Feminist Activist Gloria Steinem lives on in the hearts of many, but Mariska Hargitay wants her message to reach even more. The Mariska Hargitay Didn’t Just Honor Gloria Steinem At The Emmys; She Passed Her Message On first appeared on The Blast

Gloria Steinem lives on in the hearts of many, but Mariska Hargitay wants her message to reach even more.

The Hollywood icon referenced the late feminist activist during her Emmy acceptance speech. The trailblazing feminist passed away peacefully in her New York residence at the age of 92 on September 2.

Many A-listers, high-profile celebrities, and Hollywood icons have paid tribute to Gloria Steinem, whether on public platforms like Mariska Hargitay did or through simple social media posts praising her for her contributions to the fight for equal women’s rights.

Mariska Hargitay Highlights Gloria Steinem’s Final Message During Emmy Awards Speech

Hargitay walked away with two Emmys at the 78th Creative Arts Emmys. One for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, and the other for Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program.

During her emotional acceptance speech while receiving one of the two awards for her 2025 directorial debut film “My Mom Jayne,” the actress moved the crowd with a nod at Steinem’s final words.

Standing on stage inside Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre on Sunday, September 6, the Hollywood icon expressed her feelings concerning earning honors for a project she initially doubted she could direct.

“I’m utterly overwhelmed, as you can imagine. I just wanted to share with you that it took me a while … to realize that this was my story to tell,” The TV star said. “I didn’t think that I could direct it, and so I just want to add something to Gloria’s pointer, and that is about telling your own story.”

Steinem’s interview for the “Famous Last Words” documentary series was released after her death. In the clip, according to US Weekly, the political activist encouraged people to “please tell your own story,” noting that it is “the most important thing we can do for each other.”

The ‘Law & Order: SUV’ Star Lost Her Mom At A Tender Age

Even though the documentary is about her late mother, Jayne Mansfield, the actress did not grow up knowing her. Mansfield, who was also an actress and a 1960s sex symbol, died while Hargitay was still a toddler in a car crash.

The fatal 1967 car crash took Mansfield’s life while her daughter was just 3 years old, leaving her to grow up in the care of her stepfather, Mickey Hargitay. “My Mom Jayne” features personal home videos and interviews with Mansfield’s five children, whom she welcomed with four different romantic partners.

The Emmy winner previously disclosed that filming the documentary revealed similarities she shares with her late mom. The eye-opening experience fuelled a new spark of admiration and respect that the actress had for Mansfield.

Referencing Steinem’s interview again in her speech, the TV star said that she was “so excited to explore and discover and to innovate new ways of hearing stories from half of the world’s population because we don’t hear from you nearly enough.”

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Inside Gloria Steinem’s Final Interview

Steinem’s “Famous Last Words” interview was filmed in February 2025, over a year before her demise. During the conversation, the feminist encouraged others to share their own experiences, as personal stories connect people in ways that go beyond mere words.

She also acknowledged that while individuality exists, the media has truly made the world a global village by connecting people who may never have face-to-face interactions, as reported by The Blast.

“I wish I could meet each one of you in person, but in a way, this is what allows us now to see each other’s lives, to influence each other’s lives, to respect each other, and to, therefore, perpetuate what we hope is a global democracy,” Steinem said of the media. 

Furthermore, the late political icon urged her listeners to embrace their uniqueness and do what they “love” before discussing her contribution to the second-wave feminist movement in the United States.

She stressed that despite her widely celebrated prominence and contribution to the cause, the feminist movement had spread far and wide thanks to many, so she should not be given all the credit.

The Late Journalist Led By Example

Steinem’s final words in the Netflix interview were statements she had embraced and embodied throughout her life. Just as she encouraged her viewers to embrace their individuality, the late icon stood firm in the decisions she made for herself.

About a decade before her death, Steinem opened up about living a childfree life, and when asked if she had any regrets, she maintained her stance. The activist shared that she never had second thoughts about the choice she made for her body, not even “for a millisecond.”

According to The Blast, the prominent feminist leader reiterated her stance in a 2025 interview, noting that she was comfortable with her choice to remain childfree till her death.

She revealed that the experience of taking care of her sick mother while growing up greatly influenced her decision, “even though it’s unrealistic as a measure of having children.”

Mariska Hargitay’s Reference Joined The Long Line Of Tributes To Gloria Steinem

Shortly after Steinem’s death was announced, tributes flowed in from several prominent figures and fans, including Julianne Moore, Meghan Markle, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Clinton, in her tribute, praised the late journalist for inspiring millions to challenge institutional barriers and fight for equal opportunity for women. She recalled witnessing Steinem’s advocacy for equal educational and professional access for women in the 60s and 70s.

The politician also described Steinem as an “incredibly smart, beautiful, talented woman” who encouraged other women to pursue their dreams without limitation. She also celebrated the late activist’s optimistic personality, which was evident in her activism.

As shared by The Blast, Clinton and Steinem built a friendship over the years through their shared advocacy goals, which became the central point of their years-long relationship.

The politician ended her tribute with words of encouragement to the younger generation, urging young women to draw inspiration from Steinem’s life and legacy.

Just as with Mariska Hargitay’s speech, Gloria Steinem will continue to be a reference for many.

The Mariska Hargitay Didn’t Just Honor Gloria Steinem At The Emmys; She Passed Her Message On first appeared on The Blast