What's Happening?
Mariska Hargitay, known for her role as Olivia Benson on 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,' experienced a significant injury during a stunt on the set of the show in 2008. While performing a chase scene, Hargitay landed incorrectly, resulting in a collapsed lung. Initially, she believed the discomfort was minor, thinking she had merely knocked the wind out of herself or pulled a muscle. However, the injury required surgery, and her lung collapsed again in March 2009, a rare occurrence that affects only one in every 1,000 people. This incident led Hargitay to reconsider her approach to performing stunts, opting to rely more on stunt doubles for high-risk scenes, especially after becoming a parent and recognizing the fragility of life.
Why It's Important?
Hargitay's
decision to change her approach to stunts highlights the broader issue of safety in the entertainment industry, particularly for actors who perform their own stunts. This incident underscores the potential risks involved in action sequences and the importance of using professional stunt performers to mitigate these risks. The change also reflects a growing awareness and prioritization of personal health and safety among actors, which could influence industry standards and practices. For Hargitay, the decision was also personal, as becoming a parent made her more conscious of the potential consequences of on-set injuries.
What's Next?
Following her injury, Hargitay has continued to work on 'Law & Order: SVU,' now with a greater reliance on stunt doubles for dangerous scenes. This shift may encourage other actors to reconsider their own involvement in stunts, potentially leading to increased demand for professional stunt performers. Additionally, the entertainment industry might see a push for more stringent safety protocols and training for actors involved in action sequences, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
