NEW YORK — Inga Swenson, the Broadway star and three-time Emmy nominated “Benson” star has died at the age of 90.
Swenson died of natural causes – after months of declining health – last weekend at a Los Angeles board and care facility, in the company of husband and fellow performer Lowell Harris, the actress’ son Mark confirmed to TMZ.
Swenson was best known for her roles on the Great White Way and the small screen alike.
Swenson made her Broadway debut in 1956′s revue, “New Faces of 1956,” followed the next year by her television debut in an episode of “Goodyear Playhouse.”
She originated the roles of Lizzie Curry and Irene Adler in the 1964 U.S. tour of “110 in the Shade” and Broadway’s “Baker Street” respectively. In addition to scoring Tony nominations for both roles, Swenson reprised the role of Lizzie Curry in a 1967 West End production of “110.” Other stage roles included those in “The First Gentleman” and “Camelot,” as well as an off-Broadway production of “My Fair Lady,” in which Swenson starred as Eliza Doolittle
Her screen legacy is most frequently linked to her role of Gretchen the Cook in “Benson,” ABC’s spinoff of “Soap.” Swenson appeared in all 159 episodes of the show, which aired from 1979 to 1986, and earned her a trio of Emmy nominations for the role.
Swenson also starred alongside Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in the Oscar-winning “The Miracle Worker” and appeared in episodes of “Bonanza,” “Newhart” and “The Golden Girls.” She retired from screen acting in 1998.
Swenson’s death comes nearly 40 years after that of her other son, James, who was just 26 when he lost his life in a 1987 motorcycle accident, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
She is survived by her husband, son Mark, and granddaughter Lily.
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