Actress Loretta Swit, famed for her Emmy-winning role in M*A*S*H, passes away at the age of 87.
Loretta Swit: A Legendary Actress and Animal Advocate
Emmy-winning actress Loretta Swit, best known for her iconic role in "MAS*H," has left us at 87, her team announced on Friday. Loretta's quick-witted portrayal of Maj. Margaret Houlihan made her a household name, and her vivacious presence graced various stages, screens, and even the wildlife community.
Swit's passion for the arts ignited at a tender age, stepping foot on New York stages before turning eight, and eventually leaving home at 17 to immerse herself in theater work at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her stage career remained flourishing, with notable roles like that of Mame in 2003 at North Carolina Theatre, and romantic comedies such as Amorous Crossing in 2010. Swit's last stage appearance was in One November Yankee in 2012, performing alongside Harry Hamlin[2][3].
Before stealing hearts as Hot Lips on "MASH," Swit made her television debut in the 1960s with shows like Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Mission: Impossible, and Bonanza[3]. Her big break came with "MASH" in 1972, a role that earned her two Emmys, 10 Emmy nominations, and four Golden Globe nods. Off-screen, Loretta was a frequent presence on game shows, including Pyramid, Match Game, and Hollywood Squares[1]. Until her final TV appearance in 2024, she graced us with her presence in the Fox tribute special, MAS*H: The Comedy That Changed Television[2].
However, Swit's dedication wasn't limited to the arts. She was an ardent protector of animals, serving as a spokesperson for The Humane Society and collaborating with MAS*H co-star Mike Farrell to host the PBS special Saving the Wildlife in 1986[1]. In 2016, Loretta founded SwitHeart Animal Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to ending animal cruelty[1]. Additionally, she supported animal causes by selling SwitHeart perfume and her memoir, generating funds for animal welfare organizations through her official website[3].
Rest in peace, Loretta Swit. Your quick wit, passion for animals, and unforgettable performances will forever live on.
Loretta Swit's career in entertainment evolved beyond the silver screen, extending to various platforms such as movies-and-tv, credit to her game show stints on Pyramid, Match Game, and Hollywood Squares. Moreover, her love for animals went beyond her acting roles, as she secured credit cards for charity donations to The Humane Society and other animal welfare organizations via her SwitHeart perfume sales and memoir profits.
