Mariska Hargitay says son found ‘lovely community’ of support in SAY, an organization for stuttering
Mariska Hargitay and husband Peter Hermann attended the Stuttering Association for the Young’s 2023 gala in New York City this week.
While there, the 59-year-old Law And Order actress and her 55-year-old beau — who were recently spotted on a date night — opened up to People about what the organization means to them.
“Our son stutters,” Hargitay revealed to the publication about her oldest child, “and it was so nice to have this beautiful community to introduce him to and learn about it from the experts.”
The couple, who married in 2004, brought their three children — Aug. 16, Amaya, 12, and Andrew, 11 — to Monday’s event.
The two were inducted into the group’s Hall of Fame and recognized for their transformative work.
Family affair: Mariska Hargitay and husband Peter Hermann attended the Stuttering Association for the Young’s 2023 gala in New York City this week with their three children – August 16, Amaya, 12, and Andrew, 11
Interview: At the gala, the 59-year-old Law And Order actress and her 55-year-old beau talked about what the organization means to them
Speaking to the publication, Mariska explained how she first became involved with SAY, starting with meeting founder Taro Alexander.
“I met Taro through the kind of actor communities. We know a lot of people in common,” she said.
“I thought he was a magical human being, and he told me about the organization, and then he invited us to a benefit,” the star added.
Referring to her Happy Heart Foundationshe commented, “And I lost my mind on the magic night because I also have a foundation and I’ve been to a million galas, been to a million fundraisers, and the night I came I was just so moved by the work they did and this loving community, and I was so grateful to be educated.”
The mother-of-three gushed, “I felt the cells of my heart change — the molecular construction of my heart — it was so beautiful.”
Hermann explained how getting involved in the group made him and his wife stronger as parents.
“It was extraordinary when we first heard his stutter to meet Taro and have someone to turn to because so many stutterers live in isolation,” the actor opened up.
“And there are so many people who come for the first time, and when they come they say they’ve never heard anyone else stutter.”
Inductees: The two were inducted into the group’s Hall of Fame and recognized for their transformative work
Moving experience: The mother of three gushed about the first SAY benefit she attended: ‘I felt the cells of my heart change – the molecular construction of my heart – it was so beautiful’
While discussing power education, the longtime entertainer shared, “The thing about stuttering, and what I’ve learned is that people who stutter so often try not to speak or try to change the word or say nothing, get out, hide .’
She expressed her condolences, adding: “It’s so heartbreaking to think that all these wonderful people who have so much to offer are holding it back because of how the world treats them, or out of fear.
“It’s been so exciting to learn and understand and educate people because once people know, they’re like, ‘Oh my God. Thank you. Tell me more. Tell me more.’ It’s just been a nice trip.’
And her husband emphasized the importance of patience.
“It’s becoming more and more important that we grant grace to take space and time and let the ideas come out that want to come out,” suggested Pete.
And part of it is just talking. Just everyday speaking, that chance to be normal.’
Mariska repeated, “There is so much beauty here.”
After the gala, Hargitay took to Instagram to share a photo from the soiree with her 2.8 million followers.
She wrote in the caption, “@sayorg SAY The Stuttering Association for the Young! Say love! SAY Joy! SAY community! SAY Freedom of Speech! SAY The right to be heard!
“SAY thank you for your beautiful, inspiring, extremely important, magnificent gala that opens hearts and raises awareness and changes lives! #love you.’
Grateful: “Our son stutters,” Hargitay revealed to the publication about her eldest child, “and it was so nice to have this beautiful community to introduce him to and learn about it from the experts”
Beauty: The entertainer, the daughter of the late icon Jayne Mansfield, looked gorgeous
Group Photo: The proud inductees posed with the children of SAY at The Edison Ballroom
Mariska, the daughter of the late Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield, said, “I think when we feel safe and loved, when we level the playing field, your heart opens up to yourself and everyone else.”
“We work hard to help people whose voices have been silenced. I know that when I don’t feel safe or scared, I can’t express myself either.
“So I feel more comfortable and in my own skin when I’m here and with these people. It really is a gift for all of us.’
And her son August also shared his opinion: ‘I think it’s very special to be in a place where you’re surrounded by people who are dealing with the same things as you.
“There aren’t many other people at school, or the sports teams you play on, the organizations you attend, the events I attend with my parents. There is always a lot of pressure and conversation. So to be in a place where the edge is off and it’s encouraged, is it welcome? It’s special.’