Inga Swenson, who is remembered for her three-time Emmy Award nominated role as Gretchen Kraus, the governor’s chef, on sitcom Benson, died of natural causes on July 23 in Los Angeles. She was 90.
Born December 29, 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska, Swenson made her debut on television in a 1957 episode of Goodyear Playhouse. Next were episodic appearances on other anthology series, followed by notable scripted dramas like The Defenders, Dr. Kildare and Bonanza. After a co-starring role in the 1961 TV movie Lady Regina, she segued to the big screen in Advise & Consent and The Miracle Worker, both in 1962.
In 1978, Swenson landed a recurring role on the sitcom Soap as Ingrid Svenson, the Swedish birth mom of Corinne Tate (Diana Canova). When spin-off Benson, starring Robert Guillaume, began in 1979, Swenson as aforementioned Gretchen Kraus was a part of the series for all seven seasons, from 1979 to 1986. She also appeared as northern matriarch Maude Hazard in the mini-series North and South in 1985 and again in 1986.
Later guest appearances included drama Hotel and the sitcoms Newhart, The Golden Girls and Doctor, Doctor.
Swenson was also active on Broadway, with Tony nominations for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Lizzie Curry in 110 in the Shade and Irene Adler in Baker Street.
Swenson is survived by her husband, son Mark, and granddaughter Lily. Her second son, James, lost his life in a motorcycle accident at age 26 in 1987.