A knack for being a great performer sometimes runs in the family — and, sometimes, so does fame. Mariska Hargitay has made a career of playing a crime solver on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" — but can you solve the mystery of her Hollywood parentage? Here's a clue: Her mother was an early Playboy Playmate and sex symbol during the '50s and '60s. Keep reading to find out who she is, and to see who stars like Blake Lively, Alexander Skarsgard and more can claim as relatives.
RELATED: Celebrity couples who look alike
Legendary vixen Jayne Mansfield is the mother of everyone's favorite TV detective! Fun fact: Mariska Hargitay's father was famed Hungarian bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay.
RELATED: Celebs and their look-alike kids
"Gossip Girl" alum Blake Lively gets a lot of attention nowadays, but she's not the only member of her clan who's enjoyed time in the spotlight. Her older sister made a name for herself playing an '80s-tastic witch and a "Twin Peaks" seductress.
RELATED: Our favorite witches in pop culture
Blake Lively's older sister Robyn Lively famously starred in the '80s cult classic "Teen Witch," played Lana Budding Milford on TV's "Twin Peaks" in the early '90s and has worked steadily in Hollywood ever since. Their brother Jason Lively was once famous too: Though he no longer acts, he played Rusty Griswold in "National Lampoon's European Vacation."
Everyone knows that Lenny Kravitz is a funky rock legend. But did you know that he's not the only famous person in his family? (And we're not talking about his mom, the late actress Roxie Roker of "The Jeffersons" fame.) His second cousin is quite the opposite of him and has a very newsworthy job.
Everyone's favorite newsman, Al Roker, is a distant cousin of Lenny Kravitz! Their grandfathers were cousins, Al confirmed on "Today." Lenny's gone on record saying, "My mother was Roxie Roker, my grandfather, Albert Roker from the Bahamas. Has to be." How random!
"Scream Queens" actress Emma Roberts not only has a famous dad in actor Eric Roberts — she also calls America's sweetheart her aunt. What a talented family she hails from!
That million-dollar smile runs in the family! Julia Roberts is Emma Roberts' paternal aunt!
When "Game of Thrones" actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster starred in "Love Actually" as a child, he reconnected with his famous second cousin, who co-starred. Who is it?
British king of the rom-com Hugh Grant is Thomas Brodie-Sangster's second cousin. Now excuse us while we go re-watch "Love Actually."
We all know Brandy has a famous family. Brother Ray J is infamous due to his relationship with Kim Kardashian West back in the day. But do you know who her even more famous cousin is?
It's Snoop Dogg himself! The "Gin and Juice" rapper calls Brandy and Ray J first cousins.
"True Blood" and "Tarzan" hunk Alexander Skarsgard is the son of another famous actor as well as the brother of a History channel star and a popular horror movie actor. Who are they?
"Good Will Hunting" star Stellan Skarsgard has been acting for a very long time and has several sons who are famous actors thanks to American television and film roles. Alexander Skarsgard is only one of them. Alexander's little brother Gustaf Skarsgard plays Floki on "Vikings," and their baby brother Bill Skarsgard has appeared in projects including the "Divergent" series and "It."
Los Angeles native Jason Schwartzman got his start in the Wes Anderson movie "Rushmore" back when he was only 17. Though he had no real acting experience, Jason descends from a very talented Hollywood family, which probably helped him land some of his earlier gigs.
The Coppola name carries a certain amount of weight in Hollywood — and Jason Schwartzman is a bona fide member of the family. His first cousin is Sofia Coppola, the Oscar-winning daughter of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola (who's the brother of Jason's mom, "Rocky" franchise star Talia Shire). More family connections? Nicolas Cage is Jason and Sofia's first cousin.
England-born "Boardwalk Empire" star Jack Huston has been acting steadily for more than a decade. And even though he's famous in his own right, he also comes from a family of successful actors. Who are they?
Actress Anjelica Huston is Jack Huston's paternal aunt. Her half-brother, actor Danny Huston, is Jack's paternal uncle. And Jack's paternal grandfather is famed screenwriter and director John Huston.
Shirley MacLaine's career has spanned six decades. But because her professional surname is different from her given last name, it's easy to forget that she has an exceptionally talented brother as well. Who is he?
Warren Beatty, an A-lister on his own, is Shirley MacLaine's little brother. Talk about star wattage!
"Game of Thrones" star Alfie Allen made a name for himself as an actor after his sister found fame as a pop star.
British pop star Lily Allen is the older sister of "Game of Thrones" actor Alfie Allen. (Welsh actor and comedian Keith Allen is their dad.) Lily once wrote a song about her knucklehead brother titled "Alfie."
"Parks and Recreation" funnywoman Rashida Jones clearly made it big in the business based on her talent and comedy skills. But if she'd aimed for a career in the music industry, she probably could have gotten a boost from her famous father — who just happens to be one of the biggest names in music.
Quincy Jones, arguably one of the most influential men in music history, is the father of both Rashida Jones and her sister, actress-model-designer Kidada Jones. Their mother is model-actress Peggy Lipton.
Jessica Capshaw is a Hollywood darling in her own right after appearing on Shonda Rhimes' hit TV show "Grey's Anatomy" for nine seasons before exiting in 2017. But do you know who her famous stepfather is?
He's none other than Steven Spielberg! Kate Capshaw — Jessica's mom — married the Hollywood legend in 1991 and they've been making waves in Hollywood as a family ever since.