Inside Jayne Mansfield’s Legacy Through Her 5 Children
- Celebrity
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- UPDATED July 22, 2025
by Kristine Bowman
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Jayne Mansfield’s story lives on through the lives of her five children.
The 1950s screen siren — known for her platinum blonde hair, charisma, and status as one of Hollywood’s classic sex symbols — was also a devoted mother. Before her tragic death in 1967, Mansfield welcomed five children: Jayne Marie Mansfield, Miklós “Mickey” Hargitay Jr., Zoltán Hargitay, Mariska Hargitay, and Antonio “Tony” Cimber.
Mansfield became a mom in 1950, giving birth to daughter Jayne Marie during her marriage to publicist Paul Mansfield. The couple divorced in 1954. In 1958, she married Hungarian bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay. The two went on to have sons Mickey Jr. and Zoltán in 1958 and 1960, respectively. Though the couple separated, they reconciled briefly during Mansfield’s third pregnancy. Their daughter, Mariska, was born in 1964 — the same year they finalized their divorce.
Later that year, Mansfield married her third husband, filmmaker Matt Cimber, and they had son Antonio “Tony” Cimber in 1965. Sadly, the marriage didn’t last. The two were in the process of divorcing in 1967 when Mansfield was killed in a car crash at the age of 34 — an accident that prompted a major change in road safety regulations.
In May 2025, Mariska Hargitay released a documentary titled My Mom Jayne, which offered a personal look at her mother’s life — including the surprising revelation that her biological father was Las Vegas performer Nelson Sardelli. The documentary highlighted Jayne’s complexities beyond the screen.
“My mom was this larger-than-life icon — glamorous, beautiful, magnetic,” Mariska told in 2018. “But what didn’t see was her intellect, her humor, her musicianship — she played the violin, had a 160 IQ, and she was a mother to five kids. She had this incredible zest for life, and I think that lives on in me.”
They Were Raised in a Pink Fantasy
Pink wasn’t just Mansfield’s favorite color — it became her personal brand. After marrying Mickey Hargitay in 1958, the couple bought a home on Sunset Boulevard and transformed it into their dream estate: the “Pink Palace.”
According to Architectural Digest, the mansion was a bold expression of her love for pink — from the exterior walls to the lavish interiors. The centerpiece? A heart-shaped swimming pool with the words “I love you, Jaynie” tiled at the bottom.
Zoltán Survived a Lion Attack at a Zoo
On November 23, 1966, a family outing turned traumatic when Mansfield took Zoltán to Jungleland U.S.A., a private zoo in Sherman Oaks.
While posing for photos, a lion attacked the 6-year-old boy, biting him on the head and neck. He was rushed into surgery for serious injuries but eventually made a full recovery. The incident drew national attention and the zoo shut down not long after.
Three Siblings Were in the Crash That Killed Their Mother
In the early hours of June 29, 1967, Mansfield was en route from a nightclub performance in Biloxi, Mississippi, to New Orleans for a scheduled TV appearance. Driving with her were attorney Sam Brody and driver Ronald Harrison, along with her three youngest children: Mickey Jr., Zoltán, and Mariska.
The car collided with a trailer truck that had slowed in mosquito fog. The adults in the front seat were killed instantly, while the children — asleep in the back — miraculously survived with only minor injuries.
The tragedy led to a major safety change: the installation of underride guards, commonly known as “Mansfield bars,” on the back of trucks to prevent similar accidents.
Mariska Became a TV Icon
Mariska Hargitay was introduced to the public as a toddler when she appeared on The Merv Griffin Show in 1966 — but it wasn’t until decades later that she made her mark as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She’s since spent over 25 years portraying the beloved character.
In a 2019 interview with Parade, Mariska shared her perseverance: “There were so many moments I could’ve given up, but my dad always told me, ‘Hargitays don’t quit.’ So I kept going.”
In addition to SVU, she’s appeared on Chicago P.D. and Law & Order: Organized Crime, and like her mother, has received a Golden Globe for her work.
Mickey Jr. Took a Different Path — Toward Plants
Unlike his Hollywood parents, Mickey Hargitay Jr. chose a quieter life rooted in nature. He opened Mickey Hargitay’s Plants in Los Angeles in 1980 — a lush nursery filled with greenery, cacti, and charm.
“Our family may have aimed for the stars, but I’ve always wanted to stay grounded,” he told the Los Angeles Times in 2016. “There’s something honest and fulfilling about growing things.”
