Loretta Swit, Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M*A*S*H, Dies at 87
Loretta Swit, best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the classic TV show M*A*S*H, has passed away at the age of 87. The two-time Emmy winner died at her home in New York City on Friday, as confirmed by her publicist, Harlan Boll. Swit succumbed to natural causes just after midnight, according to police reports.
Fans of the beloved actress have taken to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to her legacy. One Twitter user wrote, “This is absolutely devastating news…Loretta Swit was an amazing human being. Exceptional on-screen and off-screen. Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen Loretta.”
During her time on M*A*S*H, Swit received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Major Houlihan, earning multiple Emmy nominations for Supporting Actress in a Comedy. She ultimately won the award in 1980 and 1982 for her outstanding performance.
Swit took on the challenging task of adapting the character of Hot Lips after Sally Kellerman’s interpretation in the original M*A*S*H movie. Despite the pressure, she made the role her own and became synonymous with the beloved character.
Notably, Swit was one of only two actors to appear in both the pilot episode and the series finale of M*A*S*H, alongside Alan Alda’s Hawkeye Pierce. Over the course of the show’s 11-season run, she appeared in 240 of the 251 episodes, solidifying her place in television history.
Loretta Swit’s legacy will continue to live on through her memorable performances and the impact she had on fans around the world. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
