Costars of Loretta Swit include
Emmy
-award-winning actress who became a familiar face due to her role as Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan on the pioneering CBS show M*A*S*H, have been honoring her memory following her passing at the age of 87.
Swit passed away peacefully at her residence in New York shortly after midnight on Friday, May 30, due to what was believed to be natural causes, as stated in a police report referenced by her long-time publicist, Harlan Boll.
Over 11 seasons, Swit consistently played a pivotal role on M*A*S*H*, featuring in 240 out of the series’ total 251 episodes from 1972 to 1983.
She was among just two actors – along with Alan Alda, who portrayed Hawkeye Pierce – to star in both the first episode and the highly viewed series conclusion, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” which attracted over 100 million viewers back in 1983.
Swit earned 10
Emmy
She received nominations for her performance on the show and emerged victorious twice, claiming the award in 1980 and 1982 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series.
Her depiction of the strong yet caring Army nurse Major Houlihan gradually developed over the course of the show, contributing to a new representation of women on TV.
She was distinctive during her era, particularly in the ’50s when the Korean War was occurring,” Swit recalled in a 2004 interview with the TV Academy Foundation’s The Interviews: An Oral History of Television. “Moreover, she grew even more exceptional, as far as I’m concerned, because we let her keep evolving—we witnessed her transformation. And I believe this approach has never really been replicated.
After receiving the tragic news about her passing, co-star Alda turned to social media to express his condolences.
The legendary 89-year-old performer posted on X: “Loretta was an exceptionally gifted actress. Her ten Emmy nominations and two victories were well-deserved. However, beyond just playing her role, she brought it to life. She put considerable effort into demonstrating to the writers how they could transform the character from a single-joke, sexist stereotype into a genuine individual—with authentic emotions and aspirations. We rejoiced when the script released renamed her character from Hot Lips to Margaret. Loretta maximized her impact during her time here.”
Accompanying him, co-star Jamie Farr, who portrayed Corporal Klinger, praised Swit as his ‘adopted sister’.
‘I had a deep affection for Loretta! She was as close as it gets to family,’ the 90-year-old stated to USA Today.
The moment I first encountered her, during what was intended to be just a single day’s appearance on M*A*S*H, we hugged warmly. This instant connection blossomed into a lifelong friendship. It would be impossible for me to convey the depth of sorrow at her passing.
Loretta Jane Szwed was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey. She pursued her interest in drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York before shifting focus to television and film.
Her initial film appearances consisted of roles in movies like “Freebie and the Bean” (1974), “Race with the Devil” (1975), and Blake Edwards’ dark comedy “S.O.B.” (1981). Additionally, she featured in the independent surf-themed film “BoardHeads” in 1998.
In 1981, Swit appeared in the initial pilot of Cagney & Lacey, playing Christine Cagney opposite Tyne Daly as Mary Beth Lacey. However, because of her binding agreements with M*A*S*H, she couldn’t stay onboard when the show got greenlit into a full series.
Behind the scenes, Swit strongly supported animal rights advocacy. Having been a vegetarian for decades, she embraced a vegan way of living in 1981 and spent a significant portion of her life campaigning for the well-being of animals.
Swit tied the knot with actor Dennis Holahan in 1983 and they went separate ways in 1995. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989, highlighting her significant influence on TV and pop culture.
Close friends, family members, and numerous fans survive her, remembering her as one of television’s luminaries.
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