Bridget Hanley was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Here Come the Brides, Harper Valley P.T.A., and numerous classic television series. She was born on February 3, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and passed away on December 15, 2021, in Woodland Hills, California.
Personal and Family Life
Bridget Hanley was born to Doris and Lee Hanley and grew up in Edmonds, Washington. She had an older sister, Mary-Jo, and a younger sister, Molly. Bridget married director and producer E.W. Swackhamer in April 1969, and they had two daughters together, Bronwyn and Megan. She also became a stepmother to E.W. Swackhamer’s children from a previous marriage.
Career
Bridget began her acting career in television and became famous for her roles in shows such as Gidget and I Dream of Jeannie. She graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in drama and was active in theater, including performances at Theatre West in Hollywood. Bridget semi-retired from film and television in 1991 to focus on stage work, where she starred in the one-woman play “May Day Sermon.”
Death and Legacy
Bridget Hanley passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on December 15, 2021, at the age of 80. Her contributions to television and theater have left a lasting impact, making her a cherished figure in the entertainment industry. She is remembered for her memorable performances and dedication to her craft.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga Choo Choo | 1984-05-18 | Estelle |
| Malibu | 1983-01-23 | Laura Bonnell |
| Reward | 1980-05-23 | Marie Morella |
| Breaking Up Is Hard to Do | 1979-09-05 | Laura McCann |
| Harper Valley | 1981-01-16 | Wanda Reilly Taylor |
| Here Come the Brides | 1968-09-25 | |
| CHiPs | 1977-09-15 | |
| Bewitched | 1964-09-17 | |
| The Odd Couple | 1970-09-24 | Barbara |
| I Dream of Jeannie | 1965-09-18 | Kathryn |
| Ghost Story | 1972-09-15 | Dana |
| Columbo | 1971-09-15 | Mrs. Rusk |
| Harper Valley P.T.A. | 1981-01-16 | Wanda Reilly Taylor |
| Love, American Style | 1969-09-29 | Nancy DeHaven |
| How the West Was Won | 1977-02-06 | Sheila |
