Question: who plays olivia benson in law and order
Answer: Mariska Magdolna Hargitay ( / məˈrɪʃkə ˈhɑːrɡɪteɪ / mə - RISH - kə HAR - gi - tay ; born January 23 , 1964 ) is an American actress best known for her role as NYPD Special Victims Unit Detective / Sergeant / Lieutenant Olivia Benson on the NBC drama series Law & Order : Special Victims Unit , for which she has earned multiple awards and nominations , including an Emmy and Golden Globe .