Loretta Swit, Beloved “MAS*H” Star and Emmy-Winning Actress, Dies at 87
Loretta Swit, the acclaimed actress best known for her unforgettable role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the legendary television series MASH*, has passed away at the age of 87. Her death comes just one month after the loss of another MASH* cast member, marking the end of an era for one of television’s most iconic ensembles.
Swit’s legacy extends far beyond her signature role. With a career that spanned over five decades, she left an indelible mark on stage, television, and in the hearts of fans around the world.
A Star is Born
Born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Loretta Jane Swit was the daughter of Polish immigrants. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for performance and pursued acting with determination. She studied drama in Manhattan and worked as a secretary before breaking into acting through off-Broadway roles and touring productions.
Her early stage work included roles in productions of Same Time, Next Year, The Odd Couple, and Any Wednesday, where her comedic timing and emotional range quickly set her apart.
The Role That Defined a Generation
In 1972, Swit landed the role that would define her career and change the course of television history: Major Margaret Houlihan on CBS’s MASH*. Set during the Korean War, the series used dark humor and poignant storytelling to explore the lives of army medical personnel.
Swit’s portrayal of Houlihan evolved significantly over the show’s 11-season run. What began as a caricatured, by-the-book military nurse turned into a deeply human, complex woman with intelligence, compassion, and strength. She challenged gender stereotypes and brought a rare mix of authority and vulnerability to the screen.
Her work on MASH* earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards (in 1980 and 1982) for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and widespread acclaim. She was one of only four cast members to appear in both the pilot and the final episode.
Beyond MAS*H
After MASH*, Swit continued acting on television, in theater, and in film. She starred in made-for-TV movies such as The Execution (1985) and Dreams of Gold (1980), and made appearances on series like Diagnosis: Murder and Murder, She Wrote. Though she never took on another long-term television role, she remained active in the arts throughout her life.
Swit was also an accomplished stage actress, returning to her theater roots later in her career with roles in Shirley Valentine and Love, Loss, and What I Wore.
A Voice for Animals
Outside of acting, Loretta Swit was a passionate animal rights advocate. She founded “SwitHeart Animal Alliance,” an organization devoted to ending animal cruelty and supporting rescue operations. She received numerous humanitarian awards for her activism, including recognition from the Humane Society and the Animal Protection Institute.
In 2017, she published a book of art and essays titled SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, showcasing her talents as a visual artist and her commitment to animal welfare.
Personal Life and Legacy
Though she never had children of her own, Swit often referred to her animal companions and causes as her “family.” She was married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 to 1995. Known for her humor, grace, and warmth off-screen, she maintained lifelong friendships with her MASH* co-stars and regularly participated in reunions and tributes.
Loretta Swit’s impact went far beyond her role on MASH*. She helped redefine how women in uniform were portrayed on television and inspired generations of viewers with her dedication to authenticity, compassion, and justice—both in her performances and in her personal mission to protect animals.
She leaves behind a legacy of strength, artistry, and heart—a reminder that even in a world of scripted drama, true character is found in the way we live and give back.