Mariska Hargitay is known for her philanthropic work and her efforts to speak out on social issues, while also balancing her career as a director and producer. However, many recognize her as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which she has played since 1999, making it one of television’s longest-running characters in American Primetime drama. 

Now, the Golden Globe-winning actress is set to make her Broadway debut, stepping in to replace Daniel Radcliffe in a heartwarming play.

Mariska Hargitay is set to replace Daniel Radcliffe to portray the protagonist in the play, Every Brilliant Thing. Written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe, the play is set to be directed by Jeremy Herrin. Her debut is set for May 26, 2026, and is expected to run until June 28. 

The play follows a protagonist who creates a list of things that bring joy to life for her mother after a suicide attempt. As time passes, the list continues to grow. What makes the play even more interesting is that it also involves audience participation, where selected members are asked to read aloud the wishes written on slips of paper handed to them.

"I’m always drawn to themes of healing and renewal, especially when the journey is rendered in all its complexity. It feels like an extraordinary gift to make my Broadway debut, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, with a play that affirms life so emphatically,” Hargitay said about her Broadway debut in a statement (via Entertainment Weekly).

As the Emmy-winning actress describes, it is an emotional and healing play. Hargitay praised the script and all the elements that make the play so profound. She will step up for the role soon after Radcliffe’s last performance for Every Brilliant Thing, in the Hudson Theatre on May 24. 

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And not just Hargitay, the Harry Potter actor has also spoken highly about the play and his experience.

Daniel Radcliffe had previously appeared as Charley Kringas in Merrily We Roll Along, earning a Tony Award for his performance. However, a brilliant script of Every Brilliant Thing was what brought him back to Broadway sooner than expected. Speaking about the play, he even described it as one of the scariest gigs of his career. 

“It’s probably second behind ‘How To Succeed.’ I feel like doing the dancing was really, truly a bridge further than I ever thought I would cross,” he said, as per Hollywood Reporter. 

While taking on the role, he explained that the play was both within and far outside his comfort zone, and that is something that ultimately made it exciting. Moreover, he did not want to miss the chance to fully immerse himself in Broadway before his responsibilities as a father grew. Safe to say, it turned out to be the right decision, and now, Mariska Hargitay will step in and bring the character to life next.

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What do you think about Mariska Hargitay taking on the role? Let us know in the comments.