Loretta Swit, the acclaimed actress best known for her role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, passed away at the age of 87. Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed that she died of natural causes early on Friday, May 30, at her home in New York City. The Hollywood Reporter was the first outlet to share the news. Swit leaves behind a lasting legacy in television, film, and theater, with a career spanning more than five decades.
A Life Defined by Art, Advocacy, Independence, and an Unwavering Creative Spirit
Swit rose to fame for her portrayal of Major Houlihan on CBS’s MASH*, a role she played from 1972 to 1983. Her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe nominations, and a TV Land Impact Award. The character of Houlihan, a head nurse during the Korean War, became a cultural touchstone, and Swit’s powerful mix of comedic and dramatic acting helped elevate the show into one of the most beloved series in TV history.
Beyond MASH*, Swit had a rich and varied career in television, appearing in popular series such as Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, and even Batman: The Animated Series. Her film credits include Race with the Devil, S.O.B., and Forest Warrior. Her final screen appearance was in the 2019 film Play the Flute, and she was also attached to an upcoming project, Second Chances, currently in pre-production.
A Life Defined by Art, Advocacy, Independence, and an Unwavering Creative Spirit
Swit was known not just for her talent, but for her passionate individuality. In a 1979 PEOPLE magazine cover story, she reflected on her early dreams of acting, crediting her mother for nurturing her love of cinema.
She spoke candidly about choosing a life centered on career, friendship, and purpose over traditional roles of marriage and motherhood. Though she married actor Dennis Holahan in 1983 (they later divorced in 1995), Swit remained devoted to her professional and personal passions throughout her life.
In addition to her screen work, Swit had a distinguished theater career, including a Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year and starring roles in productions like Shirley Valentine and Mame. She earned the Sarah Siddons Award in 1991 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989.
Swit was also a talented painter and a committed animal rights activist. In 2017, she published Switheart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, with proceeds benefiting anti-cruelty organizations. Her life was one of creativity, conviction, and compassion—an enduring legacy for generations to come.
