Jayne Mansfield died in a tragic car accident in 1967, impacting her daughter Mariska Hargitay's life forever.

Mariska Hargitay Reflects on Her Mother's Legacy

Nearly six decades after the untimely death of Jayne Mansfield, her daughter Mariska Hargitay is opening up about her mother's life and the impact of her passing on their family. In her upcoming project, "Find Out In My Mom Jayne," Mariska delves into her childhood experiences and the trauma that followed the tragic loss of her mother in 1967.

The Iconic Jayne Mansfield

Jayne Mansfield, born Vera Jayne Palmer, was a prominent figure in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s, celebrated for her roles in various box office hits, including "Too Hot To Handle." Despite being often labeled as the quintessential "dumb blonde," Jayne was a dedicated performer who earned a Theatre World Award for her Broadway work. Her vibrant personality and striking looks made her one of the most recognizable stars of her era.

The Tragic Accident

On June 28, 1967, Jayne's life was cut short in a devastating car accident while traveling to New Orleans for an appearance on the "Midday Show." At the time of the crash, she was in a vehicle with her attorney and partner, Sam Brody, and 19-year-old driver Ronald B. Harrison. In the backseat were three of her children, including Mariska, along with four of Jayne's beloved dogs.

Just before 2:30 a.m., the car collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer that had slowed down due to a mosquito insecticide spraying truck. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in the deaths of Jayne, Brody, and Harrison, while her children survived with only minor injuries. Tragically, two of the dogs also perished in the accident.

Controversy Surrounding Her Death

Following the accident, the official cause of Jayne's death was reported as a "crushed skull with avulsion of cranium and brain." However, sensational rumors quickly spread, suggesting that she had been decapitated. Photographs emerged that appeared to show a blonde head in the vehicle's windshield, leading to speculation that it was Jayne's. Multiple news outlets later clarified that the image could have been a wig, further complicating the narrative surrounding her death.

Jayne's Enduring Influence

Jayne Mansfield was only 34 years old at the time of her death, yet her legacy continues to resonate in popular culture. Mariska Hargitay's exploration of her mother's life and the circumstances of her passing sheds light on the complexities of their family dynamics and the lasting effects of such a profound loss. Through her reflections, Mariska aims to honor Jayne's memory while also addressing the misconceptions that have surrounded her mother's life and death.

As Mariska shares her story, she invites audiences to understand not just the glamorous image of Jayne Mansfield, but also the human experiences of love, loss, and resilience that define their family history. This poignant narrative serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of a mother's love, even in the face of tragedy.