TV icon dies aged 87; fans grieve untold stories resurface
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It’s a sad day for television fans everywhere as we say goodbye to one of the most iconic faces of classic TV.
The Emmy award-winning actress, best known for her unforgettable role as Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan on M*A*S*H, has passed away at the age of 87.
She was found in her apartment on Friday morning by her maid, according to her publicist.
For many of us, Loretta Swit was more than just a familiar face on the small screen—she was a symbol of strength, wit, and compassion.
Her portrayal of Major Houlihan, a tough-as-nails head nurse with a heart of gold, made her a household name and endeared her to millions of viewers around the world.
Over her 11-year run on M*A*S*H, Swit appeared in an astonishing 241 episodes, earning ten Emmy nominations and taking home the coveted award twice.
But Loretta Swit’s story is so much richer than her time in the 4077th.
Born in New Jersey to Polish parents, Swit’s love for the stage began early—she first performed at the tender age of seven.
Her big break came in 1970 when she landed roles in some of the era’s most popular shows, including Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, and Mannix.
She also made memorable appearances in Hawaii Five-O, showcasing her versatility by playing different characters across four episodes.
Swit’s talents weren’t limited to television. She made her mark in films during the early 1970s with roles in Race with the Devil and Deadhead Miles.
And let’s not forget—she was a trained singer, having honed her craft at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Of course, it was M*A*S*H that catapulted her to stardom. The show, which ran from 1972 to 1983, became a cultural phenomenon, winning 64 awards and cementing its place in TV history.
Swit’s character, Major Houlihan, evolved from a by-the-book military nurse to a deeply nuanced, empathetic leader.
This transformation mirrored the changing attitudes of the times and showcased Swit’s incredible range as an actress.
After M*A*S*H, Swit continued to act, but she also explored other passions.
She took a break from the screen just before the turn of the millennium, only to return in 2019 for the faith-based film Play the Flute, marking her first movie role in over two decades.
Off-screen, Swit’s life was just as whole. She was married to actor and M*A*S*H co-star Dennis Holahan for 12 years before they parted ways.
In her later years, she became a passionate animal activist, author, and painter and even launched her own line of jewellery.
Her commitment to animal welfare was particularly close to her heart, and she used her fame to champion the causes she believed in.
Swit’s passing comes just a month after the loss of another M*A*S*H alum, Patrick Adiarte, reminding us of the enduring legacy of a show—and a cast—that touched so many lives.
For those of us who grew up watching M*A*S*H or discovered it in reruns, Loretta Swit’s performances are woven into the fabric of our memories.
She made us laugh, cry, and think—a rare gift in any era.
Credit: YouTube
Did you have a favourite episode or moment? How did her character inspire you? As we remember Loretta Swit, we invite you to share your favourite memories of her and M*A*S*H in the comments below.
Let’s celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Loretta Swit—one who will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace.
The Emmy award-winning actress, best known for her unforgettable role as Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan on M*A*S*H, has passed away at the age of 87.
She was found in her apartment on Friday morning by her maid, according to her publicist.
For many of us, Loretta Swit was more than just a familiar face on the small screen—she was a symbol of strength, wit, and compassion.
Her portrayal of Major Houlihan, a tough-as-nails head nurse with a heart of gold, made her a household name and endeared her to millions of viewers around the world.
Emmy award-winning actress Loretta Swit, best known for her role on MASH*, has been found dead at 87, with natural causes suspected. Credit: Facebook
Over her 11-year run on M*A*S*H, Swit appeared in an astonishing 241 episodes, earning ten Emmy nominations and taking home the coveted award twice.
But Loretta Swit’s story is so much richer than her time in the 4077th.
Born in New Jersey to Polish parents, Swit’s love for the stage began early—she first performed at the tender age of seven.
Her big break came in 1970 when she landed roles in some of the era’s most popular shows, including Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, and Mannix.
She also made memorable appearances in Hawaii Five-O, showcasing her versatility by playing different characters across four episodes.
Swit’s talents weren’t limited to television. She made her mark in films during the early 1970s with roles in Race with the Devil and Deadhead Miles.
And let’s not forget—she was a trained singer, having honed her craft at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Of course, it was M*A*S*H that catapulted her to stardom. The show, which ran from 1972 to 1983, became a cultural phenomenon, winning 64 awards and cementing its place in TV history.
Swit’s character, Major Houlihan, evolved from a by-the-book military nurse to a deeply nuanced, empathetic leader.
After M*A*S*H, Swit continued to act, but she also explored other passions.
She took a break from the screen just before the turn of the millennium, only to return in 2019 for the faith-based film Play the Flute, marking her first movie role in over two decades.
Off-screen, Swit’s life was just as whole. She was married to actor and M*A*S*H co-star Dennis Holahan for 12 years before they parted ways.
In her later years, she became a passionate animal activist, author, and painter and even launched her own line of jewellery.
Her commitment to animal welfare was particularly close to her heart, and she used her fame to champion the causes she believed in.
For those of us who grew up watching M*A*S*H or discovered it in reruns, Loretta Swit’s performances are woven into the fabric of our memories.
She made us laugh, cry, and think—a rare gift in any era.
Credit: YouTube
Let’s celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Loretta Swit—one who will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace.
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You're a legend. Condolences to her loved ones 
I still record MASH episodes daily, though I have seen them all but still get a great laugh.
