Q: Is the actress who plays Olivia on "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" married to a soap actor? — Marilyn in Port Clinton, Ohio.

A: Peter Hermann, who played Dr. Michael Burke on "Guiding Light" from 1997 to 1999, met Emmy Award-winning actress Mariska Hargitay on the set of "SVU" in 2003.

He continues to play the recurring character Trevor Langan on the show. The 6 foot, 5 inch Hermann has appeared on Broadway in Eric Bogosian's award-winning playing "Talk Radio." Bogosian also has a "Law and Order" connection. From 2004 to 2010 he played Capt. Danny Ross on "Law and Order: Criminal Intent."

Hargitay has led a star-crossed life. Her mother, Jayne Mansfield, was hired by 20th Century Fox when Marilyn Monroe left the studio. In 1967, the actress was involved in a fatal car crash.

Two other riders in the car also died. Hargitay and two of her brothers were in the back seat. The scar on Hargitay's face is a result of the accident. Her brothers suffered minor injuries. During the run of "SVU," she has suffered health issues caused when she did a stunt on the show.

Last year, the actress signed a contract guaranteeing her $350,000 an episode. The show films over 20 original episodes a year. You do the financial math.

As for Hermann, he emigrated from Germany at the age of 10. While he was on "GL," I had the chance to interview him. His initial reaction to America was quite interesting: "As my parents and I were driving from the airport to New York City, I saw dozens of cemeteries. I asked my parents, 'Is everyone in America dead?' When we got to Manhattan, I knew how alive Americans are."

Q. I just saw a commercial for a law firm. The spokesperson looks very familiar. Has he been on a soap opera? — Gaylord in Boise, Idaho

A: James DePaiva played Max Holden on "One Life to Live" on and off for over 20 years. At one point, Asa thought he was his long-lost son. It was a ruse. On "OLTL," Max was paired with Dorian's wayward niece Blair (Kassie DePaiva). While they were star-crossed on the show, in real life they have been married over 16 years.

DePaiva recently said it was not love at first sight. "I met her at a bar. I was drunk. So she thought I was a jerk. She gave me a chance." The couple has a son who was born with hearing problems. When he was an infant, he had cochlear implants placed in his ears. The child appeared on "All My Children" when the character Kendall was dealing with her son being deaf. Between Max and Blair's romance, Max became involved with psychic Luna. Too bad she was not better at her job. She went to save her brother from a gang fight, and was shot and died in Max's arms.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.