Beloved ‘MAS*H’ Star Loretta Swit Passes Away at 87 — Tributes Pour In for a Television Icon
Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress who redefined the role of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the classic CBS sitcom MASH*, has passed away at the age of 87. Swit died peacefully at her New York City home shortly after midnight on Friday, May 30, 2025. Her longtime publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed the news, with authorities indicating natural causes as the likely reason.
During her eleven-year run on MASH* (1972–1983), Swit turned what began as a comedic stereotype into one of television’s most complex and groundbreaking female characters. Taking over the role from Sally Kellerman, who portrayed Houlihan in the original 1970 film, Swit infused the character with depth, dignity, and a fierce sense of independence, earning 10 Emmy nominations and winning twice.
Tributes have poured in from friends, fans, and co-stars. Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye Pierce, remembered Swit in a heartfelt message posted on May 31:
“She didn’t just act the part—she built it. We celebrated the day they stopped calling her ‘Hot Lips’ and started calling her Margaret. Loretta made the most of her time here.”
Mike Farrell, who portrayed Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, also honored Swit with a simple, touching Instagram post: a vintage black-and-white photo captioned, “Loretta… 1937–2025.” Swit had often spoken warmly of Farrell, calling him a wise and trustworthy friend—someone whose grounded perspective she cherished throughout her life.
Swit also shared a close bond with Alda, frequently describing their friendship as family-like. She fondly recalled dinners with his family and watching his daughters grow up, once saying, “Again, I keep referring to us as a family. We really are.”
Before MASH*, Swit honed her craft in theater, studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and appearing in plays like Mame, The Odd Couple, and Any Wednesday. Her early TV roles included guest spots on Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, and Hawaii Five-O. In 1972, her life changed forever when she landed the part of Maj. Houlihan.
Despite the grueling filming schedule, Swit was known for her perseverance—working long hours even while ill, always committed to her role. Except for the show’s debut season, she received an Emmy nomination every year MASH* was on the air.
Swit’s post-MASH* career spanned both screen and stage. She appeared in films like S.O.B., Beer, and Forest Warrior, as well as acclaimed TV movies including The Execution and Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story. She made her Broadway debut in 1975 in Same Time, Next Year and later toured extensively with The Vagina Monologues and starred in over 1,000 performances of Shirley Valentine, for which she received the Sarah Siddons Award.
In addition to acting, Swit was a passionate animal rights advocate. She hosted five seasons of the wildlife series Those Incredible Animals, released her own fragrance line, and founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, combining her artistry with philanthropy.
Her final film role came in 2019’s Play the Flute, capping a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades.
Loretta Swit’s legacy endures not only in her iconic portrayal of Maj. Margaret Houlihan but also in her tireless activism, her theater work, and the love she inspired from those who knew her best. She was more than a star—she was a trailblazer, a friend, and a force of nature.
In a quiet ceremony on December 21, 1983, Loretta Swit married actor Dennis Holahan at a small church in California’s San Fernando Valley. The couple first met when Holahan made a guest appearance on MASH*—his only appearance on the series. Surrounded by close friends and family, the intimate celebration included familiar faces from the show, with co-stars Wayne Rogers, Harry Morgan, and Mike Farrell attending a reception held at a Beverly Hills restaurant. Swit and Holahan later traveled to Egypt for their honeymoon. After more than a decade together, the couple divorced in 1995.
Beyond her acclaimed acting career, Loretta Swit was a devoted animal rights activist, dedicating much of her life to causes close to her heart. Through her organization, the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, and her creative fundraising efforts, she championed the wellbeing of countless animals over the years.
With Swit’s passing, a singular voice in television, theatre, and advocacy has been silenced. But her spirit, artistry, and compassion continue to resonate. From the operating tents of MASH* to the stages of Broadway and the frontlines of animal welfare, Loretta Swit leaves behind a legacy as bold, heartfelt, and unforgettable as the woman herself.