TV Legend Loretta Swit, Known for Her Role as ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan on ‘M*A*S*H,’ Passes Away at 87

TV Legend Loretta Swit, Known for Her Role as ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan on ‘M*A*S*H,’ Passes Away at 87

On May 30, 2025, Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actor who was most famous for playing Major Mary "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the innovative television series MASH*, died at her New York City home. Her age was eighty-seven.

A Defining Role in Television History

Major Houlihan was a one-dimensional image before Swit's depiction on MASH*, which ran from 1972 to 1983, changed that to a multifaceted, complex woman. She became one of the most well-known actors of her era because of her performance, which earned her two Emmy Awards and 10 nominations.
She showed her enduring presence on the show by being one of only two actors to appear in both the pilot and the series finale.

Early Life and Career

Swit started her acting career at an early age after being born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents. Before switching to television sets, she started her career in theater after receiving training at the American Academy of Dramatic Art.
Swit made appearances on a number of television programs, such as Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, and Mission: Impossible, before her breakout role on MASH*.

Beyond the Screen

As a fervent supporter of animal rights, Swit established the SwitHeart Animal Alliance to advance animal welfare. She also combined activism and watercolor painting to make a book.
She made a long legacy via her dedication to humanitarian causes and her impact on how strong female characters are portrayed on television.

Remembering Loretta Swit

Swit's lobbying activities and television contributions have had a lasting impact on the entertainment business and beyond. Her skill and commitment are still evident in her portrayal of Major Houlihan.