Loretta Swit, Beloved ‘Hot Lips’ of M*A*S*H, Dies at 87: Hollywood Mourns the End of a Television Era

**New York, NY—** The world awoke Friday morning to the heartbreaking news that Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress who forever changed television as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on *M*A*S*H*, has died at 87. Swit passed away peacefully of natural causes in her New York City home, her longtime publicist Harlan Boll confirmed. For millions, it marks the end of an era—and the loss of one of Hollywood’s most enduring, trailblazing stars.

**A Star is Born: From Shy Girl to TV Legend**

Loretta Swit’s journey to stardom is the stuff of Hollywood legend. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish-American parents, Swit was once a self-described “fat little kid with braces who was very, very shy.” But from the moment she first sat in a darkened theater with her mother, watching double features and dreaming of the big screen, Swit’s path was set.

“I always wanted to be an actress,” she told PEOPLE in a 1979 cover story, her eyes bright with the passion that would define her life. “Luckily, my mother loved movies and we would go to double features and sit through both films twice.”

Her early years were marked by determination and grit. Swit trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, took odd jobs to pay the bills, and never lost sight of her dream. She cut her teeth on the stage, appearing in everything from regional theater to Broadway, before making her way to Hollywood in the late 1960s.

**The Role That Changed Television Forever**

In 1972, Swit landed the role that would change not only her life, but the landscape of American television: Major Margaret J “Hot Lips” Houlihan on CBS’s *M*A*S*H*. As the fiercely competent, often misunderstood head nurse stationed in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War, Swit brought depth, vulnerability, and humor to a character that could have easily been a stereotype.

Over 11 seasons, Swit’s “Hot Lips” evolved from a by-the-book, sometimes brittle authority figure to a multi-dimensional woman with hopes, heartbreaks, and a biting wit. Her chemistry with co-stars—especially Alan Alda’s Hawkeye Pierce—became the heart of the show.

Swit’s portrayal earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe nominations, and a TV Land Impact Award. But perhaps more importantly, she inspired generations of women to see themselves as leaders, professionals, and complex human beings.

“I don’t feel guilty anymore about not wanting a family,” she once said, crediting Alda’s insight and support. “My parents and friends are my family. I love my work and I love my friends. I can’t imagine having a happier life.”

**Life Beyond the 4077th: A Career of Range and Resilience**

Though best known for *M*A*S*H*, Swit’s talents reached far beyond the Korean War tent. She guest-starred on iconic series like *Hawaii Five-O*, *Gunsmoke*, *Mission: Impossible*, *The Love Boat*, *Mannix*, *Bonanza*, and *Batman: The Animated Series*. Each role showcased her remarkable range—from drama to comedy, from villain to hero.

Swit also left her mark on the silver screen, appearing in films such as *The Best Christmas Pageant Ever*, *S.O.B.*, *Race With the Devil*, *Beer*, *Whoops Apocalypse*, and *Forest Warrior*. Her final acting credit came in 2019’s *Play the Flute*, and she was set to appear in the upcoming *Second Chances*, a testament to her enduring passion for her craft.

**Love, Loss, and Fierce Independence**

Loretta Swit’s personal life was as unique as her career. Though she once declared, “I’m not interested in being married,” fate had other plans. In 1983, she married actor Dennis Holahan, whom she met on the set of *M*A*S*H* when he guest-starred as Per Johannsen, the Swedish diplomat who stole “Hot Lips”’ heart. Life imitated art, but the marriage ended in 1995. Swit never remarried and never had children, a choice she embraced without regret.

“My parents and friends are my family,” she said. “I don’t want a lot of other demands. I love my work and I love my friends. I can’t imagine having a happier life.”

Swit’s independence, her refusal to conform to Hollywood’s expectations, and her fierce advocacy for animal rights set her apart. She spent decades championing animal welfare causes, earning the admiration of activists and fans alike.

**A Final Curtain Call: Hollywood and Fans React**

News of Swit’s passing sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. Alan Alda, her longtime friend and co-star, issued a heartfelt statement: “Loretta was the soul of *M*A*S*H*. Her warmth, humor, and strength touched everyone she met. She was my friend, my partner in laughter and tears, and she will be missed beyond words.”

Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Klinger, wrote on social media, “We lost a giant today. Loretta was family—on and off screen. The world is a little dimmer without her.”

Fans flooded social media with tributes, sharing memories of Swit’s iconic performances and the ways she inspired them. “She taught me that women could be strong, smart, and funny,” tweeted one fan. “Rest in peace, Hot Lips. You changed the world.”

**The Legacy of ‘Hot Lips’: More Than a TV Character**

Loretta Swit’s impact goes far beyond her Emmy-winning role. She broke barriers for women in television, proving that female characters could be as dynamic, complex, and flawed as their male counterparts. She used her fame to fight for causes she believed in, from animal rights to veterans’ issues.

Her legacy lives on in every strong, independent woman who watched *M*A*S*H* and saw themselves in Major Houlihan. It lives on in the laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments she gave to millions of viewers over five decades.

**A Fond Farewell**

As the world says goodbye to Loretta Swit, we remember not just the actress, but the woman: bold, compassionate, unafraid to chart her own path. In her own words: “I love my work and I love my friends. I can’t imagine having a happier life.”

Rest well, Loretta. The world is better for having known you.