The television world has lost a true icon. Loretta Swit, best known for her unforgettable role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the legendary TV series MAS*H, passed away at her home in New York at the age of 87. Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed the news, stating that she likely died of natural causes, though a coroner’s report is pending.
A Trailblazing Talent Who Touched Millions
Swit played a key role in MASH*, the groundbreaking medical-comedy-drama set during the Korean War. The series ran from 1972 to 1983 and remains one of the most acclaimed shows in American television history. Swit appeared in nearly every episode and was a standout in the series finale, which drew a record-breaking 106 million viewers—still the most-watched episode of scripted television in U.S. history.
Her performance as “Hot Lips” Houlihan earned her two Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe nominations, and transformed what could have been a one-note character into a complex, evolving portrait of strength and vulnerability.
Redefining a Character—and a Generation
In interviews, Swit often spoke about her approach to playing Major Houlihan. Rather than relying on comedy alone, she aimed to give her character depth:
“Around the second or third year, I decided to try to play her as a real person, in an intelligent fashion, even if it meant hurting the jokes.”
Her portrayal helped shift the perception of women in uniform, portraying a strong, intelligent, and compassionate leader in a male-dominated environment.
Beyond the Screen: Animal Rights and the Arts
Swit was much more than a TV star. She was also a passionate animal rights advocate and established her own charity dedicated to ending animal cruelty. A skilled painter and a seasoned stage performer, she starred in Broadway productions like Mame, Same Time, Next Year, and Shirley Valentine—a performance that earned her the Sarah Siddons Award, one of Chicago’s top theater honors.
She also made memorable appearances on popular TV shows like The Muppet Show, Mission: Impossible, and Murder, She Wrote.
A Bond That Transcended the Screen
Swit shared deep bonds with many of her co-stars, including Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Klinger on MASH*. In a heartfelt statement, Farr said:
“From the first time I met her, on what was supposed to be a one-day appearance on MASH, we embraced each other—and that became a lifetime friendship. I can’t begin to express how much she will be missed.”*
A Legacy That Lives On
Throughout her life, Swit believed in the power of storytelling to evoke emotion and human connection. In a 2010 interview, she said:
“Acting is not hiding to me, it’s revealing. We give you license to feel. That’s the most important thing in the world—because when you stop feeling, that’s when you’re dead.”
Loretta Swit may be gone, but the depth she brought to her characters, her passion for animal welfare, and her dedication to the arts will never be forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors, activists, and fans around the world.