Inga Swenson
Birth Place: Omaha, NE, USA
Latest News on Inga Swenson:
Musical Theatre Melodies Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Schmidt and Jones Musical 110 IN THE SHADE (Oct 22, 2023)
Stage West Opens Season With ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Oct 6, 2023)
Broadway and Television Actress Inga Swenson Has Passed Away at 90 (Jul 29, 2023)
Musical Theatre Melodies Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Schmidt and Jones Musical 110 IN THE SHADE (Oct 22, 2023)
Stage West Opens Season With ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Oct 6, 2023)
Broadway and Television Actress Inga Swenson Has Passed Away at 90 (Jul 29, 2023)
BIO
Early in her career, Swenson had supporting roles in the films Advise and Consent (1962) and The Miracle Worker (1962) in which she played Helen Keller's mother. Swenson was a trained lyric soprano and starred on Broadway in New Faces (c. 1956), and The First Gentleman (1959), receiving Tony Award nominations for Best Actress in a Musical for her performances in 110 in the Shade (1964) and Baker Street (1965).
Swenson appeared in two episodes of Bonanza: "Inger, My Love" (1962) and "Journey Remembered" (1963) as Hoss' mother. She portrayed Gretchen Kraus, the autocratic and acerbic German cook (later head housekeeper and budget director) in the TV sitcom Benson. Her portrayal garnered three Emmy nominations. She was cast after appearing in a multi-episode stint as the conniving revenge-seeking Ingrid Svenson, the Swedish birth mother of Corinne Tate (Diana Canova), on the TV sitcom Soap. (Benson was a spinoff of Soap and shared the same producers.) She also appeared as northern matriarch Maude Hazard in the mini-series North and South in 1985 and again in 1986.
She appeared in multiple Broadway productions and was nominated twice for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performances as Lizzie Curry in 110 in the Shade and Irene Adler in Baker Street.
Swenson retired from acting in 1998.
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
1956
Performer
Harem Houris
Jeune Fille
Miss Blue Fish
Mother
Singer, "Boy Most Likely To Succeed"
Soprano
Tina
Wife
Movies
Advise & Consent
[ 1962 ] Ellen Anderson
[ 1962 ] Ellen Anderson
The Miracle Worker
[ 1962 ] Kate Keller
[ 1962 ] Kate Keller
Lipstick
[ 1976 ] Sister Monica
[ 1976 ] Sister Monica
The Betsy
[ 1978 ] Mrs. Craddock
[ 1978 ] Mrs. Craddock
TV Shows
Benson
Miss Gretchen Wilomena Kraus
Miss Gretchen Wilomena Kraus
Doctor Doctor
Connie Stratford
Connie Stratford
Life with Louie
Grandma Helga
Grandma Helga
Medical Center
Mercedes Amons, Nina Hoagley
Mercedes Amons, Nina Hoagley
Soap
Awards and Nominations
Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Inga Swenson , Baker Street
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1964 - Best Performance
Inga Swenson, 11 in the Shade
Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Inga Swenson , 11 in the Shade
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1957 - Best Drama Performance
Inga Swenson, The First Gentleman
winner
Theatre World Awards - 1957 - Performance
Inga Swenson, The First Gentleman
News
Musical Theatre Melodies Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Schmidt and Jones Musical 110 IN THE SHADE
The next Musical Theatre Melodies broadcast, hosted by Rob Morrison on 96.5 FM on Tuesday, October 24 will mark the 60th anniversary of the Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones musical 110 in the Shade. Get all the details here!
The next Musical Theatre Melodies broadcast, hosted by Rob Morrison on 96.5 FM on Tuesday, October 24 will mark the 60th anniversary of the Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones musical 110 in the Shade. Get all the details here!
Stage West Opens Season With ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
How do you tell a real princess from a wannabe? You’ll have a grand time finding out, as Stage West, in a co-production with Theatre TCU, presents the charming, classic fairytale musical Once Upon a Mattress, which begins a 3-week run on Thursday, October 19. Learn more about the production here!
How do you tell a real princess from a wannabe? You’ll have a grand time finding out, as Stage West, in a co-production with Theatre TCU, presents the charming, classic fairytale musical Once Upon a Mattress, which begins a 3-week run on Thursday, October 19. Learn more about the production here!
