Loretta Swit, the legendary actress best known for playing Major Margaret J “Hot Lips” Houlihan on CBS’s long-running hit MASH, dies at the age of 87.
The star passed away at her home in New York on Friday, May 30, 2025, from suspected natural causes, according to a statement by her publicist, Harlan Boll. A police report confirmed the details, marking the end of a remarkable era for television fans who grew up watching one of the most iconic shows of all time.
Swit’s unforgettable portrayal of Major Houlihan earned her critical acclaim and 10 Emmy nominations, winning two of them. She appeared in 240 out of the 251 episodes during the show’s 11-year run from 1972 to 1983. Loretta and Alan Alda (who played Hawkeye Pierce) were the only two cast members who appeared in both the pilot and the series finale, cementing their legacy as cornerstones of the show’s success.
In a 2004 interview for the TV Academy Foundation’s The Interviews: An Oral History of Television, Loretta reflected on her groundbreaking role. She said, “She was [unique] at the time and in her time, which was the ’50s, when [the Korean War] was happening. And she became even more unique, I think, because we allowed her to continue to grow – we watched her evolve. I don’t think that’s ever been done in quite that way.” Her character wasn’t static, she transformed over the course of the series, something rarely seen in that era of television.
Loretta Swit wasn’t just a TV icon, she also had a vibrant film career. Her film credits include Freebie and the Bean (1974), Race With the Devil (1975), S.O.B. (1981), and BoardHeads (1998). In 1981, she starred alongside Tyne Daly in the pilot for Cagney & Lacey but couldn’t continue the role when the show was picked up due to contractual obligations with MASH.
She was born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, and studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Her commitment to the craft was evident in every role she took on, and her early training paved the way for a career that spanned decades. In 1989, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a milestone that celebrated her contributions to television and beyond.
Swit was also known for her personal values and activism. A passionate animal rights advocate, she became a vegetarian and then a vegan back in 1981, well before plant-based diets became trendy. Her commitment to animal welfare was lifelong and sincere, making her not just a star on screen but a respected voice for causes she believed in.
Loretta was married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 until their divorce in 1995. While she didn’t remarry, she remained active in both the entertainment industry and advocacy work for many years after her divorce.
Her death marks the loss of a truly multidimensional artist, one who not only played an unforgettable character but also lived a life of meaning and passion off-screen. Fans, friends, and former co-stars are now remembering her as a trailblazer who brought strength, vulnerability, and humor to a role that helped redefine what women on TV could look like.
Loretta Swit may be gone, but her legacy lives on in reruns, interviews, film credits, and the hearts of millions who laughed, cried, and grew up with her on their screens. She wasn’t just Hot Lips Houlihan, she was a pioneer, a talent, and a woman who helped shape an entire era of television.
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