Loretta Swit, celebrated for her role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the classic television series M*A*S*H, has passed away at the age of 87, confirmed her publicist Harlan Boll. Swit died at her home in New York, with initial indications suggesting that natural causes may be the reason. A coroner's report is pending.
M*A*S*H, a series set in a mobile Army surgical hospital during the Korean War, ran for 11 successful seasons from 1974 to 1983 and attracted a massive following. Swit appeared in nearly every episode, including the record-setting finale that drew 106 million viewers, marking it as one of the most-watched television episodes in history.
Her character, Major Houlihan, was known for her tough demeanor coupled with a vulnerable side. She earned the nickname "Hot Lips" through her complex relationships in the series, notably with the character Maj. Frank Burns, portrayed by Larry Linville. The show artfully blended humor with serious topics such as racism, sexism, and the impacts of PTSD on soldiers, reinforcing its place in television history. The series was adapted from the 1968 book, "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors," written by an Army surgeon.
Beyond M*A*S*H, Swit's career encompassed diverse roles in television, film, and stage, including prominent performances in Broadway productions like "Same Time, Next Year," "Mame," and "Shirley Valentine." In a 2010 interview with Star magazine, she articulated her approach to acting, stating, "Acting is not hiding to me, it's revealing. We give you license to feel. That's the most important thing in the world because when you stop feeling, that's when you're dead." Her powerful performances and authentic approach to her craft have left an enduring legacy in the entertainment industry, inspiring countless others.
