Inga Swenson

Inga Swenson (born December 29, 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska) is a Swedish American actress.

Swenson is best known to American audiences for her portrayal of Gretchen Kraus, the German cook (later Head Housekeeper) on the TV sitcom Benson. She got the part by appearing in a multi-episode stint as Ingrid Svenson, birth mother of Corinne Tate (Diana Canova), on the sitcom Soap.

Ms. Swenson also had a small but notable turn on the Inge, My Love episode of Bonanza, the TV Western. The appearance was significant in that she played Hoss's (Dan Blocker) mother.

Earlier in her career Swenson was acclaimed for her supporting roles in the films Advise and Consent (1962) and The Miracle Worker (1962). She is a trained lyric soprano and starred on Broadway in The First Gentleman (1959) and received Tony Award® nominations for Best Actress in a Musical for her performances in 110 in the Shade (1964) and Baker Street (1965).

Inga Swenson is married to soundman Lowell Harris . Their son Mark Harris is a film editor.

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