Loretta Swit, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘M.A.S.H.,’ Dies at 87

‘NEW YORK, May 30, 2025 – Loretta Swit, the beloved actress remembered most for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the ground-breaking TV series M.A.S.H., died Friday at age 87. Her publicist, Harlan Boll, said she passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, possibly of natural causes.

Swit’s portrayal of the headstrong head nurse at M.A.S.H. earned her two Emmy Awards and made her a pioneer for women on TV. During the program’s 11-season run, she helped turn Houlihan from a one-dimensional caricature into a nuanced, feminist model for women–a change that she actively pursued behind the scenes.

“A Legacy Beyond ‘Hot Lips’”

Swit was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey into an immigrant Polish family. Against her family’s wishes, she went into acting, studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, 89. Before landing M.A.S.H. in 1972, she appeared on successful television shows like Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-0 and Mission: Impossible.

Her performance in M.A.S.H. not only drew rave reviews but also inspired real-life nurses, many of whom credited her character for influencing them to enter the field 26. The program’s finale in 1983 is still the most-watched one-shot TV episode in history with over 100 million viewers 311.

Advocate for Animals and the Arts

After M.A.S.H., Swit became a hardcore animal rights activist, founding the SwitHeart Animal Alliance and selling her artwork and memoirs to benefit animals 49. She also continued to appear on stage: Broadway roles included Same Time, Next Year and The Mystery of Edwin Drood 211.

After giving 11 long years of her life to the show M.A.S.H. (1972-1983), one time co-star Alan Alda said Loretta Swit “made Houlihan into a real person.”610 She continued with M.A.S.H., although she did consider leaving for Cagney & Lacey in 1982.211

As an actress, an activist, and a pioneer. Swit leaves behind a legacy for her survivors. In a time of mourning, her work– both on screen and off–persists on.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.