Loretta Swit, beloved ‘MAS*H’ Star known as Hot Lips Houlihan, dies at 86

Loretta Swit, a two-time Emmy Award-winning actress and best known for her eleven-year stint as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the classic TV series MASH*, passed away at 87. Swit passed away at her apartment in New York City from presumed natural causes. She was awarded two Emmy Awards and ten nominations for playing the outspoken, patriotic Army nurse for eleven seasons.

Swit was born in 1937 in Passaic, New Jersey, and studied acting against the will of her parents, in which she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her initial experiences were theater work and TV guest star work. She also originated the role of Detective Christine Cagney on the pilot episode of Cagney & Lacey and had a long career on stage.

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Loretta Swit remembered as MAS*H star, animal rights advocate, and artist

She was an animal rights supporter and represented the Humane Society. Though she never regained the fame of her MASH* days, international syndication of the series kept her in the limelight for newer generations. Swit wed actor Dennis Holahan, an actor who had appeared as a Swedish diplomat on a one-off episode of MASH, in 1983. They divorced in 1995, but had no children. Although MASH finished years ago, Swit won over new generations of viewers through syndication of the show.

Swit's post-acting career is well beyond exceptional. She was an accomplished watercolor artist and passionate animal rights worker, publishing a book in 2017 titled Switheart, proceeds from which are donated to anti-cruelty organizations. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989. Swit had notable success on stage as well, featuring in plays like Same Time, Next Year and Mame, and won the Sarah Siddons Award in 1991.

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Loretta Swit’s legacy lives on through iconic TV role and lifelong activism

During her career, Swit dedicated herself to her profession and to her causes. Her television portrayal of Major Houlihan broke down barriers for female characters on TV, and her off-screen activism demonstrated her devotion to making a difference. Swit's professional achievements as an artist and her work as an advocate have left lasting impressions on the entertainment industry and the causes to which she devoted herself.

Loretta Swit's death marks the end for MASH* and the old television generation. Her enthusiasm, spirit, and love for her art and causes will be missed and remembered by generations to come. While the world laments her death, Swit's image as an actor and activist continues to be relevant.