reconnect with since her mother’s passing in 1967, when Hargitay was just three years old.

Describing the gift as “magnificent,” Hargitay expressed the profound impact it had on her. “There’s no words,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “It was so magnificent. It was one of the best things in my life.”

She characterized the gesture as a “reclamation,” capturing the essence of what the piano represented in her life—a tangible connection to her mother and a symbol of love from her husband.

Despite the initial panic of the surprise, Hargitay reflected on the experience with fondness, stating, “It’s a great story.”

The emotional weight of the moment, combined with Hermann’s thoughtful planning, transformed what could have been a simple birthday gift into a magical experience that she would cherish forever.

“It’s still like a dream come true,” she added, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the surprise that combined both family legacy and personal joy.

As Hargitay continues to navigate her career and personal life, moments like these remind her of the importance of family and the enduring love that shapes her journey.

With her documentary set to resonate with audiences, the story of her birthday surprise serves as a heartwarming reminder of the connections we hold dear, even in the most unexpected circumstances.