Loretta Swit, Iconic ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan of MAS*H, Passes Away at 87
Loretta Swit, best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the legendary TV series MASH*, has died at the age of 87, her representative confirmed Friday.
The heartbreaking news, trending under the keyword “loretta-swit-mash-dead”, has saddened fans around the globe. The Emmy-winning actress passed away at her home in New York City just after noon, with initial reports indicating natural causes, although the coroner’s official report is pending.
A Star is Born – From Passaic to Primetime
Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents, Swit pursued acting from an early age. She studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before earning her first on-screen roles in the late 1960s.
Early Appearances on TV:
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Gunsmoke
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Mission Impossible
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Bonanza
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Hawaii Five-O
These early roles set the stage for a career that would influence generations of television fans.
Breakthrough in MAS*H: A Television Landmark
Swit’s big break came in 1972 when she was cast as Major Margaret Houlihan in MASH*, a CBS comedy-drama about a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War.
Key Stats:
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Aired from September 1972 to February 1983
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Swit starred in all 11 seasons
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One of only two original cast members, alongside Alan Alda, to remain throughout
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Earned 10 Emmy nominations (won 2) and 4 Golden Globe nominations
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Series finale watched by over 100 million viewers
This historic show remains one of the most iconic series in U.S. television history. The impact of MASH* and Swit’s portrayal of “Hot Lips” made her a household name, as seen in today’s trending keyword: loretta-swit-mash-dead.
Versatility Beyond the Small Screen
Swit’s career was not confined to a single role or medium.
Television Movie Highlights:
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A Killer Among Friends
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Dreams of Gold
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Hell Hath No Fury
She also originated the role of Chris Cagney in the pilot of Cagney & Lacey, though she couldn’t continue with the role due to scheduling conflicts with MASH*.
Stage Work:
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Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year (1975)
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Performed over 1,200 shows of Shirley Valentine
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Won the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award
Film Appearances and Musical Specials
Swit’s charisma and range brought her into feature films and musical TV specials.
Film Roles Included:
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Freebie and the Bean (with James Caan)
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Race with the Devil (with Peter Fonda)
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S.O.B. (with Julie Andrews)
TV Musical Specials:
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The Muppet Show
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It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman
A Heart for Animals: SwitHeart Animal Alliance
In her later years, Loretta Swit dedicated her time to animal welfare through the SwitHeart Animal Alliance.
Advocacy Highlights:
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Hosted Those Incredible Animals, aired in 30+ countries
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Founded SwitHeart Animal Alliance to prevent cruelty and protect habitats
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Created a coloring book and perfume to fundraise for animal causes
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Earned numerous awards for her humanitarian work
Swit became as much a symbol of compassion for animals as she was for comedic and dramatic excellence on screen.
A Lasting Legacy
Loretta Swit leaves behind a legacy that spans more than five decades of influence in television, theater, film, and humanitarian work.
The outpouring of love and tributes under the trending hashtag and search keyword "loretta-swit-mash-dead" is a testament to her enduring impact.
She will always be remembered as:
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A brilliant actress
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A pioneer in television
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A passionate animal advocate
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A kind-hearted soul who touched millions
Swit’s passing marks the end of an era, but her memory and contributions will live on — on screen, on stage, and in the hearts of animals and fans she fought so hard for.
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Loretta Swit, Emmy-winning star of MASH*, has passed away at 87. Discover her life story, iconic roles, and legacy in TV and animal advocacy. | loretta-swit-mash-dead
