OR
cbsnewsstatic.com
04 Nov, 1937
30 May, 2025
Natural Causes
American
American stage
87
Loretta Swit built a remarkable career rooted in warmth, wit, and a steadfast sense of purpose. Best known for her iconic role on MASH*, she brought grace to wartime comedy and went on to blend her passionate activism with a lasting dedication to storytelling—both on screen and in her personal mission.
Born and raised in Passaic, New Jersey, in 1937, Loretta grew up in a nurturing, suburban setting infused with creativity. Her love of performance surfaced early; she joined her high school’s theater group, sewing her own costumes and learning the transformative power of bringing stories to life. Recognizing her determination, she went on to study acting in New York and immersed herself in regional theater, quickly making a name for her grounded presence and infectious charisma.
In the early 1960s, Loretta navigated television’s audition circuit, landing guest roles across popular dramas and sitcoms. It was in 1972 that she secured the role that would define her career: Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*. Amid the chaos and satire of a combat surgical unit, she transformed the character from a rigid stereotype into a layered, intelligent, and deeply human figure.
Over the series’ eleven-year run, her performance resonated with audiences. She balanced authority with vulnerability, humor with heart—and earned two Emmy Awards and four nominations along the way.
After MASH*, Loretta didn’t rest on her laurels. She continued acting on stage, TV, and in film—venturing into musicals, dramatic features, and made-for-television movies. From lighthearted roles to those steeped in emotional intensity, she showed a range not rooted in type, but in depth. She also penned a memoir and hosted interviews with fellow veterans of MASH*, sharing insights into both her character’s world and her own.
Off-screen, Loretta’s passion extended to animal welfare. A longtime advocate for adoption and ethical treatment, she worked tirelessly with shelters, educational organizations, and public campaigns. She founded a sanctuary for rescued animals that welcomed friends, fans, and families eager to witness her dedication firsthand.
She even piloted her own airplane—hexing every stereotype—and brought the same discipline and joy to flying as she did to her craft.
Behind the fame, Loretta was a devoted partner and a beloved mentor. Friends speak of her generosity: cooking Sunday meals for colleagues, offering advice, and mentoring younger performers with both humility and unwavering kindness. She once said that true artistry comes from empathy—and that belief guided both her career and her charitable efforts.
When Loretta passed away peacefully in March 2025, she left behind a career that spanned stage, screen, activism, and advocacy. Yet perhaps her greatest impact was her example: that creativity, compassion, and conviction need not be compartmentalized—they can grow in concert.
Her portrayal of Margaret Houlihan endures, but so does her legacy as a woman who chose to stand—with humor, with heart—on the side of kindness. Her life reminds us that fame is not just brilliance in the spotlight, but love given quietly outside of it.
Loretta Jane Szwed
Loretta Swit
Female
Natural Causes
Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
New York City, U.S.
Consul Extraordinarily caring, social and popular people, always eager to help. Loretta Swit was known for her deeply empathetic and nurturing nature—consistently reaching out to others as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on MASH*, and later showing her genuine warmth and commitment to animal rights activism and close relationships throughout her life.
Beyond acting, Swit is a passionate animal rights activist and has received numerous humanitarian awards for her advocacy.
Loretta Swit is best known for playing Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the iconic TV series MASH*, a role that earned her two Emmy Awards.
She originally trained as a singer and dancer before transitioning to acting, studying under renowned acting coach Gene Frankel in New York City.
She was one of only four cast members to stay for the entire 11-season run of MASH*.
Loretta Swit was widely celebrated for her role on a long-running TV series, earning multiple honors including two top television awards in the early 1980s. Over the years, she also received several nominations from major award bodies, was recognized by fans with a popular vote award, and honored for her work both in television and on stage, including a special theater distinction and a place among Hollywood’s iconic performers.