Loretta Swit, Beloved ‘M.A.S.H.’ Star, Passes Away at 87
On May 31, 2025, at approximately 7:11 AM PST, Loretta Swit, the multi-talented actress renowned for her Emmy-winning role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M.A.S.H., passed away at 87. While the cause of death remains unspecified, her passing has prompted a wave of tributes on X under #LorettaSwit, celebrating a Hollywood legend.
An Iconic Career
Swit’s portrayal of the head nurse in M.A.S.H.’s 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital defined the series’ 1972–1983 run, appearing in 240 of 251 episodes. Her transformative performance, turning the “Hot Lips” caricature from the 1970 film into a complex, feminist icon, earned two Emmys (1980, 1982) and 10 nominations. Co-star Alan Alda shared on X, “Loretta’s talent was unmatched,” reflecting her impact.
A Versatile Talent
Beyond M.A.S.H., Swit’s career spanned films like S.O.B. (1981) and Freebie and the Bean (1974), alongside TV roles in The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote. Her stage work, including Broadway’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood, earned a Sarah Siddons Award. Swit’s ability to blend humor and depth made her a trailblazer.
A Heart for Advocacy
Swit’s passion for animal rights led to the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, with her 2017 book SwitHeart raising funds for the cause. Her advocacy for veterans and animals endeared her to fans, with X posts hailing her as “a true humanitarian.” Divorced from Dennis Holahan since 1995, she leaves no immediate survivors.
A Lasting Legacy
Swit’s passing, announced hours ago, has united fans and peers in grief. The #LorettaSwit hashtag trends as tributes pour in, celebrating her warmth and pioneering spirit. With M.A.S.H. still in syndication, her legacy endures, touching generations. As Hollywood mourns, Swit’s portrayal of strength and compassion cements her as an eternal icon of television and film history.
