Actress Known for M*A*S*H, Loretta Swit, Steps into a New Glamorous Venture Three Months Before Her Passing
American actress Loretta Swit, renowned for her role as Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in the hit series "MAS*H," made her final career move in the Spring of 2025 before passing away at the age of 87 in her New York City home. Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed her death on Friday, May 30.
Swit graced the cover of Elysian Magazine for the Spring 2025 issue, attending the cover launch party on February 6, just three months before her passing. The cover photograph featured the star beaming in a close-up snap, adorned with glamorous makeup.
A police report reported Swit's passing of suspected natural causes soon after midnight on Friday. Her publicist shared the details with The Hollywood Reporter. Swit was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, where she honed her craft.
Swit was known for her portrayal of the iconic character Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan on the hit series. She received acclaim for her role on the show, earning two Emmys for her performance and 10 nominations in total. Swit graced screens for 240 of the program's 251 episodes and was a part of the show's 11 seasons.
"MAS*H" was an adaptation of the Robert Altman's 1970 film and was set during the Korean war. It followed a team of US doctors and nurses at a fictional army hospital. The original film starred Donald Sutherland, Elliot Gould, and Sally Kellerman, while the TV series featured Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, and Gary Burghoff, among others.
Swit won two Emmys for playing Hot Lips and praised the series finale. "The last program, titled Goodbye, was the jewel of the crown, and MAS*H was a very important piece of Americana, so it was an honor to be a part of that magic," she said. The series won 14 Emmy Awards, earned 109 nominations, and received a Peabody Award in 1975.
During her career, Swit also appeared in "Hawaii Five-O," "Mission: Impossible," "Mannix," "The Love Boat," "The Muppet Show," "Cagney & Lacey," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Beer, Whoops Apocalypse," among others.
The star also has a background in visual arts, showcasing her paintings in galleries and dedicating herself to charitable activities. She has been honored for her contributions to both the entertainment industry and philanthropy.
In her final career move, Swit graced the cover of Elysian Magazine for the Spring 2025 issue, showcasing news about her glamorous life and iconic entertainment career alongside updates on her endeavors in the visual arts and charitable activities. The coverage included a piece about her acclaimed role as Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in the hit series "MAS*H," where she received accolades for her on-screen performance and became a household name, earning her a place among celebrities in the entertainment industry.
