The entertainment world is in mourning following the passing of Loretta Swit, a beloved television luminary whose artistry and spirit left an indelible mark on Hollywood history.
Best known for her powerful portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the groundbreaking series MASH*, Swit enchanted viewers for more than a decade, transforming a one-dimensional role into a symbol of strength and complexity. Her death at age 87 has sparked an outpouring of affection and respect from fans and colleagues, many celebrating her as a trailblazer who helped redefine women’s roles in television.
View this post on Instagram
Colleagues and admirers alike are honoring Loretta Swit’s enduring legacy as an actress who transcended the screen to reshape an iconic character, earning 10 Emmy nominations and forging lifelong friendships along the way.
View this post on Instagram
Loretta Swit, renowned for bringing Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan to life on CBS’s landmark series MASH*, passed away peacefully at her New York City home shortly after midnight on Friday, May 30, 2025. Her longtime publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed her death, which officials attribute to natural causes.
View this post on Instagram
Throughout MASH*’s eleven-season run from 1972 to 1983, Swit’s interpretation transformed the initially caricatured Major Houlihan into a richly layered, relatable woman. This evolution garnered praise across the globe and forever changed how television portrayed female characters. Originally portrayed by Sally Kellerman in the 1970 film, the role found its definitive voice through Swit’s nuanced performance.
What began as a comedic stereotype evolved under Swit’s care into one of TV’s most compelling female figures. Her portrayal challenged and expanded gender expectations during the 1970s and 1980s, making Major Houlihan a pioneering character in television history.
Alan Alda, Swit’s longtime co-star, paid heartfelt tribute on May 31 via X, lauding her as “an extraordinarily gifted actress” who “didn’t just act the part — she reinvented it.” Alda fondly recalled the milestone when scripts shifted from calling her character “Hot Lips” to simply Margaret. “Loretta made every moment count,” he wrote.
View this post on Instagram
On May 30, Mike Farrell, who portrayed Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, shared a solemn black-and-white photo of Swit on Instagram with the simple caption: “Loretta… 1937–2025.”
Swit once spoke warmly of Farrell as a steadfast friend, noting his honesty and unwavering support throughout their years together. “Mike is married to my best friend and has been a constant, grounding presence in my life,” she said. “He is truly one of a kind.”
View this post on Instagram
Loretta Swit’s passing marks the close of a chapter not just in television history but in the hearts of all who knew her. Beyond her acting, she was a transformative presence—on-screen, in her advocacy, and in the friendships she nurtured. She wielded her platform to break stereotypes and champion causes dear to her heart. Her legacy endures through the groundbreaking character she shaped, the lives she influenced, and the bonds she forged.
As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, one truth stands clear: Loretta Swit will forever be remembered as more than a star—she was a pioneer, a beloved friend, and an unforgettable original.