Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress who brought the unforgettable Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan to life on MASH*, has passed away at the age of 87. Her longtime publicist, Harlan Boll, shared that she died peacefully of natural causes at her home in New York City. With her passing, fans everywhere are mourning the loss of one of television’s most iconic stars.
Swit’s journey to stardom is one that feels straight out of a movie. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish-American parents, she once described herself as a shy, brace-faced kid who never quite fit in. But everything changed the moment she stepped into a movie theater with her mom. Sitting in the dark, watching stories come alive on screen, she found her passion—and she never let it go.
She studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and took on every job she could to stay afloat while chasing her dream. From small theater roles to eventually making her mark on Broadway, Swit was never in it for the fame—she was in it for the art.
Then came 1972—and with it, MASH*. The role of “Hot Lips” Houlihan could’ve been just another one-note character. But Swit brought her to life with depth, humor, and heart. Over the show’s 11-season run, viewers watched Major Houlihan grow from a by-the-book military nurse to a multidimensional woman with strength, vulnerability, and razor-sharp wit. Her chemistry with co-star Alan Alda (Hawkeye Pierce) lit up the screen and helped anchor one of the most beloved shows in TV history.
Her performance didn’t just win her awards—it won her a place in pop culture history. Two Emmys, four Golden Globe nominations, and the admiration of a generation of fans. But more importantly, she helped pave the way for strong, complex female characters in television.
And Loretta Swit wasn’t a one-role wonder. Her career was filled with standout performances in Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, The Love Boat, Bonanza, and even Batman: The Animated Series. Whether she was making audiences laugh or cry, Swit brought heart and soul to every project. She acted well into her 80s, with her final film credit in Play the Flute and an upcoming role in Second Chances.
Offscreen, Loretta was just as inspiring. She lived life on her own terms—fiercely independent and full of love for her craft, her friends, and animals. Though she once claimed marriage wasn’t for her, she did tie the knot in 1983 with actor Dennis Holahan—who, funnily enough, played a diplomat who swept “Hot Lips” off her feet on MASH*. Their marriage ended in 1995, and she never remarried or had children. And she was perfectly content with that, often saying her life was rich with love in all the ways that mattered.
A passionate advocate for animal rights, Swit devoted time, energy, and her voice to causes she believed in. She may have walked red carpets, but she was just as at home in animal shelters and speaking out for those who couldn’t.
After news of her passing, tributes came pouring in. Alan Alda called her “the soul of MASH*,” while Jamie Farr remembered her as “family—on and off screen.” Fans flooded social media with heartfelt messages, one writing, “She taught me women can be strong, smart, and funny. Rest in peace, Hot Lips. You changed the world.”
And it’s true—she did. Loretta Swit broke barriers and redefined what it meant to be a leading woman on television. She showed us that strength and sensitivity can go hand in hand, and that great storytelling comes from heart, not just lines on a page.
In her own words, Loretta once said, “I love my work and I love my friends. I can’t imagine having a happier life.” And what a life it was—a life of purpose, passion, and unforgettable moments.
Rest in peace, Loretta. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the inspiration. The world was lucky to have you.
