Loretta Swit, Emmy-winner who played Houlihan on pioneering TV series M.A.S.H., has died at 87

Published: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 7:27 pm

Loretta Swit, Beloved 'M.A.S.H.' Star, Dies at 87

Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her iconic portrayal of Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the groundbreaking television series *M.A.S.H.*, has passed away at the age of 87. Publicist Harlan Boll confirmed that Swit died Friday at her home in New York City, likely from natural causes.

Swit's performance as the head nurse of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War earned her two Emmy Awards and cemented her place in television history. She and Alan Alda were the longest-serving cast members on the beloved CBS show, which aired for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983. The series, based on Robert Altman's 1970 film and Richard Hooker's novel, offered a unique blend of humor and poignant commentary on the realities of war.

Swit's portrayal of Houlihan evolved significantly from the film version. Initially depicted as a one-dimensional character, Swit, with her influence on the scriptwriters, transformed Houlihan into a complex and nuanced figure. This evolution reflected the growing feminist awareness of the 1970s. Swit herself noted that she aimed to portray Houlihan as a "real person" who was constantly developing.

*M.A.S.H.* wasn't an immediate success, but it steadily gained popularity, eventually becoming a cultural phenomenon. The show's two-and-a-half-hour finale in 1983 drew over 100 million viewers, making it the most-watched episode of any scripted series ever. The show received numerous accolades, including a Peabody Award and recognition as one of the greatest TV shows of all time by publications like *Rolling Stone* and *Time Out*. Swit's contribution to the show's success is undeniable, and her performance as Major Houlihan will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.

Keywords: Loretta Swit, M.A.S.H., Major Margaret Houlihan, Hot Lips Houlihan, Alan Alda, CBS, Emmy Award, TV series, Korean War, obituary, actress, death, passing, television, 1970s, comedy, drama, finale, most-watched episode, Robert Altman, Richard Hooker

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