Loretta Swit (1937–2025)
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Born November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey; trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts .a
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Achieved fame as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M*A*S*H (1972–1983), starring in over 240 episodes, including both the pilot and finale Garnered 10 Emmy nods, winning twice (1980, 1982) Died May 30, 2025, in her New York City home of natural causes at age 87
Co-Stars React
Alan Alda
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Alda, who starred alongside Swit as Hawkeye, took to X to describe her as “a supremely talented actor,”
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praising how she reshaped her character from a one-dimensional “Hot Lips” into the complex Margaret He noted, “More than acting her part, she created it. She worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character… into a real person.”
Mike Farrell
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Farrell, who portrayed B.J. Hunnicutt, shared a poignant black-and-white photo captioned simply, “Loretta… 1937‑2025 ”
Jamie Farr
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Farr, beloved as Klinger, called Swit his “adopted sister,” saying, “As close as family can get. … I can’t begin to express how much she will be missed.”
Legacy & Career Highlights
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M*A*S*H finale remains the most-watched TV episode ever, drawing over 100 million viewers; Swit was a key part of that milestone
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Beyond M*A*S*H, she guest-starred on Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, and appeared in TV movies, Broadway productions, and game shows Passionate advocate for animal rights, publishing watercolor art and activism in SwitHeart (2017) with proceeds donated to charitieHonored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1989) and the Sarah Siddons Award for theater (1991)
What Her Co-Stars Said
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Alan Alda:
“Loretta was a supremely talented actor… More than acting her part, she created it.”
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Jamie Farr:
“I dearly loved Loretta! … As close as family can get. … I can’t begin to express how much she will be missed.”
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Mike Farrell: (Instagram caption)
“Loretta… 1937‑2025 ”
✨ Final Thoughts
Loretta Swit wasn’t just a television icon—she broke boundaries, helping transform “Hot Lips” from a one-note stereotype into a fully realized woman of strength and vulnerability. Her dedication earned her critical acclaim and made her a household name. Yet it was her humanity and advocacy—especially for animals—that truly defined her legacy.
While the M*A*S*H cast mourn, networks like MeTV are honoring her with episode marathons, celebrating her finest moments . Although Swit has passed, her influence endures—on screen, in activism, and in the hearts of those who loved her deeply.
