Loretta Swit, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘MAS*H’ and Beloved Icon of American Television, Dies Peacefully at 87 in New York City
NEW YORK CITY — Loretta Swit, the Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her unforgettable role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the classic television series MASH*, has died at the age of 87. Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed that Swit passed away peacefully at her home in New York City on Friday, surrounded by loved ones.
Swit’s death marks the end of an era for millions of fans who grew up watching the beloved medical dramedy set during the Korean War. Her role as the fiercely competent yet vulnerable Army nurse earned her widespread acclaim and two Primetime Emmy Awards during the show’s legendary 11-season run from 1972 to 1983.
“Loretta was more than an actress — she was a force of nature, a trailblazer who redefined the way women were portrayed on television,” Boll said in a statement. “She brought both strength and softness to Major Houlihan, creating a character who was ahead of her time in so many ways. Her legacy will live on through her work, her advocacy, and the love she shared with those who knew her.”
A Defining Role in Television History
Loretta Swit was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey. She began her career in the theater, performing in regional productions and on Broadway before transitioning to television. But it was her breakout role in MASH*, adapted from Robert Altman’s 1970 film of the same name, that catapulted her to stardom.
Portraying Major Houlihan — a tough, ambitious, and sometimes misunderstood Army head nurse — Swit quickly became a fan favorite. Over the years, the character evolved from a by-the-book military officer into a complex, compassionate woman, a transformation Swit helped shape with great care and conviction.
Unlike many of her co-stars, Swit remained with MASH* throughout its entire run, appearing in 251 of its 256 episodes. Her performances, marked by emotional depth and sharp comedic timing, earned her ten Emmy nominations and two wins, in 1980 and 1982.
The final episode of MASH*, titled “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” aired on February 28, 1983, and drew more than 105 million viewers — still the most-watched scripted television broadcast in American history.
Beyond MASH*: A Life of Art, Advocacy, and Compassion
While MASH* defined her career in the public eye, Loretta Swit never stopped acting. She continued working in television and theater for decades after the series ended, appearing in productions ranging from Cagney & Lacey to The Love Boat and starring in multiple touring stage performances, including Shirley Valentine and The Vagina Monologues.
Swit was also a passionate animal rights advocate. She founded SwitHeart Animal Alliance, an organization dedicated to ending animal cruelty and supporting rescue initiatives around the world. Her love of animals was well known, and she often used her platform to speak out against animal testing, fur production, and abuse.
In 2017, she published SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, a collection of her own watercolor paintings paired with stories about her advocacy. All proceeds went to animal rescue charities.
In interviews throughout her later years, Swit often said she felt blessed by the opportunities her life had afforded her. “I’ve always seen myself as a storyteller,” she once said. “Whether I’m playing a character, painting, or helping animals, it all comes from a place of love.”
Tributes Pour In From Fans and Co-Stars
News of Swit’s passing has led to an outpouring of grief and remembrance across the entertainment world and beyond. Her MASH* co-star Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye Pierce, released a statement calling her “a dear friend and a fiercely talented actress whose humor, heart, and humanity left a permanent imprint on our lives and on television history.”
“Loretta had a special light about her,” added Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Klinger on the series. “She was elegant, driven, and incredibly kind. We all knew we were working on something special with MASH*, and she was a big reason why.”
Fans across social media have been sharing clips of her most memorable MASH* scenes and posting heartfelt messages thanking her for years of laughter and inspiration. Many recalled how her portrayal of Major Houlihan helped redefine the role of women on television, showing strength, independence, and emotional intelligence at a time when such characters were rare.
Final Farewell
Loretta Swit is survived by her extended family, dear friends, and the countless fans and fellow artists she touched through her work. According to her publicist, a private memorial service will be held in the coming weeks, with details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to SwitHeart Animal Alliance, continuing the cause that Swit held so dear.
As the world says goodbye to Loretta Swit, we remember not just a television legend, but a woman who brought compassion, courage, and charisma to every corner of her life. Through her performances, her advocacy, and her art, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire for generations to come.