Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for portraying Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the long-running television series “M*A*S*H,” died at her home in New York City. She was 87.
Swit’s publicist Harlan Boll confirmed she died of suspected natural causes in the early morning hours of May 30, 2025. A police report indicated the death was likely from natural causes, though a coroner’s report remains pending.
The actress appeared in 240 of the series’ 251 episodes during “M*A*S*H’s” 11-season run from 1972 to 1983. Swit and Alan Alda were the longest-serving cast members on the show, which followed the staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War.
For her portrayal of the demanding head nurse, Swit earned two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, winning in 1980 and 1982. She received 10 Emmy nominations total, one for every season except the first, along with four Golden Globe nominations. The show’s finale on February 28, 1983, attracted more than 100 million viewers, making it the most-watched episode of any scripted television series in history.
Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents, Swit trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. She moved to Los Angeles in 1970 and secured guest roles on series including “Hawaii Five-O,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Gunsmoke,” “Mannix,” and “Bonanza” before landing her breakthrough role on “M*A*S*H” in 1972.
Swit worked to evolve her character beyond the initial one-dimensional portrayal seen in the 1970 film adaptation. She pushed writers to develop Houlihan into a more complex, professional character rather than a simple antagonist. Alda noted that “she worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one-joke sexist stereotype into a real person.”
The actress expressed discomfort with her character’s “Hot Lips” nickname throughout the series’ run. In a 2023 interview, Swit explained that while she understood nicknames come with admiration for a character, she considered it disrespectful because Houlihan was a major in the United States Army who deserved recognition for her professional accomplishments rather than being reduced to anatomy.
Beyond “M*A*S*H,” Swit maintained an active career in film and television. Her movie credits included “Freebie and the Bean” with James Caan and Alan Arkin, “Race With the Devil” with Peter Fonda, “S.O.B.” with Julie Andrews and William Holden, and “Forest Warrior” with Chuck Norris. She also appeared in numerous television movies and made guest appearances on shows including “The Love Boat,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “The Muppet Show.”
Swit’s theater work included her Broadway debut in “Same Time, Next Year” opposite Ted Bessell in 1975. She starred in more than 1,200 performances of “Shirley Valentine,” earning the Sarah Siddons Award, Chicago’s most prestigious theater honor. Other stage credits included “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and the title role in “Mame.”
An active animal rights advocate, Swit founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance to prevent cruelty and end animal suffering. She created an art book featuring 65 full-color paintings and drawings, with proceeds supporting animal causes. Swit also launched a fragrance line, directing all profits to animal welfare organizations.
The actress married actor Dennis Holahan in 1983 after meeting him when he guest-starred on “M*A*S*H.” They divorced in 1995, and Swit never had children.
She remained dedicated to supporting veterans throughout her life, maintaining relationships with World War II veterans and attending events to honor servicemembers.
Following news of her death, “M*A*S*H” co-stars paid tribute to Swit’s contributions to the series and television. Jamie Farr called her his “adopted sister” and praised her talent and friendship. Mike Farrell shared a photo commemorating her life from 1937 to 2025.
Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, described Swit’s portrayal as groundbreaking, bringing heart, humor and strength to one of television comedy’s most enduring roles. The center noted that her talent extended beyond the iconic character through acclaimed work on stage and screen that showcased her intelligence, versatility and passion.
Swit received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry. Her final acting credit came in 2019 in a film titled “Play the Flute,” capping a career that spanned more than five decades in television, film and theater.