Actress Mariska Hargitay is best known for her role as NYPD Captain Olivia Benson on the long-running crime drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
When not catching bad guys on TV, Hargitay is often raising awareness and/or fundraising for a good cause or advocating for those in need. By appearing in the ‘Disappear’ music video below (as an angel), Hargitay is supporting her young friend, singer Grace Gaustad, and raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.
In the video, Hargitay tells the protagonist (Gaustad) who has put a fatal pill in their mouth: “Despite what you may think, the world is not a better place without you in it.”
Hargitay calls Gaustad’s new single “achingly beautiful.”
Gaustad writes: “So many people struggle with chronic depression, anxiety, and trauma, and unfortunately for many people, sometimes they struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel resulting in the unimaginable, ‘Disappearing’. Once upon a time I was one of those people but with the help of family, friends, and incredible doctors/healers, I was able to come out the other side stronger than ever. They say ‘Disappear’ is “the most heart-wrenching song I have ever written, but at the same time, it’s the song I am the most proud of on PILLBX.”
Hargitay’s fans and famous friends are applauding the video and its message. Better Call Saul actress Rhea Seehorn replied: “Holy crap—beautiful, Mariska.” Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby, Boys Don’t Cry) replied “Wow” with an applauding emoji and white heart.
It’s not the first time Hargitay and Gustad have worked together. Watch ‘The Cloud’ above.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit airs Thursdays at 9 pm on NBC, right after Law & Order at 8 pm and right before Law & Order: Organized Crime at 10 pm.
