Loretta Swit, Emmy-Winning MASH TV Star, Dies at 87
Loretta Swit, the actress who made “Hot Lips” Houlihan a household name, has passed away at the age of 87. Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed that she died early Friday morning, May 30, at her home in New York City. The cause was natural, and the news was first shared by The Hollywood Reporter.
Swit became a beloved TV icon thanks to her unforgettable role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on CBS’s long-running hit series MASH*. From 1972 to 1983, she brought fire, heart, and humor to her character. Her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards, along with four Golden Globe nominations and a TV Land Impact Award.
A Career Beyond the Army Tent
Loretta Swit wasn’t just about MASH*. She appeared in dozens of other TV shows over the years. Fans might remember her guest roles on Hawaii Five-O, Mission: Impossible, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Mannix, The Love Boat, and even Batman: The Animated Series.
She also appeared in films and TV movies like Race With the Devil, S.O.B., The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Beer. Her last acting credit was in 2019’s Play the Flute. According to IMDb, she was still attached to a new project called Second Chances, which was in pre-production.
Her Life Off Screen
Swit’s love for performing started young. In a 1979 interview with PEOPLE, she shared that she always wanted to be an actress. Growing up shy and self-conscious, she found joy watching double features with her mother.
She was candid about choosing her own path. “I’m not interested in being married,” she once said. At the time, she felt fulfilled by her career and friendships. But later in life, she did marry actor Dennis Holahan in 1983. They divorced in 1995, and she never had children.
A Passion for Theater and Art
Swit was not just a TV star. She had an active career on stage too. She made her Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year and later stepped into roles like Shirley Valentine and Mame. She even received the Sarah Siddons Award in 1991 for her theater work.
Offstage, she was a talented painter and a passionate animal rights activist. In 2017, she published a book called Switheart, filled with her watercolor art. The book’s proceeds were donated to animal welfare causes she deeply cared about.
Remembering a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Loretta Swit was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989. Her impact on television, theater, and animal advocacy made her one of Hollywood’s most admired stars.
Fans everywhere are mourning her passing. But her work, heart, and fiery spirit will be remembered for generations.
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