Mickey Hargitay Biography

Mickey Hargitay was an American actor who worked as an acrobat in Hungary before moving to the US. Before joining Hollywood, he won many titles in bodybuilding, including the National American Body Builders Association (NABBA) Mr. Universe 1955. Hargitay was born in Budapest to an athletic father. In his younger days, he was a skilled football player and a champion ice skater. He and his brother Eddie Hargitay performed acrobatic acts throughout Hungary. He was also an underground fighter during World War II. Later, Hargitay moved to the U.S to avoid being drafted into the military. He walked into a gym out of curiosity and it led to his bodybuilding career, the success of which matched the accomplishments of his inspiration and idol, Steve Reeves. He was spotted by Mae West who asked him to join her team of musclemen in her Las Vegas night club, the ‘Mae West Revue’. It was there that he met Broadway novelty Jayne Mansfield, who he married amid much publicity. They appeared together in a number of films. They lived in a mansion called ‘Pink Palace’ in Beverley Hills, which had the famous heart-shaped swimming pool. He continued acting for a few years after divorcing Jayne Mansfield. Then he became a successful contractor and real estate investor.