Loretta Swit, Emmy-Winning ‘M.A.S.H.’ Star, Dies at 87 After Brief Illness
On May 31, 2025, at 9:33 AM PST, Loretta Swit, the Emmy Award-winning actress celebrated for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M.A.S.H., passed away at 87 in California following a brief illness. The news has sparked widespread mourning, with tributes flooding X under #LorettaSwit, honoring a television pioneer.
A Defining Role in Television History
Swit’s portrayal of the head nurse in the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital anchored M.A.S.H.’s 1972–1983 run, appearing in 240 of 251 episodes. Her performance, blending strength and vulnerability, earned two Emmys (1980, 1982) and 10 nominations. Swit reshaped the “Hot Lips” character from Robert Altman’s 1970 film into a feminist icon, a feat praised by co-star Alan Alda on X: “Loretta gave Margaret soul.”
M.A.S.H.’s Cultural Impact
M.A.S.H., set during the Korean War, became a cultural milestone, with its 1983 finale drawing over 100 million viewers. Swit’s advocacy for deeper female roles elevated Major Houlihan beyond stereotypes. Her career extended to films like S.O.B. (1981), TV shows like The Love Boat, and acclaimed theater work, earning a Sarah Siddons Award.
A Legacy of Compassion
Swit’s commitment to animal rights shone through her SwitHeart Animal Alliance, funded by her 2017 book SwitHeart. Her support for veterans and animals resonated widely, with X fans calling her “a beacon of kindness.” Divorced from Dennis Holahan since 1995, she leaves no immediate survivors.
Tributes Honor a Legend
Swit’s passing, just 30 minutes ago, has united fans and peers in grief. The #LorettaSwit hashtag trends as tributes celebrate her warmth and trailblazing spirit. Her M.A.S.H. episodes, still in syndication, ensure her legacy endures. As Hollywood mourns, Swit’s portrayal of resilience and humanity solidifies her as an everlasting icon, forever cherished in television history.
