Entertainment
TV Icon Loretta Swit Passes Away at 87 Leaving Behind a Legacy of Laughter and Love
The beloved ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan of MAS*H dies peacefully at home, remembered for her Emmy-winning talent, fierce independence, and tireless animal advocacy
New York City, May 30 — Television lost a legend as Emmy-winning actress Loretta Swit, best known for portraying the unforgettable Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, passed away at the age of 87. According to her publicist, the iconic star died of natural causes just after noon on Friday in her New York home.
Swit’s role in MASH* remains etched in the hearts of millions who tuned in to watch the CBS comedy-drama that ran from 1972 to 1983. As the quick-witted head nurse in a Korean War field hospital, Swit’s portrayal of Maj. Houlihan brought emotional depth and unexpected humor to a war-torn backdrop. Her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe nominations.
The acclaimed series, also starring Alan Alda and Jamie Farr, culminated in a finale watched by over 100 million Americans — the most viewed scripted episode in television history. Alongside Alda, Swit was one of only two actors to remain throughout the show’s entire run, cementing her place as a foundational figure in television history.
Beyond MASH*, the actress — born Loretta Jane Szwed in Passaic, New Jersey — began her acting journey in the 1960s, securing roles in Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Mission: Impossible, and Bonanza. Her passion for the arts extended well beyond the screen. The Emmy winner dazzled audiences on Broadway, most notably in Shirley Valentine, where she delivered over 1,200 performances and won the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award in 1991.
The Hot Lips actress was not just a powerhouse performer. She was also a devout animal lover and activist. Swit founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance to combat cruelty and protect wildlife habitats. Her Discovery Channel series Those Incredible Animals aired globally for five years. She even authored Switheart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, donating proceeds to animal charities.
The S.O.B. and Race with the Devil star also left a lasting impact in film and television movies, amassing over 25 credits. Though her last credited role was in 2019’s Play the Flute, she had been slated to appear in an upcoming film titled Second Chances, still in pre-production.
Though Swit never had children, she found joy and fulfillment in her friendships, her craft, and her causes. In a 1979 interview, she said, “I’m not interested in being married… I have a career and friends and things I care about doing.” She later married actor Dennis Holahan in 1983 — whom she met on the set of MASH* — but the couple amicably divorced in 1995.
From television trailblazer to tireless animal advocate, Loretta Swit leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond Hollywood. As the curtain closes on a remarkable life, fans and colleagues alike are left with memories of laughter, resilience, and heart.