Swoosie Kurtz was born on September 6, 1944 in Omaha, Nebraska. She is the only daughter of Air Force Colonel Frank Kurtz and author Margo Kurtz. Her father got her name from the B-17D Flying Fortress airplane, named The Swoose (half swan, half goose) which her father piloted during the Second World War. Kurtz was educated at University of Southern California, majoring in drama and continued to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. In the late 70s she appeared in Uncommon Women and Others, a breakthrough play. She was awarded Broadway's triple crown, three awards namely the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards for her role in The Fifth of July. Her second Tony came when she performed in the 1986 revival of The House of Blue Leaves. Her television appearances include those in Mary, Love, Sidney, Sisters, Carol & Company, Still Standing and Pushing Daisies.

Lily is played by Swoosie Kurtz in the television series Pushing Daisies. Lily is the aunt of Chuck, who along with Aunt Vivian, took in Chuck after Chuck's father passed away. Lily and Vivian were former synchronized swimmers, are both afraid of leaving the house, and enjoy fine cheese. Lily lost her right eye after getting dust in her eye while cleaning the cat's litter box.


(Photo courtesy of ABC)