Broadway and Television Actress Inga Swenson Has Passed Away at 90
The actress best known for her role on the television show Benson and 110 in the Shade on Broadway, has passed away at the age of 90.
The actress best known for her role on the television show Benson and 110 in the Shade on Broadway, has passed away at the age of 90.
Honey West to Host NEW FACES SING BROADWAY 1984 at Porchlight Music Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre will present New Faces Sing Broadway 1984, hosted by Honey West, directed by Tommy Novak with music direction and arrangements by Micky York.
Porchlight Music Theatre will present New Faces Sing Broadway 1984, hosted by Honey West, directed by Tommy Novak with music direction and arrangements by Micky York.
Porchlight Announces The New Faces In NEW FACES SING BROADWAY 1951, January 23 And 24
Porchlight Music Theatre announces the cast of New Faces for its latest offering in its 2022 - 2023 season, New Faces Sing Broadway 1951, hosted by multi-award winner and Broadway veteran David Girolmo, directed by David Fiorello with music direction and arrangements by Dr. Michael McBride.
Porchlight Music Theatre announces the cast of New Faces for its latest offering in its 2022 - 2023 season, New Faces Sing Broadway 1951, hosted by multi-award winner and Broadway veteran David Girolmo, directed by David Fiorello with music direction and arrangements by Dr. Michael McBride.
Broadway's David Girolmo to Host NEW FACES SING BROADWAY 1951 at Porchlight Music Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the latest offering in its 2022 - 2023 season, New Faces Sing Broadway 1951, hosted by multi-award winner and Broadway veteran David Girolmo, directed by David Fiorello with music direction and arrangements by Dr. Michael McBride.
Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the latest offering in its 2022 - 2023 season, New Faces Sing Broadway 1951, hosted by multi-award winner and Broadway veteran David Girolmo, directed by David Fiorello with music direction and arrangements by Dr. Michael McBride.
PODCAST: 110 IN THE SHADE gets the Spotlight on THE BROADWAY GINGER PODCAST Episode 7
There are few better moments for theatre people than discovering our favorite songwriting team has written more than just that one hit show we love (looking at you, Lin-Manuel Miranda). In Monday's episode, Sally and Ashley discuss when they have experienced such moments with Lin himself, Andrew Lippa, and Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt of THE FANTASTICKS.
There are few better moments for theatre people than discovering our favorite songwriting team has written more than just that one hit show we love (looking at you, Lin-Manuel Miranda). In Monday's episode, Sally and Ashley discuss when they have experienced such moments with Lin himself, Andrew Lippa, and Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt of THE FANTASTICKS.
10 Broadway-Themed Podcasts to Listen to While Stuck Inside
Looking for something new to listen to while stuck inside, but still need your Broadway fix? Check out these 10 theatre-related podcasts that will help get you through!
Looking for something new to listen to while stuck inside, but still need your Broadway fix? Check out these 10 theatre-related podcasts that will help get you through!
Everything You Need to Know About BroadwayWorld's Favorite Podcasts!
It's time to break out your headphones because it's International Podcast Day! We're celebrating the special occasion by giving you our guide to BroadwayWorld's favorite must-listen podcasts. From Broadway veterans to Broadway debuts, and on-stage stars to off-stage creatives, there's a podcast for every person, giving listeners tons of different perspectives of the theatre community. Check out the full guide below to see what to know about BroadwayWorld's current favorite podcasts.
It's time to break out your headphones because it's International Podcast Day! We're celebrating the special occasion by giving you our guide to BroadwayWorld's favorite must-listen podcasts. From Broadway veterans to Broadway debuts, and on-stage stars to off-stage creatives, there's a podcast for every person, giving listeners tons of different perspectives of the theatre community. Check out the full guide below to see what to know about BroadwayWorld's current favorite podcasts.
Podcast: 'Behind the Curtain' Talks to Stage and Screen Star Inga Swenson
One of Broadway's most legendary sopranos, Tony nominee Inga Swenson, joins Rob and Kevin via phone to look back on her incredible career which includes films like The Miracle Worker, television like Benson and The Golden Girls, and theater credits including New Faces of 1956, Peer Gynt, Camelot, 110 in the Shade, Baker Street and many others!
