Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress who captivated audiences for over a decade with her portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the hit television series MASH*, has died at the age of 87. Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed that Swit passed away peacefully of natural causes shortly after midnight on May 30, 2025, at her home in New York City.
A Television Icon from the Golden Age of TV
Loretta Swit became a household name for her role in MASH*, a groundbreaking TV series set during the Korean War that blended dark humor with poignant commentary on the realities of war. Swit appeared in the show from its debut in 1972 through its unforgettable finale in 1983, a span of 11 seasons that made her one of the most enduring faces on American television.
She was one of the rare cast members to appear in both the pilot episode and the show’s historic final episode, which attracted over 100 million viewers. That finale remains one of the most-watched television broadcasts in U.S. history, cementing MASH* as a cultural phenomenon and Loretta Swit as a key part of its legacy.
Two-Time Emmy Winner and Ten-Time Nominee
Throughout her time on MASH*, Loretta Swit received critical acclaim for her evolving portrayal of Major Houlihan. Initially introduced as a by-the-book, no-nonsense army nurse entangled in an affair with Major Frank Burns, her character grew into a strong, independent, and deeply compassionate professional. The evolution reflected both societal changes and the show’s commitment to character development.
Swit’s performance earned her two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, in 1980 and 1982, and a total of ten nominations. Her ability to blend toughness with vulnerability made Major Houlihan a standout character in a show filled with complex roles.
Champion of Women in Television
Loretta Swit’s impact on television extends beyond her acting talent. She was a pioneer for women in entertainment, portraying a female military officer who defied stereotypes at a time when few such roles existed. Major Houlihan dealt with sexism, emotional trauma, and the moral dilemmas of war, all while commanding respect in a male-dominated environment.
Off-screen, Swit was a passionate advocate for animal rights, women’s empowerment, and the arts. She used her platform to raise awareness for causes she believed in, often participating in charity events and speaking engagements well into her later years.
A Career Beyond MASH*
While MASH* remained the cornerstone of her career, Loretta Swit also enjoyed success in film and on stage. She appeared in various television movies, made guest appearances on popular shows, and starred in Broadway productions. Her love for the theater never waned, and she continued acting in stage plays even after stepping back from television work.
Swit also authored SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, a book combining her love for painting and her advocacy for animals. The book highlighted her depth as an artist and her enduring commitment to making the world a better place.
Tributes Pour In for Loretta Swit
Following the news of her passing, tributes from fans, co-stars, and celebrities flooded social media. Fellow MASH* actor Alan Alda called her “a dear friend and a bright light who brought heart and fire to everything she touched.” Actress Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Klinger, said Swit was “the soul of the show, funny, brilliant, and fiercely loyal.”
Networks including CBS and TV Land aired tributes, and MASH* fans around the world shared memories of how Loretta Swit inspired them. Her portrayal of a strong, compassionate woman in uniform continues to resonate with generations of viewers.
A Lasting Legacy
Loretta Swit’s contribution to American television is both historic and deeply personal for many fans. She helped change how women were portrayed on-screen and brought empathy, intelligence, and courage to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional. Her legacy lives on not only in reruns of MASH*, but also in the lives she touched through her activism and artistry.
As we remember Loretta Swit, we honor not just an actress but a trailblazer who brought dignity and humanity to everything she did. Her work continues to inspire, educate, and entertain, even after her passing.
