Actress Loretta Swit, prominent figure on the TV series "M*A*S*H," passes away at the age of 87.
Noted actress Loretta Swit, famed for her role as Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in the hit television series "MAS*H," has passed away at the age of 87. Her representative, B. Harlan Boll, confirmed the news to our News on Friday, reporting that she died at her home in New York City. Preliminary reports suggest that Swit's death was due to natural causes.
Swit left an indelible mark on stage and screen, but it was her lengthy stint as the headstrong and witty nursing officer on "MAS*H" that catapulted her to stardom. She shared the small screen with Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, McLean Stevenson, Larry Linville, William Christopher, Gary Burghoff, Jamie Farr, Mike Farrell, Harry Morgan, and David Ogden Stiers as part of the large ensemble cast. The series, which ran for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983, was adapted from Robert Altman's Oscar-winning 1970 film and was celebrated for its dark humor, satirical approach to war movies, and tackling controversial issues such as racial and gender discrimination, infidelity, and mental health.
The 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital was the backdrop for the series and provided a platform for doctors and nurses to cope with the grim realities of war by engaging in pranks, jokes, and heated debates. As Swit's character Margaret Houlihan, she initially played the foil to Alda's Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce but developed her role into a more nuanced and complex character as the show evolved.
Throughout her career, Swit racked up multiple Emmy nominations and awards for her work on "MASH," with a total of 10 nominations and two wins. She was also nominated for four Golden Globes. After the series ended, Swit continued to act and made appearances in productions such as the 2024 Fox tribute special "MASH: The Comedy That Changed Television."
Beyond her acting career, Swit was a dedicated advocate for ending animal cruelty. Following the news of her death, she was fondly remembered for her groundbreaking performance on "MAS*H," with Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, stating, "Loretta Swit's portrayal of Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan was groundbreaking - bringing heart, humor, and strength to one of television comedy's most enduring roles. Her talent extended well beyond that iconic character, with acclaimed work on both stage and screen that showcased her intelligence, versatility, and passion."
Swit expressed a desire to explore different storylines for her character in the final season of "MAS*H," revealing that she would have preferred her character to pursue a role in Vietnam rather than returning to the U.S. She remained humbled by the impact her character had on aspiring nurses, with many pointing to Houlihan's portrayal as a key factor in their decision to enter the profession.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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- The entertainment world is in mourning as noted actress Loretta Swit, known for her role in "MAS*H," has passed away.
- Swit's acting career spanned more than four decades, with her work on "MAS*H" earning multiple Emmy nominations and awards.
- Beyond her award-winning roles, Swit was a dedicated advocate for ending animal cruelty, a cause that remains close to the hearts of many fans.