In a birthday tribute to her brother on Instagram in 2023, Mariska wrote: “I love this guy so much. Best big brother. Soulful. Protective. Nurturing. Watching him care for plants is like watching poetry.
Mickey Sr. and His Wife Raised the Kids After the Tragedy
Following Mansfield’s death, Mickey Sr. raised the children with his wife, Ellen.
“She became a second mother to me,” Mariska told Good Housekeeping in 2012. “We were lucky — she welcomed us with open arms. After something so devastating, having that kind of love was everything.”
Jayne Mansfield was remembered for her boldness, beauty, and fame — but her greatest role may have been that of a mother. Through her children, her legacy endures.
Jayne Marie Appeared in Playboy
Jayne Mansfield made multiple appearances in Playboy, including being named Playmate of the Month in February 1955. Eight years later, the magazine caused a stir by publishing nude photos of Mansfield—a bold move for the time that even led to Hugh Hefner being arrested on obscenity charges.
In July 1976, Jayne Marie followed in her mother’s footsteps by posing for Playboy herself. This historic moment made them the first mother-and-daughter duo to both grace the magazine’s pages.
Mariska Collects Memorabilia of Her Mother
Back in 1985, while studying at UCLA, Mariska gave a peek inside her apartment — showcasing her treasured collection of Jayne Mansfield memorabilia. The assortment included vintage photos, movie stills, and even a toothbrush featuring her mother’s image.
But Mariska wasn’t interested in reading books about her mom. “Why should I read those? I lived with an encyclopedia — my dad,” she said. “And my mom [Ellen] calls me up when one of her movies is on TV. Mom was not just a young knockout; she was brilliant. She just gave the public what they wanted.
Zoltán Works Behind the Scenes in Film
Unlike his famous mother and sister, Zoltán prefers life off-camera. Following in their father Mickey Sr.’s footsteps—who famously built much of the family’s iconic “pink palace”—Zoltán has carved out a career as a set carpenter on film and TV productions since the 1990s. In 2021, he worked on The Morning Show.
Mariska and Zoltán share a close sibling bond. On his birthday in August 2021, she posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling him “kind, loving, open, and huge-hearted.
Tony and Jayne Marie Keep Lower Profiles
Though both Tony and Jayne Marie have a few acting credits, they’ve chosen to live quieter, more private lives. Tony works as a real estate agent in Las Vegas, according to his LinkedIn profile.
In 2008, Mariska told Ask Stacy that Jayne Marie was living in Los Angeles and working as a money manager.
Mariska and Jayne Mansfield Both Have Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In a touching moment in November 2013, Mariska received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—right beside the one her mother earned in 1960. The ceremony was attended by Mickey Jr., Zoltán, and Jayne Marie, who all came out to support Mariska.
“It’s incredible because my brother Mickey and my sister Jayne Marie were actually here when my mom got her star,” Mariska said. “I can’t imagine what they’re feeling. Probably enough with the stars already.” She added warmly, “I love you, family—all of you.
Mariska Revealed in 2025 That Mickey Sr. Is Not Her Biological Father
In May 2025, Mariska premiered her documentary My Mom Jayne, which included a surprising family revelation: her biological father is not Mickey Hargitay, who raised her, but a former Las Vegas entertainer named Nelson Sardelli.
Mariska explained that she learned this secret at age 25. In a Vanity Fair interview, she recalled seeing Sardelli perform when she was 30, and how emotional the meeting was.
“I’ve been waiting 30 years for this moment,” Sardelli said. Mariska responded, “I went full Olivia Benson on him,” referencing her Law & Order: SVU character. She told him, “I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything. I have a dad.” Loyalty to Mickey was important to her.
Since then, she has formed a bond with Sardelli and his daughters—all of whom appear in the documentary.
All Five Children Were Featured in My Mom Jayne
Alongside Sardelli, all of Mariska’s siblings joined her in My Mom Jayne, opening up about their mother and sharing personal stories from their childhoods.
In one poignant moment, Mariska spoke with her younger brother Tony about the difficult relationship between their mother and his father, Matt Cimber. Mansfield’s former secretary described Cimber as “the worst thing that ever happened” to Jayne.
Tony reflected, “My father, Matt, never really talked about her. I guess it’s kind of unfortunate because I never asked. And I don’t know why.”
Mariska admitted, “There are things I’ve heard about them that I’m always afraid to bring up with you. Things that are really ugly.”
Tony responded thoughtfully, “I don’t know that I want to know. Because I don’t want to carry it. Because I don’t know what good it does.