Trivia

Is perhaps best-known to a later generation in the atypical role of tart-tongued, German-accented executive housekeeper Gretchen Kraus on the popular 1980s TV series Benson (1979) (ABC: 1979-1986). The thick accent required of the character led many fans at the time to mistakenly believe Swenson was actually German, when in real life she speaks perfect English.

Is retired from acting and living in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California (June 2000).

After training at Northwestern's famed Drama Department, Swenson made a splash on Broadway in "The First Gentleman" (1959), earning strong reviews and being lured to Hollywood, where she had strong featured roles in Tempête à Washington (1962) and Miracle en Alabama (1962). She later returned to Broadway, where she earned Tony nominations as Best Actress in a Musical for her work in "110 In The Shade" (1964) and "Baker Street" (1965).

Played Ben Cartwright's second wife, Inger in two episodes on Bonanza in 1962 and 1963. Her character is also the mother of Hoss Cartwright.

Is a lyric soprano.

Son James Harris died in a motorcycle crash at age 26 in 1987, leaving behind his daughter Lily Harris. Son Mark Harris is a film editor.

Of Scandinavian descent.

Graduated from Omaha Central High School of Omaha Nebraska in 1950.