Honestly, I think Mariska Hargitay waited so long because family stuff can be really hard to talk about, especially when you’re famous and everyone’s watching. I’ve seen people in my own family hide secrets for years just because they don’t want drama or don't want to deal with people gossiping. Mariska said she found out at 25, but Mickey Hargitay raised her and was always her dad in every way that matters, so she just kept going with that.

Plus, her mom, Jayne Mansfield, was a huge star, so there was already a lot of pressure on their family. I can’t imagine how weird it must’ve been knowing the truth and still having to play along in public. I think now, since she’s 61 and made this documentary about her mom, she probably felt it was time to be honest and not have that weight on her anymore. Sometimes you get older and just don’t care what people say, you know? I think it’s brave she finally told the world, even if it took decades.