TV Legend Loretta Swit Dies at 87 — Iconic ‘MAS*H’ Star Remembered for Groundbreaking Role
Loretta Swit, the celebrated actress who brought Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan to life on the groundbreaking series MASH*, has passed away at the age of 87.
Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed her death to TMZ, saying Swit was discovered in her New York City apartment on Friday morning around 10 AM by her maid. She was officially pronounced dead at 12 noon. Although the exact cause of death has not been confirmed, Boll believes natural causes are likely.
A Historic Career Anchored by an Iconic Role
Swit was a two-time Emmy Award winner and received ten nominations for her unforgettable portrayal of Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, a strong-willed head nurse in a U.S. Army medical unit during the Korean War. MASH* — short for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital — ran from 1972 to 1983, blending humor and drama in a way that reshaped television.
The series finale drew over 106 million viewers, making it the most-watched scripted TV episode in history.
Beyond ‘MAS*H’: A Life on Screen and Stage
While best known for her MASH* role, Loretta Swit had a career that spanned decades. She appeared on hit series like “Hawaii Five-0,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and numerous television movies and theater productions.
Swit also devoted much of her later life to animal rights activism, advocating for humane causes and rescue efforts.
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A Legacy That Transcends Generations
Known for portraying a complex, trailblazing female character in a male-dominated environment, Swit helped change the way women were represented on screen. Her work continues to inspire actors and writers alike.
She is survived by a vast legacy of fans, colleagues, and decades of unforgettable performances.
