Jayne Mansfield had five children: Jayne Marie Mansfield, Miklós “Mickey” Hargitay Jr., Zoltán Hargitay, Mariska Hargitay and Antonio “Tony” Cimber

Jayne Mansfield, one of the iconic blonde bombshells from Hollywood’s Golden Age, had a vibrant and bustling family life. She was a proud mother of five: Jayne Marie Mansfield, Miklós “Mickey” Hargitay Jr., Zoltán Hargitay, Mariska Hargitay, and Antonio “Tony” Cimber.

Rising to stardom in the 1950s as a dazzling silver screen siren comparable to Marilyn Monroe, she shined in films like The Girl Can’t Help It (which won her a Golden Globe in 1956), The Wayward Bus in 1957, and Too Hot to Handle in 1960.

In 1950, she married publicist Paul Mansfield, and they welcomed their daughter, Jayne Marie Mansfield, that same year. The couple relocated to Hollywood in 1954, pursuing Mansfield’s acting aspirations, although it led to their separation shortly after.

She later married Miklós “Mickey” Hargitay in 1958. They had son Miklós “Mickey” Hargitay Jr. in 1958, followed by son Zoltán Hargitay in 1960. During their divorce, Mansfield discovered she was pregnant again, sparking a brief reconciliation. Daughter Mariska Hargitay was born in 1964, and by the end of that year, they finalized their divorce.

In 1964, she married Italian movie director Matt Cimber, and a year later, they were blessed with their son Antonio “Tony” Cimber. Unfortunately, while going through divorce proceedings in 1967, Mansfield tragically passed away in a car accident at the tender age of 34.

Despite their young ages at the time of their mother’s untimely death, her children have kept fond memories alive, with many reminiscing about her remarkable persona. “My mother was an amazing, beautiful, glamorous sex symbol—but she also played violin, had a 160 IQ, loved dogs, and had five kids,” Mariska Hargitay shared in 2018. “She was ahead of her time and an inspiration with an infinite zest for life.”

Here’s a closer look at Jayne Mansfield’s five children:

They grew up in a “Pink Palace”

Mansfield was enamored with all things pink. After marrying Mickey Sr. in 1958, they moved into a home on Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, which they self-remodeled into what they affectionately called the “Pink Palace.” The home was redecorated entirely in pink, including the exterior walls, which had a glowing pink paint coating. Remarkably, the property featured a heart-shaped pool tiled with “I love you, Jaynie” at its base.

Zoltán was involved in a serious accident at a zoo

On November 23, 1966, Mansfield took Zoltán to Jungleland U.S.A., a private zoo in Sherman Oaks, California. While posing for photographs, a lion attacked Zoltán, biting his neck and head. The severity of his injuries required brain surgery. Thankfully, Zoltán made a full recovery, and soon after, Jungleland U.S.A. closed down.

Three of Mansfield’s kids were in the car accident that killed her

In the early hours of June 29, 1967, Mansfield was traveling from a nightclub in Biloxi, Mississippi, to New Orleans for a television appearance. Ronald Harrison was driving, with Mansfield and her attorney Samuel Brody in the front seat, and Mickey Jr., Zoltán, and Mariska asleep in the back. Their vehicle collided with a trailer truck, instantly killing the adults but leaving the children with minor injuries. This tragedy led to the introduction of “Mansfield bars” under the back of trailer trucks for added safety.

Mariska is an accomplished actress

Mariska Hargitay has achieved considerable success as an actress. Reflecting on her journey in 2019, she said, “I could have quit a million times, but my dad drilled into me that our family doesn’t quit. If you don’t get it, it means you’re not ready. Get up, try again.”

Mickey Jr. owns a plant store

Mickey Jr. took a different path, opening Mickey Hargitay’s Plants in 1980. The nursery’s website states, “Among all the stars in Hollywood, at Mickey’s, we are all reaching for the Earth!” Despite his fame, he chose a grounded career. In a 2016 interview, he revealed, “My family reached for the stars, but I prefer to keep my feet on the ground.” Mariska celebrated her brother on Instagram for his birthday, praising him as a nurturing and protective figure.

Mariska credits her father with teaching her to “listen and learn”

Growing up, Mariska and her siblings were raised by Mickey Sr. and his wife, Ellen, after their mother’s death. “I called her Mom,” Mariska shared in Good Housekeeping in 2012. She feels fortunate to have had a maternal figure and values the lessons her father instilled in her. “My dad taught me to listen and learn,” she said in 2018.

Jayne Marie appeared in Playboy

Jayne Mansfield graced the pages of Playboy multiple times, and in 1955, she was even Playmate of the Month. Her daring photos published by the magazine pushed boundaries, leading to Hugh Hefner’s arrest on obscenity charges. Following in her mother’s footsteps, in July 1976, Jayne Marie posed for Playboy, making them the first mother-daughter duo to ever appear in the magazine.

Mariska collects memorabilia of her mother

In 1985, while studying at UCLA, Mariska showcased her apartment, adorned with various Mansfield memorabilia including movie stills, photos, and even a toothbrush bearing her mother’s image. Mariska expresses little interest in biographies of her mother, preferring first-hand recounting from her father. “Why should I read those? I lived with an encyclopedia — my dad,” she said.

Zoltán works behind the scenes in the film industry

Zoltán has chosen a quieter professional life, working behind the scenes in the film industry as a set carpenter. Following in his father’s footsteps, Zoltán has contributed to various projects since the 1990s, including working on the set of The Morning Show in 2021. Mariska and Zoltán share a strong bond, with Mariska celebrating his birthday on Instagram, praising his kind and loving nature.

Tony and Jayne Marie live out of the public eye

Both Tony and Jayne Marie have appeared in some acting roles but have preferred leading quieter lives. Tony is now a real estate agent in Las Vegas, while Jayne Marie works as a money manager in L.A., according to a 2008 update from Mariska.

Mariska and Mansfield both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In November 2013, Mariska received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, positioned next to her mother’s star from 1960. The touching ceremony was attended by Mickey Jr., Zoltán, and Jayne Marie. “It’s so incredible because my brother Mickey and my sister Jayne Marie were here when my mother got her star,” Mariska said. She concluded by expressing her love for her family, “I love you family, all of you.”