Loretta Swit, Beloved ‘MAS*H’ Star and Emmy-Winning Actress, Passes Away at 87
Loretta Swit, the legendary actress best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, has died at the age of 87.
She passed peacefully at her home in New York City just after midnight on May 30, 2025.
Her longtime publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed her passing, which is believed to be from natural causes.
Swit’s career was defined by her role on the groundbreaking CBS comedy-drama MASH*, which aired from 1972 to 1983. Over 11 seasons, she helped transform her initially comedic character into one of television’s most respected female figures—earning 10 Emmy nominations and two wins for her powerful performance.
She remains the only woman from the ensemble cast to appear throughout the show’s run.
What began as a role defined by a one-dimensional nickname evolved into a powerful symbol of strength and complexity.
Swit was instrumental in shaping Margaret Houlihan into a fully formed, intelligent, and deeply human character—reflecting broader changes in how women were portrayed on TV during the 1970s and ’80s.
Alan Alda, her longtime friend and co-star, honored her in a heartfelt tribute, writing, “She didn’t just play the part—she helped create it.”
Actor Mike Farrell, another MASH* co-star, shared a black-and-white photo on Instagram with a simple caption: “Loretta… 1937–2025,” paying silent respect to a friend he once called “honest, grounded, and endlessly kind.”
Swit’s career spanned beyond MASH*, with roles in films like S.O.B., Beer, and Forest Warrior, and notable TV movies such as The Execution and Miracle at Moreaux.
She also appeared in stage productions, including Mame, Shirley Valentine (performed over 1,000 times), and The Vagina Monologues.
Her stage work earned her the Sarah Siddons Award in Chicago and a Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year.
A classically trained actress from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Swit once recalled standing in the unemployment line declaring herself “an actress” before she had a single credited role. But persistence paid off. After early TV appearances on shows like Gunsmoke and Hawaii Five-O, she landed the career-defining MASH* role in 1972.
Off-screen, Swit was a lifelong advocate for animal rights. She hosted the wildlife docuseries Those Incredible Animals in the 1990s and remained active in charitable work for animal welfare throughout her life. Her passion for activism earned her widespread respect and recognition.
Swit married actor Dennis Holahan in 1983 after meeting him during his guest appearance on MASH*.
Though they divorced in 1995, friends say she remained close to many of her co-stars, often referring to them as “family.”
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Loretta Swit’s legacy is far more than the sum of her awards and accolades. She was a trailblazer who helped change television, a devoted activist, and a beloved friend to many.
Her impact continues to resonate, both on screen and off. As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues, one thing is clear: Loretta Swit will never be forgotten.
