30.5.2025

Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the beloved television series MASH*, has passed away at the age of 87. Swit died at her home in New York City, reportedly of natural causes.

Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Swit pursued a career in acting after working as a secretary. She made her television debut in Hawaii Five-O before landing the role that would define her career in MASH* in 1972. Throughout the show’s 11 seasons, she appeared in 240 of its 251 episodes and won two Emmy Awards for her performance.

Beyond her acting career, Swit was a passionate advocate for animal rights, founding her own animal welfare organization and working tirelessly to promote humane treatment of animals. She continued to act in films and television, with her most recent film appearance in Play the Flute in 2019.

Swit’s legacy extends beyond her iconic role in MASH*. She helped transform her character from a one-dimensional caricature into a fully realized, complex woman, reflecting the growing awareness of feminism in the 1970s. Her influence on the show and her dedication to her craft made her a beloved figure in television history.

She will be remembered not only for her talent and contributions to entertainment but also for her compassion and advocacy. Rest in peace, Loretta Swit.