Mariska Hargitay mistaken for real police officer by lost little girl while filming ‘SVU’

Life imitated art earlier this month when “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” star Mariska Hargitay helped a lost little girl find her mother in a New York City park.

Hargitay, who portrays NYPD Detective Olivia Benson on the hit NBC series, was approached by a child who mistook the actress in costume, complete with badge, for a real police officer.

People reports that the little girl, who appeared oblivious to the film crew as well as other actors, asked Hargitay to help her find her mother at the playground where they had been separated.

A witness said that Hargitay stopped production for around 20 minutes to help reunite and comfort the family.

Hargitay, who has starred on the series for 25 seasons, told People earlier this year that she both “can’t believe it’s been 25 years, a quarter of a century” while she simultaneously “can’t see it any other way. I can’t imagine the show ending, and can’t imagine not going on this journey with my cast, my crew.”

“SVU” has already been renewed for a record 26th season, making it the longest-running primetime live-action series in history. Hargitay’s Olivia Benson has also made history as the longest-running character on a prime-time drama series.