Inga Swenson

Inga Swenson (December 29, 1932 - July 23, 2023) was a distinguished American actress celebrated for her versatility on stage and screen. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Swenson completed her education at Central High School, graduating in 1950. She further honed her craft at Northwestern University, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and studied within the renowned Drama Department.

Swenson gained widespread recognition for her role as Gretchen Kraus, the formidable German cook who later became the Head Housekeeper and Budget Director on the beloved sitcom "Benson." This role followed her memorable performance as Ingrid Svenson, the biological mother of Corinne Tate in the groundbreaking series "Soap," both created by Susan Harris.

Her impressive career also included a pivotal role as Maude Hazard in the acclaimed miniseries "North and South" (1985, 1986) and guest appearances on classic shows like "Bonanza," where she played the second wife of Lorne Greene's character. Swenson's film credits include supporting roles in "Advise and Consent" and "The Miracle Worker," where she portrayed Helen Keller's mother.

A trained lyric soprano, Swenson made her mark on Broadway with performances in "New Faces" and "The First Gentleman," earning Tony Award nominations for her leading roles in "110 in the Shade" and "Baker Street." She was married to actor-singer Lowell Harris and is survived by her two sons, James and Mark. Though her character's name suggested a Swedish background, Swenson was born and raised in the United States, speaking with an American accent.