Mariska Hargitay and Jamie Lee Curtis Share a Laugh Over Being 'Dated' in “Showbiz”

Published 06/16/2026, 5:27 AM EDT

Credits: @broadwaycom via Instagram

Variety's Actors on Actors has brought together some of the biggest names in the film industry for engaging conversations. The series has featured memorable pairings, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, as well as Sydney Sweeney and Ethan Hawke. This time, the show welcomed legendary actresses Mariska Hargitay and Jamie Lee Curtis. 

As expected, the conversation was packed with stories from their careers, reflections on their connection, and insights into the entertainment industry. Alongside the heartfelt moments, the two actresses also shared plenty of laughs. One particularly hilarious exchange had both Hargitay and Curtis bursting into laughter after Hargitay cracked a joke about being dated.

Mariska Hargitay jokes about Jamie Lee Curtis' choice of words

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Mariska Hargitay, who recently sat down with Jamie Lee Curtis for Variety's Actors on Actors, found it amusing when Curtis used the word "showbiz." Hargitay quickly teased her fellow actress, joking that the term is old-school. She then playfully added that using the word "showbiz" could make them seem older.

“It dates us!” she jokingly whispered to Curtis as she pretended to cover her mouth to avoid being seen by the camera.

Curtis was quick to add to the joke, gesturing toward her face as she quipped that this is what makes someone look dated before declaring that they were both "dated." Hargitay appeared to agree, as the two shared a high-five. While they may jokingly describe themselves as dated, it is safe to say both actresses continue to command the screen just as they have throughout their careers.

Curtis recently appeared in the political comedy-drama Ella McCay. Meanwhile, Hargitay continues to lead television's longest-running primetime live-action drama, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, on NBC. She also made her directorial debut with the 2025 documentary My Mom Jayne.

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Just recently, the actress was also seen enjoying the excitement of Game 4 of the NBA Finals, cheering on the New York Knicks from the stands.

Mariska Hargitay attended the Knicks Game 4

Mariska Hargitay recently attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Speaking to Variety, the actress described the moment as one of the best memories she will always cherish. 

"I feel so lucky, so honored, so grateful, that in the future when people talk about that game, which they will forever and ever, I get to say 'I was there,'" Hargitay said. 

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She sported a blue-and-orange 'Stevie Knicks' T-shirt, which was reportedly gifted to her by Taylor Swift during the game. The two were spotted courtside, cheering on the Knicks, with Hargitay joining Swift in celebrating the team's win. For Hargitay, the memorable courtside experience is just yet another joyful chapter to an already eventful year.

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What do you think about Mariska Hargitay's hilarious joke? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

815 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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