As for the secret to their 22-year marriage, Hargitay has dropped a few clues.
“We listen to each other and root for each other, and challenge each other and are committed and so invested,” she told E! News in 2024, “We want the same things, and we cherish our union—that comes first.”
And even when things seem out of order, the two make sure to hear each other out.
“My new two favorite words are ‘disciplined curiosity,'” Hargitay explained to E! in June. “Really being curious about the other person and how they experience something and really listening. I think that we get fearful, so we tighten up. But my husband is a great listener and an extremely thoughtful person, and he’s taught me so much about that. So if there is ever a disagreement or an argument or we get scared or tight, I know that he will always think about it or think about what I said. So now, I’m like that—that if we disagree on something, I really will try to understand what he means.”
Humor also helps.
“It’s sort of everything for us,” Hargitay added. “Because if you can joke about it, then there’s a little bit of perspective and it’s another way in and to say, ‘I love you. I’m sorry. I’m still here. Can we laugh? Because no matter what, we’re going to figure this out.'”
If you’re still trying to figure out how to watch the 2026 Emmys, tune in to NBC or Peacock Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. EST. Until then, scroll on to read about the nominees.
