Loretta Swit, best known for playing Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the famous TV show MASH*, died on May 30, 2025, at her home in New York City. She was 87 years old. Besides acting, she cared deeply about helping animals and loved painting. She leaves behind a rich and inspiring legacy.
Early Life And Education
Loretta Jane Szwed was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey. Her parents, Lester and Nellie, were Polish-Americans. She finished high school in 1955. In school, she joined cheerleading, acted in plays, and played basketball. After high school, she went to Katharine Gibbs School and later took acting lessons in Manhattan. While studying, she worked as a secretary for Elsa Maxwell and the Ghanaian ambassador at the United Nations.
Breakthrough Role In MAS*H
Loretta became famous for playing Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, a TV show that aired from 1972 to 1983. At first, her character was a strict army nurse, but over time, the role became deeper and more emotional. Loretta was in almost every episode—245 out of 256—and she won two Emmy Awards. She and actor Alan Alda were the only ones to appear in both the first and last episodes. The final episode was watched by 106 million people.
Stage And Screen Career
Besides MASH*, Loretta acted in many plays and TV shows. She was in Broadway plays like Same Time, Next Year and Mame. She performed Shirley Valentine over 1,200 times and won the Sarah Siddons Award for her work. On TV, she appeared in shows like Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, and Mission: Impossible. She also acted in movies such as Race with the Devil and S.O.B.
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Advocacy And Artistic Pursuits
Loretta loved animals and worked hard to protect them. In 2017, she started the SwitHeart Animal Alliance to fight against animal abuse. She also published a book called SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit. The book has her watercolor paintings and stories about her animal rescue work. The money from the book helps animal charities.
“Personal Life” And Legacy
“Loretta” Was married to aAtor “Dennis Holahan” From 1983 To 1995. She died at Home In “New York City On May 30, 2025”, At age 87, From natural causes. Her Memory lives On through Her powerful role In “MASH”, Her Acting Career, And her work to help Animals.
Celebrating A “Multifaceted” Legacy
“Loretta Swit” Lived a life Full of Talent, Kindness, And Strong values. She made millions of People laugh And cry with her Acting. Her role as “Major Houlihan” helped Create better, More realistic female characters On TV. Her love for Animals And her beautiful Paintings Showed her caring Heart. She Truly made the world a Better place.