One of Broadway's most legendary sopranos, Tony nominee Inga Swenson, joins Rob and Kevin via phone to look back on her incredible career which includes films like The Miracle Worker, television like Benson and The Golden Girls, and theater credits including New Faces of 1956, Peer Gynt, Camelot, 110 in the Shade, Baker Street and many others!
Porchlight Music Theatre Announces Dates and Locations for New Faces Sing Broadway Series 2019 - 2020
Porchlight Music Theatre announces the return of its popular series New Faces Sing Broadway at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave. in Evanston and The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario Street.
Porchlight Music Theatre announces the return of its popular series New Faces Sing Broadway at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave. in Evanston and The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario Street.
BWW Exclusive: David De Silva Reflects on 30 Years of FAME
Fame is said to be fleeting, but it isn't in London -- at least not where the musical is concerned.
Fame is said to be fleeting, but it isn't in London -- at least not where the musical is concerned.
DMT Presents ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
The Douglas Morrisson Theatre (DMT) opens its 2018-19 season to Once Upon a Mattress, with performances running September 13-30, 2018.
The Douglas Morrisson Theatre (DMT) opens its 2018-19 season to Once Upon a Mattress, with performances running September 13-30, 2018.
DMT Presents ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
The Douglas Morrisson Theatre (DMT) opens its 2018-19 season to Once Upon a Mattress, with performances running September 13-30, 2018.
The Douglas Morrisson Theatre (DMT) opens its 2018-19 season to Once Upon a Mattress, with performances running September 13-30, 2018.
Porchlight's Final New Faces Sing Broadway Of The 2017 - 2018 Season
Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the final production in its 2017 - 2018 season of Chicago's hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway. New Faces Sing Broadway 1975, hosted by Donica Lynn with direction by Christopher Pazdernik and music direction by David Fiorello, is Tuesday, June 5 at The Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, June 6 at The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario Street, at 6:30 p.m. (The Arts Club presentation also includes a pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. with performance at 7:30 p.m.). In tribute to the original New Faces series that ran on Broadway and on film from 1934 - 1968, Porchlight Music Theatre created the Chicago musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway as a showcase for the best emerging music talent now performing on Chicago stages. Each edition is a "time-machine" journey from the start to the finish of an entire musical season from the classic days of Broadway, peppered with photos and films of the era in an exciting multimedia presentation with a favorite Chicago theatre veteran like Donica Lynn hosting and introducing the next generation of music theatre artists while acting as your guide through a vintage year on the Great White Way. General admission tickets at Skokie Theatre are $22 and at The Arts Club of Chicago are $35 and are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org or at the Porchlight Music Theatre box office, 773.777.9884.
Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the final production in its 2017 - 2018 season of Chicago's hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway. New Faces Sing Broadway 1975, hosted by Donica Lynn with direction by Christopher Pazdernik and music direction by David Fiorello, is Tuesday, June 5 at The Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, June 6 at The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario Street, at 6:30 p.m. (The Arts Club presentation also includes a pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. with performance at 7:30 p.m.). In tribute to the original New Faces series that ran on Broadway and on film from 1934 - 1968, Porchlight Music Theatre created the Chicago musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway as a showcase for the best emerging music talent now performing on Chicago stages. Each edition is a "time-machine" journey from the start to the finish of an entire musical season from the classic days of Broadway, peppered with photos and films of the era in an exciting multimedia presentation with a favorite Chicago theatre veteran like Donica Lynn hosting and introducing the next generation of music theatre artists while acting as your guide through a vintage year on the Great White Way. General admission tickets at Skokie Theatre are $22 and at The Arts Club of Chicago are $35 and are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org or at the Porchlight Music Theatre box office, 773.777.9884.
Photo Flash: Porchlight Music Theatre Makes Arts Club Debut!
Porchlight Music Theatre made its debut at The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario Street, with its hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway 1959, hosted by Gene Weygandt, directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo with music direction by David Fiorello, Tuesday, February 27.
Porchlight Music Theatre made its debut at The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario Street, with its hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway 1959, hosted by Gene Weygandt, directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo with music direction by David Fiorello, Tuesday, February 27.
