Bridget Hanley, a talented actress, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Doris (née Nihlroos) and Lee Hanley. At the tender age of four, she relocated with her parents and older sister Mary-Jo to Edmonds, Washington, where her younger sister Molly would later join the family.
This remarkable actress is most notably recognized for her starring roles in the iconic television series "Here Come the Brides" (1968) and "Harper Valley P.T.A." (1981). Her impressive career spanned numerous classic television shows, including "Gidget" (1965),"I Dream of Jeannie" (1965),"The Flying Nun" (1967),"Welcome Back, Kotter" (1975),and "Murder, She Wrote" (1984).
After graduating from Edmonds High School in 1959, Bridget pursued her passion for drama at the San Francisco College for Women (now the University of San Francisco's Lone Mountain Campus) for two years. She then transferred to the University of Washington, where she appeared in an impressive 17 stage productions and graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama.
Throughout her career, Hanley remained deeply committed to the world of theater, frequently performing at Theatre West in Hollywood, California. She also starred in the award-winning one-woman play "May Day Sermon," based on the poem by James Dickey.
In her personal life, Bridget was married to director/producer E.W. Swackhamer from April 1969 until his passing in December 1994.
