Inga Swenson Obituary

Inga Swenson, the talented actress best known for her role as Gretchen Kraus on the beloved sitcom “Benson,” has passed away on July 23 in Los Angeles. She was an incredible comedic talent and brought joy to millions of viewers with her memorable performances.

The news of her passing was confirmed by her son, Mark, who shared that Inga Swenson died peacefully at a board-and-care facility due to natural causes. Her devoted husband of 70 years, Lowell Harris, was by her side during her final moments. In the past six months, her health had been on a decline, and her family was with her throughout her journey.

Inga Swenson was a three-time Emmy nominee for her remarkable portrayal of Gretchen Wilomena Kraus on “Benson.” As the German cook, she playfully clashed with Robert Guillaume’s character, Benson, who was in charge of the household affairs for widowed Governor Eugene X. Gatling, portrayed by James Noble. Her chemistry with the cast and her superb comedic timing earned her acclaim and a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination.

Her illustrious television career began in the late 1950s with appearances on renowned shows like Playhouse 90 and Goodyear Playhouse. She continued to make her mark in the industry with numerous guest spots on popular series such as Dr. Kildare, The Defenders, Bonanza, Medical Center, The Rookies, and Barnaby Jones. Inga Swenson’s talents extended to the stage as well, making her Broadway debut in 1959 in “The First Gentleman” and earning Tony nominations for her exceptional performances in “110 in the Shade” (1964) and “Baker Street” (1965).

In a delightful twist of fate, Inga Swenson’s appearance on the ABC comedy “Soap” led to her involvement in “Benson.” As Ingrid Svenson on “Soap,” her performance was so captivating that she was cast in a new role on the spin-off show “Benson,” where she made her mark as Gretchen.

After her iconic role on “Benson,” Swenson continued to grace screens both big and small with her talent. She appeared in the miniseries “North & South” and “Nutcracker: Money, Madness & Murder,” and guest-starred on popular shows like “Newhart,” “The Golden Girls,” and “Hotel.” In 1998, she decided to retire from acting, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment world.

Inga Swenson’s passing is a profound loss to the entertainment industry, as she brought laughter and joy to audiences across the globe. Her contributions to television and stage will be cherished for generations to come. As fans and colleagues mourn her loss, they also celebrate the extraordinary life and career of a remarkable actress who left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.