Swoosie Kurtz is a film, television, and theater veteran who is best known for her work in Carol and Company (she won a Primetime Emmy for it), Sisters, Pushing Daisies, and Mike & Molly, as well as films like Dangerous Liaisons and Liar Liar. She also appeared on soaps.
Along with her work on the screen, Kurtz is a seasoned Broadway veteran who has won a number of awards. From where she was born and raised to taking care of her mother, here are five fast facts about the actress.
Who Is Swoosie Kurtz?
Kurtz was born on September 6 in Omaha, Nebraska. She got her name from her father, who piloted a plane nicknamed “The Swoose” during World War II. Because her father was in the military, Kurtz moved around a lot as a child. She attended the University of Southern California and went on to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Soap Beginnings
Kurtz began acting professionally as a teenager with an appearance on The Donna Reed Show. She would soon go on to play Ellie Bradley on As the World Turns and also appeared on The Doctors as Gail.
The Right to Choose
Kurtz revealed in her memoir, Part Swan, Part Goose, that she had an abortion when she was in college. She never regretted the decision, as she felt a child should be really wanted. She was able to have the procedure done without her parents knowing because her boyfriend at the time was wealthy. Kurtz has been a fierce advocate for women’s rights her whole life.
Triple Crown
Kurtz is a theater veteran and has even been awarded Broadway’s “triple crown” — which is the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards — for her work as Gwen in The Fifth of July.
Getting Personal With Swoosie Kurtz
Kurtz has never married and has never had any children, but she was in a relationship with Joshua White of the Joshua Light Show from 1964 to 1970. The actress has been very open about not regretting not having children, and realized her nurturing side came out when she got to take take care of her mother into her old age. Her mother passed away at age 103 on April 3, 2019.
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