Television stalwart Loretta Swit passes away.
Loretta Swit, iconic "MASH" actress, passes away at 87
The television industry is in mourning as Loretta Swit, renowned for her portrayal of Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the beloved series "MASH", has passed away at her home in New York City. Swit was 87 at the time of her death, according to her spokesperson Harlan Boll, who confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on Friday.
With over eleven years on the show, Swit significantly shaped television comedy through her complex and evolving character. From 1972 to 1983, she embodied Major Houlihan, a role that propelled her to four Golden Globe nominations and ten Emmy nominations, the latter occurring every year during the series' airtime, save the first. She won twice in both 1980 and 1982, making her one of very few actors to appear in both the show's pilot and finale, which captivated nearly 106 million viewers in 1983.
Swit's on-screen talent extended beyond "MASH". In numerous stage productions, including "Shirley Valentine", "Doubt", "Equus", and "Mame", she demonstrated her versatility. Her performance in "Shirley Valentine" earned her the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award in Chicago. Swit also continued her theatrical journey in recent years with roles in "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks" and "Me & Jezebel".
Off-screen, Swit was devoted to animal welfare. She founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, a non-profit organization aimed at protecting animals, in 2016. A fierce advocate for animal rights, she even testified before Congress and fought against so-called "crush videos".
Born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents, Swit began her acting career at a young age. After studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and with Gene Frankel in Manhattan, she moved to Los Angeles, where she gained experience in series such as "Hawaii Five-O", "Mission: Impossible", and "Gunsmoke". It was her role in "MASH" that catapulted her to stardom.
Swit was married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 to 1995, a fellow cast member from "MASH". In her later years, she largely declined public appearances, with her last film role in 2019.
[Sources: ntv.de, mau/spot]
DeathsHollywoodFilm Comedies
[enrichment data relevant, integrated into relevant sections]
Despite the passing of Loretta Swit, known for her iconic role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in "MASH," there remains a question about how the entertainment industry, and particularly celebrbrities, will respond to her departure. I'm not sure I'm ready for this, as Swit's life and career brought joy and inspiration to countless fans.
