Loretta Swit, Emmy-Winning ‘M.A.S.H.’ Star, Dies at 87 in California
On May 31, 2025, at 9:20 AM PST, Loretta Swit, the beloved Emmy Award-winning actress known for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the pioneering TV series M.A.S.H., passed away at her home in California at age 87. Her death, likely due to natural causes, has sparked an outpouring of tributes on X under #LorettaSwit, mourning the loss of a television legend.
A Trailblazing Career
Swit’s portrayal of the disciplined yet evolving head nurse in the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital captivated audiences from 1972 to 1983. She appeared in 240 of M.A.S.H.’s 251 episodes, earning two Emmys (1980, 1982) and 10 nominations for her nuanced performance. Transforming the initially one-dimensional “Hot Lips” from Robert Altman’s 1970 film into a complex, feminist icon, Swit’s influence on the character’s depth was profound.
Impact on M.A.S.H. and Beyond
M.A.S.H., set during the Korean War, became a cultural touchstone, with its 1983 finale drawing over 100 million viewers. Swit’s advocacy for better female representation reshaped Major Houlihan, moving away from the “Hot Lips” stereotype to a respected professional. Beyond M.A.S.H., Swit starred in films like S.O.B. (1981) and TV shows including The Love Boat, while her theater work earned her a Sarah Siddons Award.
A Legacy of Compassion
An avid animal rights activist, Swit founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, raising funds through her 2017 art book SwitHeart. Her dedication to veterans and animal welfare resonated deeply, with fans on X calling her “a true hero.” She leaves no survivors, having divorced actor Dennis Holahan in 1995.
Tributes Pour In
As Hollywood mourns, Swit’s legacy endures through M.A.S.H.’s timeless syndication and her trailblazing contributions. The #LorettaSwit hashtag trends as fans honor her humor, heart, and strength, cementing her as an enduring icon of television history.
