Legend Loretta Swit, Iconic "MASH" Actress, Bids Farewell at 87
A beloved MASH personality passed away at 87 years old. - Iconic "MASH" Actor Sadly Passes Away at 87
A significant chapter in television history closes: Loretta Swit, famous for her portrayal of Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the iconic CBS series "MASH," has bid adieu at her New York City residence. As per her spokesperson, Harlan Boll, the 87-year-old passed away in the early hours of the morning, presumably from natural causes, according to "The Hollywood Reporter."
Over a span of eleven years, Swit left an indelible impression on the small screen, embodying the stern yet intricate Head Nurse in the beloved comedy series. From 1972 to 1983, she breathed life into a character that evolved from a seemingly one-dimensional adversary to one of the most complex female characters in television history.
Emmys and Opportunities Overlooked
Her performance did not go unnoticed: Swit scored ten Emmy nominations, missing out only in the first season of "MASH." She earned the coveted award twice, in 1980 and 1982. She was one of only two actors, alongside Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce, to appear in both the first episode and the series finale.
The finale on February 28, 1983, drew nearly 106 million viewers, a record still unbroken. The 35-second kiss between Swit and Alda in this episode is considered the most expensive kiss in television history due to the advertising revenue per minute.
A Voice for Animal Rights
Off-camera, Swit was ardent about animal rights. In 2016, she established the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, a non-profit organization geared towards animal protection. She auctioned her original artwork to fundraise and even testified before Congress against the infamous "crush videos" in 1999.
From Polish Immigrant's Child to Hollywood Star
Loretta Jane Szwed was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to immigrant parents from Poland. Her parents initially opposed her showbiz aspirations, but she made her acting debut at the age of seven. She honed her acting skills at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts and with Gene Frankel in Manhattan. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1970, she gained invaluable experience in series such as "Hawaii Five-O," "Mission: Impossible," and "Gunsmoke," before bagging the role of a lifetime.
Swit was married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 to 1995, whom she met on the "MASH" set. In her later years, she withdrew from the spotlight, her last film appearance being in 2019.
- Loretta Swit
- New York City
- Alan Alda
- Animal Rights
- Harlan Boll
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Television
Notable Insights:
- Swit began acting at the age of seven, in theater productions and guest roles in several classic TV shows, including "Gunsmoke," "Mission: Impossible," and "Hawaii Five-O" before her defining role in "MASH."
- Swit's dedication to animal welfare led her to establish the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to animal rights and rescue efforts, and authoring "SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit" in 2017.
- Organizations like Farm Sanctuary and Mercy For Animals honored Swit for her dedication and compassion towards animals.
- Loretta Swit was one of the cast’s longest-serving members alongside Alan Alda on "MASH."
- Swit married actor Dennis Holahan in 1983, whom she met on the "MASH" set, and they were married until 1995.
I'm not going to be able to watch the movies or TV shows that Loretta Swit may have performed in after her passing, as she was known for her work in entertainment, particularly for her iconic role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in "MASH." Despite her contributions to the small screen, she was also an advocate for animal rights, establishing the SwitHeart Animal Alliance and testifying against "crush videos" in 1999.
