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Inga Swenson

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Actress

The Resume

    (December 29, 1932-July 23, 2023)
    Born in Omaha, Nebraska
    Portrayed Gretchen Kraus on 'Benson' (1979-86)
    Appeared in the films 'The Miracle Worker' (1962), 'Advise and Consent' (1962), 'Lipstick' (1976) and 'The Betsy' (1978) and the TV miniseries 'North and South' (1985)
    Appeared on Broadway in 'New Faces of 1956' (1956), 'The First Gentleman' (1957), 'Peer Gynt' (1960), 'Camelot' (1960-63), '110 in the Shade' (1964) and 'Baker Street' (1965)

Why she might be annoying:

    Before 'Benson,' her two biggest TV roles were playing an 'Inger' on Bonanza and an 'Ingrid' on Soap.
    Thanks to her name and her thick accent on 'Benson,' a lot of viewers thought she was actually Swedish or German instead of a Midwesterner.
    She officially retired in 2000, but had not done much work since 'Benson' ended.

Why she might not be annoying:

    She was a lyric soprano who was nominated for two Tonys for Best Actress in a Musical (1964-65).
    Her son James died in a motorcycle crash at age 26 (1987).
    She has been married to Lowell Harris for over 50 years.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 17 Votes: 5.88% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 549 Votes: 14.94% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 23 Votes: 4.35% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 17 Votes: 5.88% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 92 Votes: 47.83% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 9 Votes: 22.22% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 28 Votes: 60.71% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 12 Votes: 8.33% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 25 Votes: 48.00% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 21 Votes: 47.62% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 19 Votes: 26.32% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 65 Votes: 47.69% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 142 Votes: 66.20% Annoying