Bridget Hanley's life began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she took her first breath, born to Doris, née Nihlroos, and Lee Hanley, her biological parents. At the tender age of four, she embarked on a significant journey with her parents and elder sister Mary-Jo to Edmonds, Washington, a relocation that would ultimately have a profound impact on her formative years, laying the foundation for the remarkable accomplishments that would later unfold in her life.
Bridget Hanley's remarkable and illustrious acting career has been marked by a plethora of unforgettable and captivating starring performances, with one of the most notable being her portrayal of the endearing and alluring Candy Pruitt in the 1968 television series "Here Come the Brides".
Bridget's academic odyssey began with her graduation from Edmonds High School in 1959, initiating a lifelong pursuit of a career in the captivating realm of performing arts. Following this milestone, she embarked on a two-year drama course at the prestigious San Francisco College for Women, an esteemed institution that would eventually transform into the University of San Francisco's Lone Mountain Campus. Upon completing her studies at San Francisco College for Women, Bridget made the pivotal decision to transfer to the University of Washington, where she went on to astonish audiences by appearing in an astonishing 17 stage productions, thereby demonstrating her remarkable talent and unwavering dedication to her craft. Through her tireless efforts and academic rigor, Bridget ultimately earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama with honors, a resounding testament to her hard work and academic excellence.
Bridget's unwavering commitment to her artistic endeavors was a testament to her unrelenting passion for the performing arts, as she maintained a consistent presence on the storied stage of Theatre West in the vibrant city of Hollywood, California, where she had the opportunity to showcase her remarkable talent to enthusiastic audiences who were deeply moved by her performances.
One of the most notable highlights of her illustrious career was her star-turning role in the critically acclaimed one-woman play "May Day Sermon", a powerful and poignant adaptation of James Dickey's esteemed poem, which garnered widespread critical acclaim for its thought-provoking themes and Bridget's masterful portrayal of the complex and multifaceted character at its center.
Bridget Hanley's personal life was characterized by a long-standing and profound connection with the renowned film director and producer, E.W. Swackhamer, a relationship that commenced in April of 1969 and endured for nearly a quarter of a century, until the tragic and unexpected passing of her beloved partner in December of 1994.
