6 September, 1944

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)

Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Swoosie Kurtz

Female

Her name "Swoosie" is derived from the airplane called the "Swoose" - half swan, half goose - which her father piloted in WW-II.

In 1962, Swoosie and her father both appeared on the game show "To Tell the Truth" (1956). Col. Kurtz was the contestant, and 18-year-old Swoosie came out at the end of the game to identify her father by handing him his uniform jacket.

May 28, 1991: Starred in the first production of Terrence McNally's play "Lips Together, Teeth Apart" with Nathan Lane, Christine Baranski and Anthony Heald.

Has twice won Broadway's Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role - Play): in 1981 for "The Fifth of July" and in 1986 for "The House of Blue Leaves." She was also nominated two other times: in 1978 as Best Actress (Featured Role - Play) for "Tartuffe," and in 2004 as Best Actress (Play) for "Frozen."

Appeared both in Dangerous Liaisons (1988), and a remake, Cruel Intentions (1999), in different roles.

Played Terry O'Quinn's mother in an episode of "Lost" (2004), being just 8 years older than him.

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 12 nominations.

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5' 4" (1.63 m)

[on her name] "Change it to what - Tiffany? It's been an advantage. It's unforgettable. I'm the only one."

"I try to tell myself I'm not schizophrenic. But when I'm not acting, I'm not alive. Everyday is just not heightened enough for me. I'm more focused, more interesting when I'm working."