After fourteen seasons on the popular crime drama, Law and Order: SVU, Mariska Hargitay has finally earned her star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. To make the moment even more special for Hargitay, her long time close friend Hilary Swank presented her with the award.

The Walk of Fame

Receiving a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame is a prestigious honor for any celebrity. There are about 15 Hollywood stars given out on an annual basis. In order to be inducted into the Walk of Fame, a star must first be nominated. Nominations for this year’s stars were accepted all the way up until the end of May. Nominations are submitted to the Walk of Fame Committee which is run by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. From the nomination applications submitted, the committee then choices approximately 12-15 names from a multitude of categories including the Motion Picture industry, Television, Radio and even Live Theater. The committee announced their selection in late June.

Surrounded by Love

Hargitay was the 2,511th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the category of Television. Receiving this star also coincided with Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) 15th anniversary. Actress Swank along with SVU creator and Executive Producer Dick Wolf were among those that spoke in honor of Hargitay’s major achievement. Standing by her side while Hargitay received her star were her husband, Peter Hermann, and their three children.

A Mother’s Inspiration

Also by her side, in spirit, was Hargitay’s mother, Jayne Mansfield. As a popular and well-known actress from the 50s and 60s, in 1960 Mansfield also earned her place on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Jayne Mansfield was tragically killed in a car accident when Hargitay was just three years old. During the accident, Hargitay was in the back seat along with her two brothers. Hargitay’s new star now sits next to her mother’s star. She said during the ceremony that she was glad their two stars are close together because now they will symbolically be able to spend many more years together.

An Icon for Many

As an icon for many young women out there, Hargitay has worked hard to earn her place on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Inspired by her character, Detective Olivia Benson, Hargitay opened the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to help victims of sexual abuse overcome the trauma associated with their situations. “You are one of the icons of television and certainly, I think the female icon for millions of women not only here, but all over the world,” SVU Executive Producer Wolf said during Friday’s ceremony.

Law and Order SVU will return for its 15th season with Hargitay already in agreement to stay on as Olivia Benson. By being an icon for millions of women out there as well as devoting nearly fifteen years to her role on SVU, Hargitay has certainly earned her well-deserved star. At just forty-nine years old, Hargitay has accomplished more in her life than most. With those she loved by her side on Friday to help her celebrate her achievement, the Hollywood Walk of Fame just got a bit brighter.