Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan on 'M*A*S*H*', dies at 87

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Loretta Swit, the beloved actress who played the iconic Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on 'M*A*S*H', died on Friday, May 30, at the age of 87.

Swit’s portrayal of the tough-yet-tender head nurse in the Korean War-set CBS dramedy ran for all 11 seasons, earning her two Primetime Emmy Awards and leaving an indelible mark on TV history.

The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news of her death. 

Loretta Swit died peacefully at her New York City home

Loretta Swit's publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed to People that the beloved actress died early Friday morning at her home in New York City. She died peacefully of natural causes.

Beyond 'M*A*S*H', Swit’s television career spanned decades, with guest roles on classic series including 'Hawaii Five-O', 'Mission: Impossible', 'Gunsmoke', and 'Bonanza'. She also lent her voice to 'Batman: The Animated Series' and appeared in numerous films and TV movies. Her final screen role was in 2019’s 'Play the Flute', and she was reportedly attached to a new project, 'Second Chances', still in pre-production.

Swit’s love for acting began early. In a 1979 interview with People, she recalled sitting through double features multiple times with her movie-loving mother. A self-described shy, “fat little kid with braces,” Swit found a transformative confidence through performance, a path that would lead her to Broadway, where she debuted in 'Same Time, Next Year' in 1975.

She later headlined productions like 'Mame' and 'Shirley Valentine', earning the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award in 1991 for her work in theater.

Though she married actor Dennis Holahan, whom she met on the set of 'M*A*S*H' in 1983, the couple divorced in 1995, and Swit remained child-free, something she openly embraced.

“I’m not interested in being married,” she once said. “I have a career and friends and things I care about doing. I don’t want a lot of other demands. And, thanks to Alan (Alda), who has deep insight about women, I don’t feel guilty anymore about not wanting a family. My parents and friends are my family.”

“I love my work and I love my friends. I can’t imagine having a happier life,” she added.

In 1989, the Emmy Award-winning actress received one of Hollywood’s highest honors, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Loretta Swit was a devoted animal rights activist and a talented painter

In addition to her acting, Loretta Swit found joy in painting and was a passionate advocate for animal rights. In 2017, she combined both passions in her book 'SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry and Animal Activism of Loretta Swit'.

The proceeds from the book went to support causes dedicated to ending animal cruelty, a cause close to her heart.

Through her painting and advocacy, Swit extended her impact well beyond the screen and stage.

‘M*A*S*H’ co-stars remember Loretta Swit

The death of ‘M*A*S*H’ icon Loretta Swit has prompted an outpouring of love and admiration from her former co-stars and longtime collaborators, including Alan Alda and Jamie Farr, who remembered her not only as a gifted performer but as family.

Alda, 89, who played the ever-clever surgeon “Hawkeye” Pierce for all 11 seasons alongside Swit’s formidable Major Margaret Houlihan, took to X (formerly Twitter) to reflect on her extraordinary contributions to the hit CBS series.

“Loretta was a supremely talented actor. She deserved all her 10 EMMY nominations and her 2 wins. But more than acting her part, she created it,” Alda wrote, adding, “She worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one-joke sexist stereotype into a real person with real feelings and ambitions.”

“We celebrated the day the script came out listing her character, not as Hot Lips, but as Margaret. Loretta made the most of her time here,” he noted.

Mike Farrell, who joined ‘M*A*S*H in Season 4 as BJ Hunnicutt, shared a solemn black-and-white image of Swit on Instagram with the caption, “Loretta … 1937–2025.”

Lisa Lan of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) honored her memory by highlighting her advocacy work. “Loretta Swit may have been known to most as Major Margaret Houlihan, but she was known to PETA as a major champion for all animals,” Lan said. “The world has lost a kind soul and animals a true friend,” as per USA Today.

Fans pay tribute to Loretta Swit after she dies at 87

As fans mourn the death of Loretta Swit, they remember her for her sharp wit, remarkable talent, and heartfelt compassion that extended far beyond the screen.

One mourned, “How sad. She was brilliant. Bet the angels are all calling her ‘Hot Lips’ and overjoyed the icon has come home," and another said, “May she rest in peace. I grew up watching her and loved what she turned her character into. I also admire her extensive work with pets and animals. God speed Major.”

A person expressed, “She never got enough credit for how good she was. RIP,” whereas someone else added, “Loved M.A.S.H. Rest In Peace Major Houlihan.”

“R.I.P. She was so talented, funny, and beautiful,” another tweet read. 

One fan reflected, “So sad now. Another wonderful person gone from the great cast of MASH. I’m 51 and had just started watching MASH a few years ago. I immediately fell in love with the show and its characters. I even bought the DVD set.”

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