Lead actress Mariska Hargitay’s tease about a big announcement has sparked rumors that she is leaving Law & Order: SVU. Hargitay is one of two original cast members who remain in the Law & Order: SVU season 26 cast. Her character, Olivia Benson, has been central from the beginning, rising in the ranks from a rookie detective to a captain who is now in charge of the unit. Both Benson and the actress who portrays her are advocates for sexual assault survivors; Hargitay has also spoken up in favor of legislation that would make it easier to prosecute rape cases.