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Culture April 17, 2024

Mariska Hargitay halts 'SVU' filming to help lost child who confused her for police officer

WATCH: Mariska Hargitay discusses how playing Olivia Benson changed her life

Actress Mariska Hargitay recently took her role as Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” a step further in real life, helping a lost child, who mistook her for a real police officer, reunite with her mother, a witness told People.

MORE: Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T and more step out for 'Law & Order: SVU' 25th anniversary

According to the report, while shooting “SVU” on April 10, Hargitay halted production at Anne Loftus Playground in Fort Tryon Park for 20 minutes while she helped a lost child who approached her in costume as a member of law enforcement with a badge. The child did not notice the film crew or her scene partner, Ice-T.

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Hargitay, who is a parent to three children of her own with husband Peter Hermann, was able to reunite the pair and console the mother and daughter, the witness told People.

PHOTO: Mariska Hargitay is seen taking a break from filming 'Law and Order: SVU' as she helps a child at the Fort Tryon Playground, on April 10, 2024, in New York.
Jose Perez/bauer-griffin/GC via Getty Images
Mariska Hargitay is seen taking a break from filming 'Law and Order: SVU' as she helps a child at the Fort Tryon Playground, on April 10, 2024, in New York.

Earlier this year, Mariska Hargitay and other “SVU” co-stars– including Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Michelle Hurd and Octavio Pisano, celebrated a special milestone as they stepped out for the show's 25th anniversary celebration at Edge at Hudson Yards in New York City.

MORE: Mariska Hargitay pens heartfelt tribute to 'Law & Order: SVU' crew member who died from COVID-19

Hargitay has played Detective Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: SVU" since 1999. The show returned for its 25th season on Jan. 18.