Hilary Swank has paid tribute to best pal Mariska Hargitay in a new magazine expose on the Law and Order SVU star, revealing the actress has always been there for her highs and lows.

Swank was asked to contribute to a piece on her friend in the new issue of Ladies Home Journal, and she jumped at the chance to sing Hargitay's praises.

The double Oscar winner says, "Mariska has helped me through life-changing times, but also helped me find the moments of celebration. She's a real girl's girl. She's not threatened by strong women and that's rare in this business."

Swank admits she stays with Hargitay whenever she's on location in New York City: "Last time we literally sat in her closet 'til 3am, talking, going through clothes and laughing - and she had a 7am call time! She's my family."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)