Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress who brought depth and humanity to the role of Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the legendary television series M*A*S*H, died Friday morning at her home in New York City. She was 87 years old.
According to her publicist Harlan Boll, Swit was found by her housekeeper around 10 a.m. and was pronounced dead at noon. Police reports indicate she died of natural causes, though a coroner's report is still pending. Boll noted that he had spoken with Swit the night before her death and she seemed fine.
Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents, Swit defied family expectations to pursue a career in show business. She began performing at age seven and later studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before honing her craft with renowned acting teacher Gene Frankel in Manhattan.
Career-Defining Role on M*A*S*H
Swit's breakthrough came in 1972 when she was cast as Major Margaret Houlihan on M*A*S*H, inheriting the role from Sally Kellerman who had portrayed the character in Robert Altman's 1970 film. What began as a one-dimensional "Hot Lips" character evolved into one of television's most complex and groundbreaking female roles.
"Loretta was a supremely talented actor," her M*A*S*H co-star Alan Alda remembered on social media. "She deserved all her 10 Emmy nominations and her 2 wins. But more than acting her part, she created it. She worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one joke sexist stereotype into a real person — with real feelings and ambitions."
Loretta was a supremely talented actor. She deserved all her 10 EMMY nominations and her 2 wins. But more than acting her part, she created it. She worked hard In showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one joke sexist stereotype into a real person --…
— Alan Alda (@alanalda) May 30, 2025
Swit appeared in 240 of the series' 251 episodes during its 11-season run from 1972 to 1983. Her portrayal earned her Emmy nominations every year the show aired except the first season, winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1980 and 1982. She also received four Golden Globe nominations for the role.
The character of Major Houlihan underwent significant development throughout the series, transforming from a stern, rule-following antagonist into a more nuanced, sympathetic figure who formed genuine friendships with her fellow officers. This evolution reflected the show's own journey from broad comedy to sophisticated dramedy.
Beyond M*A*S*H
While M*A*S*H remained her most famous role, Swit maintained an active career in film, television, and theater. She made her Broadway debut in 1975's "Same Time, Next Year" opposite Ted Bessell and later appeared in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." Her stage work earned her the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award in 1991 for her contributions to Chicago theater.
In 1981, Swit played Christine Cagney in the pilot for "Cagney & Lacey," but contractual obligations to M*A*S*H prevented her from continuing with the series. Her film credits included "Freebie and the Bean" with James Caan and Alan Arkin, "Race with the Devil" with Peter Fonda, and "S.O.B." with Julie Andrews.
Beyond acting, Swit was a passionate animal rights activist and accomplished painter. In 2017, she published "SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit," with proceeds benefiting animal welfare organizations. She also hosted the wildlife series "Those Incredible Animals" on Discovery Channel for five years.
Lasting Legacy
The M*A*S*H series finale, which aired February 28, 1983, remains the most-watched scripted television episode in history, drawing over 105 million viewers. Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, noted that Swit's "portrayal of Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan was groundbreaking – bringing heart, humor, and strength to one of television comedy's most enduring roles."
Swit often spoke about the lasting impact of her work, recounting a fan's telegram that read: "Dear M*A*S*H folk: You made me laugh. You made me cry. You made me feel. Thank you." She called it "one hell of a legacy."
In later interviews, Swit expressed pride in how her character inspired real women to enter the nursing profession, saying she still received letters from women worldwide who cited Major Houlihan as their inspiration.
Swit was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989, cementing her place in entertainment history. She is survived by her ex-husband Dennis Holahan and several surviving M*A*S*H cast members, including Alan Alda, Jamie Farr, Gary Burghoff, and Mike Farrell.
