Peter Hermann might not be the first name you think of when it comes to Hollywood stars, but his presence on TV screens across America has been steady, reliable, and impressively varied. Whether you know him from his recurring roles on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, his charming portrayal of Charles Brooks on Younger, or as Jack Boyle on Blue Bloods, Peter Hermann has carved out a solid niche in the entertainment world. But there's more to this actor than just his on-screen personas—he’s a husband, father, writer, and a man with a unique life story that spans continents and decades.

From his early days on soap operas to his current standing as a go-to character actor in prime-time TV, Hermann has built a career that blends consistency with a touch of surprise. His personal life, particularly his marriage to fellow actor Mariska Hargitay, has also drawn attention from fans and media alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Peter Hermann really is—his background, his career highlights, and the man behind the roles.

So if you’ve ever wondered where he came from, what makes him tick, or how he’s managed to stay relevant in a fast-moving industry, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the life of Peter Hermann and discover what makes him such a compelling figure in modern television.

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Table of Contents

• Biography
• Early Life and Background
• Career Highlights
• Personal Life and Family
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography

Early Life and Background

Peter Hermann was born in Germany on August 15, 1967, and lived there until he was about 10 years old. His family then relocated to the United States, where he grew up and eventually pursued a career in acting. His German-American heritage has played a small but noticeable role in shaping his early experiences and perspectives.

Hermann's early years weren’t particularly flashy or dramatic. He was a regular kid who, like many aspiring actors, probably didn’t know where life would take him. He didn’t come from a family in the entertainment industry, so his entry into acting was more a matter of passion and determination than connections.

Before landing major TV roles, Hermann cut his teeth on daytime television, appearing in shows like Guiding Light. That kind of early exposure helped him build the foundation for a long-term career in the competitive world of acting.

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He eventually moved beyond soap operas and began landing guest spots and recurring roles on major network shows. His big break came in 2002 with the movie Swimfan, which marked his debut in film. That same year, his path crossed with Mariska Hargitay’s on the set of Law & Order: SVU, a moment that would change his personal and professional life forever.

Career Highlights

Peter Hermann’s career spans more than two decades, during which he’s played a variety of characters across different genres. His early days on Guiding Light gave him the experience he needed to transition to prime-time TV. By the early 2000s, he was appearing in popular shows like Law & Order and Without a Trace.

One of his most notable roles came as Trevor Langan, a defense attorney on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. His portrayal of Langan was nuanced—he wasn’t just a “bad guy” lawyer defending criminals, but a complex character who often made viewers question where the line between right and wrong really lies. His chemistry with Mariska Hargitay’s character, Olivia Benson, was strong, though it wasn’t until later that they became a real-life couple.

After his run on SVU, Hermann took on the role of Charles Brooks in the TV Land series Younger, a show that brought him into a different kind of spotlight. In Younger, he played the charming and successful publisher Charles, who was at the center of a romantic triangle involving the show’s main character. This role showed off a lighter, more romantic side of Hermann and introduced him to a new audience demographic.

He’s also appeared in Blue Bloods as Jack Boyle, a role that brought him into the Reagan family fold in a compelling way. Boyle’s storylines often involved tension with the Reagans, giving Hermann a chance to showcase his dramatic acting chops.

While he's primarily known for his TV work, Hermann has also appeared in a number of films, including Swimfan (2002), Kiss the Bride (2002), and The Perfect Man (2005). Though he hasn’t been a leading man in major blockbuster films, his supporting roles have been memorable and well-received.

Outside of acting, Hermann has also worked as a producer and writer, showing that his talents extend beyond just performance. His behind-the-scenes contributions are a sign of his deep commitment to the craft of storytelling.

Personal Life and Family

Peter Hermann’s personal life is perhaps just as interesting as his professional one. He met Mariska Hargitay on the set of Law & Order: SVU in 2002, and the two got married in 2004. Since then, they’ve become one of Hollywood’s more low-key but enduring couples.

Mariska has often spoken about how Peter continually surprises her, even after more than two decades together. In one memorable instance, she shared how he once surprised her with her late mother Jayne Mansfield’s grand piano—an emotional and thoughtful gesture that left her speechless.

The couple has three children together: August, Amaya, and Andrew. They’ve made a point of keeping their kids out of the public eye as much as possible, focusing on giving them a normal upbringing despite their parents’ fame.

Mariska has described their relationship as strong, full of love, and built on a foundation of mutual respect and support. In interviews, she’s mentioned that their secret to a successful marriage is communication, patience, and a sense of humor. She’s also credited Peter for helping her through difficult emotional moments, including coming to terms with her past experiences.

Together, they’ve also collaborated on creative projects. In 2025, they attended the Cannes Film Festival with their kids for the premiere of Mariska’s new film, My Mom, which was a deeply personal project for her. Peter was by her side, as he often is, supporting her work and their family life.

So while Peter Hermann might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of Hollywood power couples, he and Mariska have built something special—a life filled with love, creativity, and family values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Peter Hermann best known for?

Peter Hermann is best known for his roles as Charles Brooks in the TV series Younger, Trevor Langan in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Jack Boyle in Blue Bloods. He’s also known for being married to Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson on SVU.

When did Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay get married?

Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay got married in 2004 after meeting on the set of Law & Order: SVU in 2002. They’ve been together for over two decades and have three children.

What else has Peter Hermann done besides acting?

In addition to acting, Peter Hermann has worked as a producer and writer. He’s also appeared in several films throughout his career, including Swimfan (2002), Kiss the Bride (2002), and The Perfect Man (2005).

Learn more about Peter Hermann's career on our site.