Mariska Hargitay never set out to play a character like Olivia Benson, the street-smart NYPD captain with a heart of gold on “Law & Order: Special Victim Units.”

In fact, Hargitay, a former member of the famed Groundlings improv and sketch comedy troupe, had her hopes set on a being a sitcom star until a psychic told her she was destined for drama. She shared the story during the Oct. 21 episode of Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast .

“How did I end up as America’s sweetheart sex cop? I should have been you!" Harigtay joked to the former “Saturday Night Live” star as both women laughed.

Early in her career, Hargitay recalled auditioning for roles on sitcoms, landing small parts on “Seinfeld” and “The Single Guy.” She also recalled repeatedly testing for a role on “Friends.”

“I think i

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