Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the groundbreaking TV series MASH, passed away Friday at her home in New York City. She was 87.
Her representative, Harlan Boll, confirmed that she died of natural causes.
Swit’s portrayal of the strong-willed, complex Army nurse on MASH earned her widespread acclaim, including 10 Emmy nominations and two wins (1980 and 1982) for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Her performance helped transform her character from a caricature into one of the most nuanced figures on television.
A Legacy on ‘MASH’: From ‘Hot Lips’ to Margaret
When MASH premiered in 1972, Swit’s character, Major Houlihan, was initially written as a one-dimensional foil—a strict, by-the-book officer who clashed with the show’s irreverent surgeons, Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) and Trapper John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers). Early episodes leaned into the nickname “Hot Lips,” a sexist jab from the original 1970 film.
But as the series evolved from a wartime farce into a dramedy with emotional depth, so did Swit’s character. She worked closely with the writers to ensure Margaret Houlihan became more than just a punchline.
Key Moments in Margaret’s Evolution
- “Mail Call Again” (Season 4): Margaret realizes her lover, Frank Burns (Larry Linville), is a coward when he lies to his wife about their affair.
- “Bug Out” (Season 5): Stranded with Hawkeye and Radar during an evacuation, Margaret’s medical skill and leadership shine.
- “The Nurses” (Season 5): In one of the series’ most powerful scenes, Margaret tearfully confronts her nurses about their exclusion of her, delivering a heartbreaking monologue about loneliness.
- “Comrades in Arms” (Season 6): Trapped in a tent during an enemy attack, Margaret and Hawkeye share an intimate moment, marking a turning point in their relationship.
Swit later reflected:
“Her marriage and divorce changed her. Her affair with Hawkeye changed both characters, so they were never really rivals again.”
Alan Alda, her MASH co-star, paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter):
*“Loretta was a supremely talented actor. She deserved all her 10 Emmy nominations and her 2 wins. But more than acting her part, she created it. She worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one-joke sexist stereotype into a real person—with real feelings and ambitions. We celebrated the day the script came out listing her character not as Hot Lips, but as Margaret. Loretta made the most of her time here.”*
Life After ‘MASH’: TV Movies, Theater, and Animal Advocacy
After MASH ended in 1983, Swit remained active in Hollywood:
Notable Post-MASH Roles
- TV Movies: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983), The Execution (1985)
- Guest Appearances: Murder, She Wrote, The Love Boat, Diagnosis Murder (her final TV role in 1998)
- Film Roles: Beer (1985), Whoops Apocalypse (1986), Forest Warrior (1996)
- Stage Work: Broadway’s Same Time, Next Year, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and touring productions of Mame and The Vagina Monologues
She was originally cast as Christine Cagney in Cagney & Lacey but was replaced by Sharon Gless due to her MASH contract.
A Passion for Animal Rights
Beyond acting, Swit was a dedicated animal rights activist. She founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance and received the Betty White Award from Actors and Others for Animals.
Final Farewell
Loretta Swit leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking television, unforgettable performances, and tireless advocacy.
Donations in her memory can be made to:
- Actors & Others for Animals
- SwitHeart Animal Alliance
Final Thought
Loretta Swit didn’t just play Margaret Houlihan—she redefined her, turning a stereotype into a symbol of strength and vulnerability. Her work on MASH remains a masterclass in character evolution, proving that even in comedy, depth and humanity matter most.
