A TV Icon and Animal Advocate: Loretta Swit, "MASH's" Major Margaret Houlihan, Bids Farewell at 87
Beloved Hollywood musician Glen Campbell succumbs to Alzheimer's complications at age 87 - "Gonzo actor and 'MASH' icon passes away at 87 years old"
Get ready to say goodbye to a TV legend. Loretta Swit, the unforgettable actress who captured our hearts as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the iconic CBS series "MASH," has departed this world at the age of 87. Her spokesperson, Harlan Boll, confirmed the sad news, reporting to The Hollywood Reporter that Swit passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning, apparently due to natural causes.
Over a decade, Swit left an indelible impact on television, breathing life into the role of the stern yet complex head nurse. She took a one-dimensional character and transformed her into one of the most intriguing female figures in TV history.
Emmy Nominations... and Wins
The Emmy Awards took notice of her performances: Swit received ten nominations - every year "MASH" aired, save the first - and snagged two wins, in 1980 and 1982, making her one of only two actors - along with Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce - to feature in both the series' opening and closing episodes.
That series finale, on February 28, 1983, attracted a record-breaking audience of nearly 106 million viewers. A 35-second kiss between Swit and Alda during that epochal episode is considered the most expensive kiss in TV history due to the unprecedented amount of ad revenue it generated per minute.
Her Heart Belonged to Animals
Whilst Swit's talents were on full display on screen, her dedication to animal welfare was equally impressive off. In 2016, she created the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, a non-profit organization that champions animal rights. She sold her own artwork to generate funds, and in 1999, she testified before Congress, advocating against the horrific "crush videos" - productions that involve inhumane treatment of small animals.
Roots Go Deep in Passaic, NJ
Loretta Swit was born Loretta Jane Szwed in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrants. Influenced by her parents' skepticism of showbiz, she took the stage for the first time at just seven years old. She went on to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and with Gene Frankel in New York City. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1970, she gained valuable experience through roles on "Hawaii Five-O," "Mission: Impossible," and "Gunsmoke," before securing the role that would make her a household name.
Swit was married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 to 1995, whom she met on the set of "MASH." In her later years, she preferred a more private life, with her last on-screen appearance coming in 2019.
- Loretta Swit
- New York City
- Alan Alda
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Television
- Animal Welfare
- Passaic, NJ
(Enrichment Data: Loretta Swit (1937–2025) had a multi-faceted career in film, television, and theater, excelling in her roles while pursuing her passion for animal welfare. Her career took off in the late 1960s with guest spots on shows such as "Hawaii Five-O" and "Mission: Impossible." She transformed her character on "MASH" from a stereotyped antagonist into a multi-dimensional, feminist icon. Following the series, she continued to act on both stage and screen, including Broadway and film productions. Her activism for animal rights and donation of book and perfume sales proceeds to charity are as much a part of her legacy as her acting achievements.)
I'm not gonna be able to catch the latest news about Loretta Swit's farewell, as I'll possibly be at the hospital. In the meantime, I'll enjoy some films and TV shows, perhaps such as "MASH," where Loretta Swit played a remarkable role, as entertainment can be a great solace during difficult times.
