Loretta Swit, Beloved ‘MAS*H’ Star and Emmy Winner, Dies at 87

Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her iconic role as Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, passed away peacefully at her home in New York City on May 30, 2025, at the age of 87. Her longtime publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed her passing, noting that natural causes are suspected.

A Career-Defining Role on ‘MAS*H’

 

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Swit’s portrayal of Maj. Houlihan transformed what began as a comedic caricature into one of the most respected and dimensional female characters in television history. From 1972 to 1983, she was a mainstay on MASH*, appearing in all eleven seasons of the groundbreaking CBS series. The role, originally played by Sally Kellerman in the 1970 film, became Swit’s legacy.

Her work on the series earned her ten Emmy nominations, with two wins for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1980 and 1982. Co-star Alan Alda praised Swit’s commitment to making the character real, writing on X:

“She didn’t just act the part, she created it.”

Alda reflected on the moment when the show stopped calling her “Hot Lips” and started referring to her character by name — Margaret — a change driven in part by Swit’s influence.

Loretta was a supremely talented actor. She deserved all her 10 EMMY nominations and her 2 wins. But more than acting her part, she created it. She worked hard In showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one joke sexist stereotype into a real person –…

— Alan Alda (@alanalda) May 30, 2025

Tributes From Co-Stars and Lifelong Friends

MASH* co-star Mike Farrell, who played B.J. Hunnicutt, paid tribute with a heartfelt black-and-white photo on Instagram captioned:

“Loretta… 1937–2025.”

Swit had described Farrell in past interviews as her closest confidant, and often spoke of the MASH* cast as a real family. She recalled babysitting Alda’s children, sharing dinners with his family, and cherishing their long-lasting friendships.

 

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From Stage to Screen: A Trailblazing Career

Before becoming a TV star, Swit trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and built her reputation in repertory theater. Her early stage roles included touring productions of The Odd Couple and Mame, and her Broadway debut came in Same Time, Next Year in 1975.

She earned the Sarah Siddons Award for her performance in over 1,000 shows of Shirley Valentine in Chicago, and starred in The Vagina Monologues, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and more.

Her post-MASH* screen work included films like S.O.B., Whoops Apocalypse, Miracle at Moreaux, and Play the Flute (2019), her last known role.

 

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Animal Advocacy and Personal Life

Beyond acting, Swit was an outspoken animal rights activist. She hosted Those Incredible Animals for five seasons beginning in 1992, and dedicated much of her life to wildlife protection and pet rescue initiatives.

She married actor Dennis Holahan in 1983 after meeting him during his guest appearance on MASH*. The couple later divorced in 1995.

 

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A Legacy That Transcends Television

Loretta Swit’s passing marks the end of an era for classic television. Her groundbreaking performance as a strong, intelligent woman in uniform helped redefine female roles on TV during the 1970s and ’80s. Her career, her friendships, and her activism leave behind a powerful and enduring legacy.