SVU’s Olivia Benson Was Almost Her Friend’s Monica Gellar, No Really

Sometimes fans don’t get to see anyone other than the selected actor playing a role. They were so perfectly performed that imagining a parallel universe in which they were played by someone else seems wrong. It could be argued that two of these roles are Law and Order: Special Victims Unitis Olivia Benson, played by Mariska HargitayAnd Friends’ Monica Geller, played by Courtney Cox.

However, recently, on Amy PoehlerIt is Good shot podcast, Hargitay revealed her career aspirations in the ’90s, being the daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield. She explained: “I tested Friends so many times”, and when asked for whom, the actress revealed: “I think it’s Monica.” Ultimately, of course, as we know, the role went to Courteney Cox and Hargitay went on to land her role as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU.

Mariska Hargitay wanted to do comedy, until a psychic told her otherwise

Mariska Hargitay’s name is synonymous with the world of Law and order. After almost 30 years, the actress is the face of the brand. She was the most noted actress of SVU since season 13 and the series remains the longest-running network drama. But before she became Olivia Benson, Hargitay thought her acting gifts lay elsewhere, not in a serious role like that of the tough New York City police captain she’s known for portraying. She told Poehler, “I was like, I want to do theater, but it has to be funny because that’s what I felt like my gifts were.” Eventually, a friend told him to talk to a medium, yes really. “I was listening to him very carefully like that,” Hargitay said, making a serious expression. “And he said to me, ‘See that face you’re making right now? See that face? You’re going to be famous for that face.’ You’re moving to New York and you’re going to be famous for this face.'”

Before playing Olivia Benson, Hargitay reportedly had starring roles in Seinfeld, Heleneand even an episode of Baywatch. She also booked a recurring role as the bubbly and fun-loving Cynthia Hooper in EAST, and a main role on the ephemeral I can’t hurry, my love. Anyone who watches the podcast or any other interview with Hargitay knows that she has comedic chops and a bright, dynamic personality. So it makes sense that these were her initial acting aspirations, but the world wouldn’t be the same without Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson.

You can watch Hargitay on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit Thursdays on NBC. Stay with Collider for the latest updates.