Farewell, Loretta Swit
The Emmy award-winning star of M*A*S*H has died at her home in New York City
Loretta Swit, best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the groundbreaking television series M*A*S*H, has died at 87.
Swit brought to life a character who began as a caricature and evolved into one of the most compelling and multidimensional women in television history. Houlihan’s tough exterior hid an unfolding emotional vulnerability, capturing the complexities of a military nurse navigating life, love and war.
M*A*S*H, which aired from 1972 to 1983, was more than just a sitcom. Set during the Korean War, it served as a thinly veiled commentary on America’s fraught involvement in Vietnam.
At a time when television often shied away from politically sensitive topics, M*A*S*H tackled them head-on with a rare blend of humour and pathos. The show broke new ground, ushering in an era of “dramedy,” blurring the line between comedy and drama in a way that would influence generations of shows to follow.
Loretta Swit was a core part of that transformation. As Major Houlihan, she transcended the early stereotype of a rigid, uptight Army officer, and offered viewers a nuanced portrayal of a capable and compassionate professional woman who was unapologetically competent in a man’s world.
Her evolution over the series reflected broader societal changes regarding gender roles, military authority and emotional resilience. Swit’s deep commitment to the role, and her refusal to let Margaret remain one-dimensional, helped make M*A*S*H not only entertaining but enduringly relevant.
For her efforts, Swit earned Emmy Awards in 1980 and 1982.
Beyond the screen, Swit was also known for her activism and her passion for animal rights, raising funds through her SwitHeart charity.
She brought the same compassion and determination to her causes that she brought to her art.
Update: Here’s what Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye in M*A*S*H, wrote on social media:
