Ever wondered about the unsung heroes who shape the lives of our favorite stars? Ellen Siano, though not always in the spotlight, played a pivotal role in the life of Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy-winning star of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

Mariska Hargitay's journey has been one marked by both triumphs and tribulations. The loss of her mother, Jayne Mansfield, at a young age left an indelible mark. However, the narrative doesn't end there. Enter Ellen Siano, the woman who would become a profound maternal figure in Mariska's life. Following Jayne Mansfields untimely death, and after Mickey Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield divorced in 1964 and both remarried, with Jayne to director Matt Cimber, Mickey remarried to Ellen Siano in 1967, a former flight attendant. Mickey gained custody of Mariska and her siblings, and they found a new home with Mickey and his new wife, Ellen. Ellen embraced all the children as her own, as Mariska recalled in an interview with Good Housekeeping. This union, which began in 1967, lasted for 39 years, until Mickey Hargitay's death at the age of 80.

Ellen Siano Hargitay: Biographical and Professional Information
Full Name	Ellen Jean Siano Hargitay
Occupation	Former Flight Attendant, Actress
Known For	Being the stepmother and maternal figure to actress Mariska Hargitay
Marriage	Married Mickey Hargitay in 1967
Spouse	Mickey Hargitay (m. 1967-2006, his death)
Stepchildren	Mariska Hargitay, Zoltan Hargitay, Miklos Hargitay Jr., Jayne Marie Mansfield, Tony Cimber, Dana Cimber.
Filmography	Mr. Universe, Blond in Hollywood, Arena
Date of Marriage	1967
Other Notable Information	Supported Mickey Hargitay in his later years, became a maternal figure for Mariska Hargitay after Jayne Mansfield's death.
Reference Link	Ellen Siano on IMDb