- Loretta Swit, Emmy-winning MASH* actress, died at 87 from likely natural causes.
- She starred as Maj. Margaret Houlihan, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
- Swit was also a passionate animal advocate who founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance.
Loretta Swit, the beloved actress who earned two Emmy Awards for her role on the classic TV series MASH*, died at the age of 87. Her representative confirmed her passing on Friday. She died at her home in New York City just after noon. The police report indicates natural causes, though the official coroner’s report is still pending. Fans and colleagues remember her for her sharp wit and memorable performances that left a lasting mark on television history.
Iconic Role as Maj. Margaret Houlihan Made Her Famous
Swit gained widespread fame playing Maj. Margaret Houlihan, often called “Hot Lips,” on MASH*. She portrayed the strong, smart, and sometimes humorous army nurse throughout the show’s entire 11-season run. She starred alongside Alan Alda, Jamie Farr, and Larry Linville. Loretta and Alda appeared in the most episodes, becoming the faces many fans associate with the series. Her character mixed toughness with sensitivity, which made her both a fan favorite and critical success.
Award-Winning Career Highlighted by Multiple Emmy Nominations
Loretta Swit earned two Emmy Awards for MASH*, and the show brought her ten Emmy nominations and four Golden Globe nominations. Her talent shone in both comedic and dramatic moments on the series. The show itself became one of the most popular and critically acclaimed TV series in history. The final episode aired in 1983 and broke records, drawing over 100 million viewers. This made it the most-watched scripted television episode ever.
Early Life and Acting Training Prepared Her for Success
Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Swit grew up in a family of Polish immigrants. She pursued acting seriously and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After graduating, she toured for several years, honing her craft on stage. Her early work included guest roles on popular television shows like Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Mission: Impossible, and Bonanza. These roles helped her build experience and opened doors for bigger parts.
TV Movies and Stage Work Showed Her Versatility
Swit appeared in more than 25 television movies during her career. She starred as Chris Cagney in the original Cagney and Lacey TV movie but did not join the regular series due to her commitment to MASH*. She took on diverse roles in movies like Games Mother Never Taught You, Hell Hath No Fury, The Execution, Dreams of Gold, and A Killer Among Friends. Alongside her TV work, she performed on stage, making her Broadway debut in 1975 with Same Time, Next Year. She later appeared in over 1,200 performances of Shirley Valentine. For this role, she won the Sarah Siddons Award, Chicago’s highest theater honor.
Guest Appearances in Musicals and Film Roles with Famous Actors
Swit also appeared in several TV musical specials, including The Muppet Show and the Broadway musical It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman. Her success on television led to film roles with well-known actors. She starred in Freebie and the Bean alongside James Caan and Alan Arkin, S.O.B. with Julie Andrews, Race with the Devil featuring Peter Fonda, and Forrest Warrior with Chuck Norris. These roles showcased her ability to handle different genres and acting styles.
Deep Love for Animals Led to Wildlife Show and Activism
Beyond acting, Loretta Swit loved animals deeply. She hosted a wildlife series called Those Incredible Animals. The show aired twice a week for five years in over 30 countries. Swit used her platform to raise awareness about animal welfare. She also founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance. This nonprofit fights cruelty, rescues animals, and protects habitats. Swit created and sold a coloring book and a perfume to raise funds for animal charities. Her efforts earned her several awards recognizing her dedication to animal protection.
