💔 Actress best known as “Hot Lips” from MASH passed away — And co-star Alan Alda had a lot to say 😢 Full story and cause of death in the comments 👇

Fans and co-stars are pouring out heartfelt tributes for Loretta Swit, the Emmy-nominated star who transformed the iconic role of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH* into a beloved television legend. With ten Emmy nominations and a career marked by both talent and kindness, Swit left an unforgettable mark on the industry—and on those who worked alongside her.

Best known for her powerful performance on the groundbreaking CBS sitcom MASH*, Loretta Swit also made a passionate impact as an animal rights advocate. She passed away peacefully at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of artistry, activism, and enduring friendships.

Loretta Swit passed away peacefully at her New York City home shortly after midnight on Friday, May 30, 2025. A police investigation has indicated that her death was likely due to natural causes, a fact confirmed by her longtime publicist, Harlan Boll.

Swit’s portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH* — which spanned the show’s full eleven seasons from 1972 to 1983 — made her a household name both in the United States and around the world. The role, originally played by Sally Kellerman in the 1970 film, was handed to Swit, who redefined the character with nuance and depth.

What began as a somewhat stereotypical and humorous role evolved under Swit’s artistry into one of the series’ most realistic and complex characters. Her powerful performance and dedication behind the scenes were pivotal in transforming “Hot Lips” into a multifaceted figure who resonated deeply with audiences.

Loretta Swit’s portrayal of Major Houlihan was widely acclaimed by critics for challenging and redefining gender norms on television during the 1970s and 1980s, cementing the role as a groundbreaking milestone in TV history.

In a touching memorial on May 31, Alan Alda remembered Loretta Swit as an exceptionally gifted actress whose dedication earned her ten Emmy nominations and two wins. He praised her tireless effort to transform the character of Major Houlihan from a one-dimensional stereotype into a fully realized woman with ambition and depth. “She didn’t just play the role—she built it,” Alda reflected.

He fondly recalled the day the scripts stopped calling her “Hot Lips” and instead used her real character name, Margaret—a milestone that symbolized the richness she brought to the role. “Loretta made the most of her time here,” he concluded, honoring her remarkable legacy.

On May 30, fellow MASH* co-star Mike Farrell, known for his role as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, paid tribute with a simple yet heartfelt message on Instagram. Sharing a vintage black-and-white photo of Loretta Swit, he captioned it plainly: “Loretta… 1937–2025.”

In a past interview, Loretta Swit described Mike Farrell as a truly genuine and honest friend—someone she could always count on for sound advice and grounded judgment.

She shared that Farrell was married to her best friend and had been a steady, unwavering presence throughout her life. “Mike is just a very, very special human being,” she said warmly.

Loretta Swit also spoke fondly of her close bond with Alan Alda, highlighting their enduring friendship and shared sense of humor. She recalled enjoying dinners with his family, watching his daughters grow up, and likening their connection to that of a true family.

Reflecting on the joy of witnessing a deep, lasting love, she praised Alda’s long marriage to his wife, Arlene. “Again, I keep referring to us as a family. We really are,” she said warmly.

Before her breakthrough on MASH*, Loretta Swit honed her craft in repertory theatre and trained at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Early in her career, she served as an understudy in the 1965 production of Any Wednesday and later brought to life memorable characters like Agnes Gooch in Mame and one of the Pigeon sisters in The Odd Couple.

Reflecting on those formative years in a 1979 interview, Swit recalled boldly declaring herself an actress even while waiting in an unemployment line—an act of determination that shaped her path. After landing modest but notable roles in popular TV shows such as Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, Mannix, and Hawaii Five-O, she finally secured the role that would catapult her to fame in 1972 as Major Margaret Houlihan.

As her career progressed, Loretta Swit earned a reputation for remarkable perseverance and dedication on set, often powering through long, grueling days even when she was unwell—never once complaining. Except for the show’s inaugural season, she received an Emmy nomination every year MASH* aired.

Her exceptional talent was recognized with two Emmy wins for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series, in 1980 and 1982. Following the sitcom’s finale, Swit continued to grace both the big and small screens with memorable roles in films like Beer, S.O.B., Whoops Apocalypse, and Forest Warrior.

She also took on numerous television movies, including The Execution, Miracle at Moreaux, and Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story, while maintaining a strong presence on stage. Notably, in 1975, she made her Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year, starring alongside Ted Bessell.

Later in her illustrious career, Loretta Swit stepped into the role previously held by Cleo Laine in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She captivated audiences with over 1,000 performances of Shirley Valentine, a commitment that earned her the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award in Chicago. In 2003, she took the lead in Mame and toured extensively with powerful performances of The Vagina Monologues.

Swit also revisited her singing talents, portraying Linda Lavin in the TV adaptation of It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman!. Beyond acting, she hosted five seasons of the wildlife series Those Incredible Animals, starting in 1992. Her most recent film appearance was in Play the Flute in 2019, showcasing her enduring presence in the entertainment world.

On December 21, 1983, Loretta Swit married actor Dennis Holahan in an intimate church ceremony in the San Fernando Valley. Their connection blossomed after Holahan’s one-time guest appearance on MASH*, sparking a relationship that led to their union.

The wedding was a private affair attended by close friends and family, with MASH* co-stars Wayne Rogers, Harry Morgan, and Mike Farrell celebrating alongside them at a Beverly Hills restaurant reception. The newlyweds then embarked on a memorable honeymoon in Egypt. The marriage eventually ended in divorce in 1995.

Beyond her illustrious acting career, Loretta Swit was deeply admired for her lifelong dedication to animal advocacy, a cause she passionately championed for decades.

With her passing, a remarkable chapter in television history draws to a close. Yet, Swit’s enduring impact on theatre, film, and animal activism lives on, as heartfelt tributes continue to pour in, honoring a truly unforgettable legacy.