Television lost one of its brightest and most enduring stars today with the passing of Loretta Swit, beloved actress, activist, and artist. She died on May 30, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Loretta Swit began her career on the stage, studying under drama coach Gene Frankel and performing in regional theater before transitioning to television. It was in 1972 that she landed the role that would define her career and etch her name into pop culture history: Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*.
Swit’s portrayal of Major Houlihan evolved from a caricature of military rigidity into a deeply nuanced, empathetic, and powerful representation of a woman navigating a male-dominated world. Her performance was lauded for bringing depth and humanity to the character, earning her two Primetime Emmy Awards and critical acclaim over the show’s 11-season run.
Beyond MASH*, Swit appeared in a wide array of television series, including Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, The Love Boat, and Murder, She Wrote. She also starred in multiple made-for-TV movies and returned to her theatrical roots with numerous stage performances throughout her career.
Yet Loretta Swit’s legacy reaches far beyond the screen. She was a devoted animal rights activist, working passionately for decades to promote compassion and protect vulnerable creatures. Her 2017 book SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit combined her visual art with heartfelt advocacy, with proceeds supporting her animal welfare causes.
In interviews, she often said that her greatest joy came not from applause, but from making a difference—whether through her performances or her activism. Her deep empathy and tireless efforts to champion both animals and people made her a rare blend of talent and heart.
Loretta Swit was more than an actress—she was a force of nature, a passionate voice for the voiceless, and an enduring symbol of strength and grace in Hollywood. She will be remembered with admiration, gratitude, and love.
She is survived by close friends, colleagues, and the countless fans whose lives she touched through her work and compassion.
Rest in peace, Loretta Swit. Thank you for everything.
(1937–2025)