Farewell to ‘Hot Lips’: Loretta Swit dies at 87

Emmy-winning actress Loretta Swit, famed for her role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M A S H, passed away at 87 on May 30, 2025, in New York City. Her transformative portrayal left an indelible mark on television history.

Farewell to ‘Hot Lips’: Loretta Swit dies at 87

Loretta Swit, Iconic ‘M A S H’ Star, Dies at 87 Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the groundbreaking television series M A S H, passed away on May 30, 2025, at her home in New York City. She was 87. Her death was confirmed by her publicist, Harlan Boll; the cause was not immediately disclosed.

Transforming ‘Hot Lips’ into a Feminist Icon

Swit’s tenure on M A S H spanned the show’s entire run from 1972 to 1983, during which she appeared in 240 of the 251 episodes, second only to co-star Alan Alda. Initially introduced as a caricature, Major Houlihan was portrayed as a strict, by-the-book head nurse entangled in a clandestine affair with the inept Major Frank Burns. However, Swit’s nuanced performance evolved the character into a complex, independent woman, earning her ten Emmy nominations and two wins.

In a 2001 interview, Swit reflected on her contribution to the character’s development:

I pretty much created the character, because when I started with her she had no biography. I made her an Army brat, traveling from camp to camp with Daddy. He’d wanted a boy. She was trying to earn his approval. Her ambition throughout the series was to be the best damned nurse in Korea and that motivated everything I did, even when it came to sex.

Her portrayal played a significant role in shifting the show’s tone from slapstick comedy to a more profound exploration of war and its impacts, contributing to M A S H ‘s status as a cultural touchstone.

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Early Life and Career

Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents, Swit pursued acting from a young age. She studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and began her career in theater, with early roles in productions like An Enemy of the People and The Balcony. Her transition to television included guest appearances on shows such as Mission: Impossible and Gunsmoke before landing her defining role on M A S H.

Advocacy and Later Work

Beyond her acting career, Swit was a passionate advocate for animal rights. In 2017, she founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending animal cruelty and suffering. She also published a book titled SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, showcasing her artwork and commitment to animal welfare.

Swit’s philanthropic efforts extended to launching a fragrance named SwitHeart, with proceeds supporting her animal advocacy initiatives. As of December 2023, her endeavors had raised over $28,000 for various animal welfare organizations.

 

Personal Life

Swit married actor Dennis Holahan in 1983; the couple divorced in 1995. Holahan had guest-starred on M A S H, playing a Swedish diplomat who briefly became involved with Swit’s character. Swit remained active in theater and advocacy work well into her later years, leaving a legacy that transcends her on-screen accomplishments.

Legacy

Loretta Swit’s portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan not only redefined a character but also contributed to a broader conversation about women’s roles in media and society. Her dedication to her craft and her advocacy work have left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the causes she championed.

As fans and colleagues mourn her passing, Swit’s contributions continue to inspire and resonate, reflecting a life devoted to performance, compassion, and change.