Loretta Swit, renowned for her Emmy-winning portrayal of Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan on the acclaimed television series M*A*S*H, has passed away at the age of 87. Swit died peacefully at her residence in New York City shortly after noon, with natural causes suspected pending final confirmation from the coroner's office.
Swit's character, Major Houlihan, was celebrated for her sharp wit and dynamic presence on the long-running CBS series, which aired from 1972 to 1983. The show followed the lives of staff at an Army hospital during the Korean War and became one of TV's most beloved and critically lauded productions. Swit was a mainstay throughout the series’ entire run, sharing the longest tenure on the show alongside co-star Alan Alda.
Throughout her career on M*A*S*H, Swit received ten Emmy nominations, winning twice, and was nominated for four Golden Globes. The series finale in 1983 drew an unprecedented 100 million viewers, marking it as one of the most-watched scripted episodes in television history.
Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents, she honed her craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before embarking on a diverse acting career. Prior to M*A*S*H, Swit earned guest roles on popular series such as Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, and Mission: Impossible, which laid the groundwork for her breakout role in 1972.
Beyond television, Swit had an extensive repertoire including over 25 TV movies and numerous stage performances. Notably, she made her Broadway debut in 1975 with Same Time, Next Year and became acclaimed for her role in Shirley Valentine, with over 1,200 performances earning her the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award.
Her film credits include roles alongside major figures such as James Caan, Alan Arkin, Julie Andrews, Peter Fonda, and Chuck Norris. Additionally, Swit ventured into television musical specials, appearing on programs like The Muppet Show and the Broadway musical-themed It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman.
An animal enthusiast, Swit championed wildlife conservation through her Discovery Channel series Those Incredible Animals, which aired internationally for five years. She founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and preserving habitats. Swit supported these causes through creative fundraising initiatives, including a coloring book and a perfume line, garnering numerous accolades for her humanitarian work.