Porchlight's New Faces Series Returns to the Skokie Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the second production in its 2017 2018 season of Chicago's hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway 1959, hosted by Gene Weygandt, directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo with music direction by David Fiorello, Monday, Feb. 26 at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie at 7:30 p.m. In tribute to the original New Faces series that ran on Broadway and on film from 1934 1968, Porchlight Music Theatre created the Chicago musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway as a showcase for the best emerging music talent now performing on Chicago stages.
Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the second production in its 2017 2018 season of Chicago's hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway 1959, hosted by Gene Weygandt, directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo with music direction by David Fiorello, Monday, Feb. 26 at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie at 7:30 p.m. In tribute to the original New Faces series that ran on Broadway and on film from 1934 1968, Porchlight Music Theatre created the Chicago musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway as a showcase for the best emerging music talent now performing on Chicago stages.
Porchlight Music Theatre to Continue Series with NEW FACES SING BROADWAY 1939
Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber have announced the first production in its 2017 2018 season of Chicago's hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway 1939, hosted by Rob Lindley, directed by Keely Vasquez with music direction by David Fiorello, is Monday, Oct. 23 at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie and Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway at 7:30 p.m.
Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber have announced the first production in its 2017 2018 season of Chicago's hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway 1939, hosted by Rob Lindley, directed by Keely Vasquez with music direction by David Fiorello, is Monday, Oct. 23 at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie and Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway at 7:30 p.m.
BWW Exclusive: Celebrating the Unsung Musicals of Hal Prince
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, SWEENEY TODD, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, COMPANY, CABARET, FOLLIES. Each was directed and/or produced by Broadway legend Harold Prince. Each contributed to his record-high pile of Tony awards, and has been produced and acclaimed across the world.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, SWEENEY TODD, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, COMPANY, CABARET, FOLLIES. Each was directed and/or produced by Broadway legend Harold Prince. Each contributed to his record-high pile of Tony awards, and has been produced and acclaimed across the world.
Porchlight Music Theatre Announces the Latest Edition of the NEW FACES SING BROADWAY SERIES 3/14- 15
Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the latest performance in its 2016 - 2017 season of Chicago's hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway 1969, hosted by E. Faye Butler, co-directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo and Michael Weber with music direction by David Fiorello, is Monday, March 14at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie and Tuesday, March 15 at the Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway at 7:30 p.m. In tribute to the original New Faces series that ran on Broadway and on film from 1934 - 1968, Porchlight Music Theatre last year created this Chicago musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway, as a showcase for the best emerging music talent now performing on Chicago stages. Each edition is a journey from the start to the finish of a entire musical season on Broadway, peppered with photos and films of the era in an exciting multimedia presentation with a favorite Chicago theatre veteran hosting and introducing the next generation of music theatre artists while acting as your guide through a past season on the Great White Way. Seating is general admission; tickets are $22, with no drink minimum and are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org.
Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the latest performance in its 2016 - 2017 season of Chicago's hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway 1969, hosted by E. Faye Butler, co-directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo and Michael Weber with music direction by David Fiorello, is Monday, March 14at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie and Tuesday, March 15 at the Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway at 7:30 p.m. In tribute to the original New Faces series that ran on Broadway and on film from 1934 - 1968, Porchlight Music Theatre last year created this Chicago musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway, as a showcase for the best emerging music talent now performing on Chicago stages. Each edition is a journey from the start to the finish of a entire musical season on Broadway, peppered with photos and films of the era in an exciting multimedia presentation with a favorite Chicago theatre veteran hosting and introducing the next generation of music theatre artists while acting as your guide through a past season on the Great White Way. Seating is general admission; tickets are $22, with no drink minimum and are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Inga Swenson been in?
Inga Swenson has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.
How many West End shows has Inga Swenson been in?
Inga Swenson has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
What was Inga Swenson's first West End show?
Inga Swenson's first West End show was 110 in the Shade which opened in 1967
What awards has Inga Swenson been nominated for?
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Baker Street, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Drama Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The First Gentleman and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for The First Gentleman.
What awards has Inga Swenson won?
Inga Swenson has won the following awards: Best Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for 110 in the Shade, Best Drama Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The First Gentleman, and a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for The First Gentleman.
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