Loretta Swit, Emmy-Winning ‘MAS*H’ Star, Dies at 87
Loretta Swit, the beloved Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the acclaimed television series MASH*, has passed away at the age of 87.
Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed that Swit died peacefully of natural causes in her home in New York City in the early hours of Thursday morning. News of her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and admirers of her work across generations.
Born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish-American parents, Loretta Swit began her career on the stage and later transitioned to television. A trained actress and singer, she studied with renowned acting coach Gene Frankel in New York and appeared in numerous regional and Broadway productions before her breakthrough on television.
Swit earned early TV credits in shows such as Hawaii Five-O, Mission: Impossible, and Gunsmoke, where she showcased her versatility and range as a performer.
Swit gained worldwide fame in 1972 when she was cast as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the long-running CBS dramedy MASH*, a series adapted from the 1970 film and set during the Korean War.
The show was widely regarded for blending sharp satire with serious commentary on war and humanity.
Initially introduced as a stereotypical, authoritarian nurse entangled in romantic drama, Swit advocated for a more nuanced portrayal of Houlihan. Over the show’s 11-season run, she successfully transformed the character into a strong, compassionate, and professional Army nurse, becoming a feminist icon on television.
Swit was one of only four cast members to appear in all 11 seasons of MASH*, and she won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance, along with multiple Golden Globe nominations. The 1983 finale of MASH*, watched by over 105 million Americans, remains the most-watched television episode in U.S. history.
Outside of MASH*, Swit enjoyed a robust career in theater and television. She starred in over 1,000 performances of the one-woman play Shirley Valentine and was the original actress cast as Christine Cagney in the Cagney & Lacey pilot, though she did not continue in the series due to contractual obligations.
Swit also became a prominent animal rights advocate, a vegetarian, and an author. Her 2017 book SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit featured her paintings and highlighted her efforts to end animal cruelty. Proceeds from the book supported various animal welfare organizations.
Loretta Swit’s legacy transcends her television career. She was known for her deep compassion, advocacy for veterans and animals, and trailblazing work for women in entertainment.
She was married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 until their divorce in 1995 and had no children. In 1989, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her contributions to television and the arts.
With her passing, Swit leaves behind a legacy of resilience, grace, and groundbreaking work that helped change the portrayal of women on television.
As fans remember her with fondness and admiration, Loretta Swit’s legacy as Major Houlihan—and as a pioneering force in entertainment—remains deeply etched in American culture. Her contributions to acting, advocacy, and the arts will continue to inspire generations to come.
