On May 30, Loretta Swift, who was most famous for playing Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the beloved television show MASH, died at home in New York City at the age of 87. Harlan Boll, her representative, verified that she died at 12:01 p.m., citing probable natural causes.
With two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy between 1974-1983 and two awards in 1980 and 1982, Swit received critical acclaim during her 11-year run on MASH.
Her character evolved throughout the series from a brutal enemy to a complex, highly respected person, which was clearly shown in shows like “The Nurses” and “Bug Out”.
Swit was born Loretta Jane Szwed in Passaic, New Jersey. She began to act when she was seven years old. In 1969, she appeared on television after studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
She also guest-starred on popular TV shows such as Hawaii Five-O, Mission: Impossible, and Bonanza before MASH. She has worked on films like Race With the Devil (1975) and Freebie and the Bean (1974).
After MASH ended, Swit continued acting in television series, such as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and appeared in Diagnosis Murder and Murder, She Wrote cameos. She also worked on Broadway and stage, appearing in productions like the Mystery of Edwin Drood, Same Time, and. Next Year.
Swit, a strong defender of animal rights, founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance and was recognised by various animal welfare organisations.
She could not carry on with the role in the series, however, because of her commitment to MASH.
In 1975, Swit made her Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year. She performed Shirley Valentine, a one-woman play, more than 1000 times during thirty years after touring in the musical Mame.
In 2018, she told HuffPost, “The show has never been off the air.” “I’ve seen it in Egypt and Thailand.”
Actor Dennis Holahan, who had been her husband of a Swedish diplomat in an episode of MASH*, was her husband in 1983. They remained childless when they divorced in 1995. Acting was Swit’s life passion.
“Acting is not hiding to me, it’s revealing. We give you the license to feel. That’s the most important thing in the world — because when you stop feeling, that’s when you’re dead,” she said in a 2010 interview.
Generations have been affected by Loretta Swit’s iconic character, stellar performances, and unyielding commitment to her craft.
Loretta Swift became s legend due to her strength, gentleness, and sharp sense of humour, which made “Hot Lips” Houlihan indelible.
MASH actress Loretta Swift dies at age 87
