Loretta Swit, the actress who brought Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan to life on the long-running series MAS*H, died Friday, May 30, 2025, at her New York City home. She was 87. Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed her passing, stating it was “likely due to natural causes,” with a coroner’s report pending.
Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrants Lester and Nellie Szwed, Swit grew up alongside her older brother Robert. After graduating from Katharine Gibbs College, she trained at New York’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts, laying the foundation for her five-decade career in entertainment.
Before landing her career-defining role, Swit paid her dues with guest appearances on numerous TV shows. “I was on everything – Mannix, Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Mission: Impossible, Bonanza, Ironside,” she once recalled. These early roles caught the attention of producers, leading to her 1972 audition for MAS*H.
As Major Margaret Houlihan, Swit transformed what could have been a one-dimensional character into something much deeper. “Around the second or third year, I decided to try to play her as a real person, in an intelligent fashion, even if it meant hurting the jokes,” Swit explained in a past interview.
Her efforts paid off handsomely. Over the show’s 11-season run, Swit earned 10 Emmy nominations, winning twice (in 1980 and 1982), along with four Golden Globe nominations. She appeared in 240 of the show’s 256 episodes, including the series finale in 1983, which attracted 106 million viewers – still the most-watched scripted series finale in American television history.
Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye Pierce, praised her dedication: “She decided to play her as a real person, even if it meant hurting the jokes,” which ultimately deepened the show’s portrayal of women in wartime.
In 1981, Swit originated the role of Detective Christine Cagney in the pilot movie for “Cagney & Lacey” but had to withdraw due to contractual obligations to MAS*H.
Her stage career flourished with performances in Broadway productions including “Same Time, Next Year,” “Mame,” and “Shirley Valentine,” the latter earning her Chicago’s prestigious Sarah Siddons Award in 1991.
Film roles included appearances in “Race with the Devil” (1975), “S.O.B.” (1981), and her final completed film “Play the Flute” (2019). Television audiences continued seeing Swit through guest spots on shows like “The Love Boat,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Diagnosis Murder,” plus game show appearances on “Pyramid,” “Match Game,” and “Hollywood Squares.”
A passionate animal rights advocate and longtime vegan, Swit frequently stated, “Animals are my friends, not my food.” In 2016, she established the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Florida that worked to prevent animal cruelty through spay/neuter programs, rescue efforts, and educational initiatives.
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Under her leadership, the Alliance facilitated over 1,200 spay/neuter surgeries and supported “Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Rescue” in St. Augustine, Florida. Her advocacy earned her the Betty White Award in 2017, recognizing her commitment to animal welfare.
Swit’s artistic talents extended beyond acting. In 2010, she published “Martha and the Missions,” a children’s book promoting self-acceptance and compassion. In 2017, she released “SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit,” featuring her original animal-themed paintings, with proceeds benefiting her SwitHeart Animal Alliance.
Beyond her on-screen contributions, Swit served on the SAG-AFTRA National Board, where she championed improved health benefits for retired actors. Her dedication to performers’ rights was widely recognized throughout the industry.
In a statement on May 31, SAG-AFTRA posted: “We celebrate the life of Emmy-winning actor and former SAG National Board member Loretta Swit. Beloved as Major Houlihan on ‘MAS*H,’ she championed actors’ rights and animal welfare. Rest in peace.”
Swit remained active on social media until her final week. On Memorial Day (May 26, 2025), she posted an archival photo of herself in uniform with the caption, “With loving gratitude they served and protected and gave their lives. Rest in Peace.” Just days earlier, she had celebrated former MAS*H costar Gary Burghoff’s birthday with warm photos and affectionate messages.
Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Klinger, called her his “adopted sister,” noting that their first meeting on set “became a lifetime friendship.”
Mike Farrell, who portrayed Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, shared in a recent interview: “Loretta was one of the most empathetic people I’ve known. Our 1986 PBS special ‘Saving the Wildlife’ showcased her gentle determination to protect all species. Her legacy reaches far beyond MAS*H.”
PETA released a statement honoring Swit as “a tireless champion for animals” whose “legacy of compassion lives on through SwitHeart Animal Alliance.“
Beginning June 2, 2025, MeTV will air a week-long tribute marathon featuring ten memorable MAS*H episodes showcasing Major Houlihan’s best moments. The Television Academy has confirmed that Swit will be featured in the June 15, 2025, Emmy ceremony’s “In Memoriam” segment.
Loretta Swit was born on November 4, 1937, trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and rose to fame as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH, earning 10 Emmy nominations with two wins. After MASH, she appeared on Broadway in productions like “Mame” and “Shirley Valentine,” published books including “Martha and the Missions” and “SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit,” and founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance in 2016. She served on the SAG-AFTRA national board and attended the Television Academy Honors. Swit died at age 87 on May 30, 2025, at her New York City home, likely of natural causes. Her career included roles in “Race with the Devil” (1975), “S.O.B.” (1981), and “Play the Flute” (2019). She was married to Dennis Holahan from 1983-1995 and leaves no surviving spouse or children. Her life and achievements have been honored by loved ones, professional organizations, and fans worldwide.
