Beloved TV personality Loretta Swit passes away.
In the television industry, a significant loss was announced on Friday. Loretta Swit, famously portraying Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the groundbreaking series "MAS*H," passed away at her New York City residential address at the age of 87. According to Harlan Boll, her representative, Swit's demise occurred at 12:01 PM. The cause of death is believed to have been natural, though a definitive report awaits confirmation from the coroner's office.
Swit was an integral part of television history, captivating millions of viewers for over eleven years as the stern yet complex head nurse character in "MAS*H." Her portrayal transformed from an initially one-dimensional antagonist to one of the most intricate female characters ever depicted on television. Notably, she was nominated for an Emmy award ten times, winning twice in 1980 and 1982, and was one of only two cast members to appear in both the pilot and series finale.
Swit's notable performance garnered her popularity, but off-screen, she showed extraordinary passion for animal welfare. She established the "SwitHeart Animal Alliance," a non-profit organization dedicated to animal protection, in 2016. Furthermore, she testified before Congress against the inhumane "crush videos," which feature the torture of small animals.
Loretta Jane Szwed, born November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, was the daughter of Polish immigrants. Although her parents initially doubted her show business career, she embarked upon a successful journey; making her stage debut at seven years old, studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and establishing a name for herself in the television industry. Following her move to Los Angeles in 1970, she worked on numerous shows, such as "Hawaii Five-O," "Mission: Impossible," and "Gunsmoke." The role that would cement her fame, however, would come on "MAS*H."
Swit was married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 to 1995, whom she met on the set of "MAS*H." In the late phase of her life, she became increasingly reticent and withdrew from the public eye. Her last on-screen appearance was in 2019.
[1] ntv.de, mau/spot
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I'm not sure I'm ready for the news of Loretta Swit's passing, a beloved celebrity known for her entertaining role in the iconic series "MAS*H." Despite her retirement from acting, she continued to make a difference in the entertainment industry, especially through her advocacy for animal welfare.
