**Loretta Swit, acclaimed for her role in the beloved series M*A*S*H, has died at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and heartfelt tributes from the entertainment community.**
**M*A*S*H Star Loretta Swit Passes Away at 87**
**M*A*S*H Star Loretta Swit Passes Away at 87**
**Iconic actress remembered for her role as Major Margaret Houlihan and contributions to both television and theater**
Loretta Swit, celebrated actress known for her role in the classic TV series M*A*S*H, has passed away at her home in New York City at the age of 87. The news, confirmed by her publicist Harlan Boll, reported that she likely succumbed to natural causes, although a coroner’s evaluation is still awaited.
Swit’s portrayal of Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan made her a household name, contributing significantly to the series' popularity, which aired for 11 memorable seasons from 1974 until 1983. The show, which revolved around a mobile Army surgical hospital during the Korean War, is still revered in television history, culminating in a series finale that garnered an astonishing 106 million viewers—marking it as the most-watched television episode up to that time.
Noted for her multifaceted character, Swit's "Hot Lips" was depicted as a strong yet emotionally complex Army nurse, a role that explored themes such as the burdens of war, sexism, and the human cost of conflict through both comedic and poignant narratives. Inspired by the 1968 book "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors," Swit's character emerged amid comedic chaos, often engaging in relatable antics alongside co-stars, including a memorable affair with Major Frank Burns, played by Larry Linville.
Beyond M*A*S*H, Swit amassed a rich career in television, film, and stage, with notable performances in Broadway productions like "Same Time, Next Year," "Mame," and "Shirley Valentine." In a reflective 2010 interview, she articulated her passion for acting: "Acting is not hiding to me, it's revealing. We give you license to feel," emphasized the actress, underlining the emotional depth that she brought to her craft.
Tributes have begun pouring in for Swit, with many remembering not only her impressive career but also her impact on audiences and fellow actors alike, including fond remembrances of her co-creator, Gene Reynolds.
Swit’s portrayal of Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan made her a household name, contributing significantly to the series' popularity, which aired for 11 memorable seasons from 1974 until 1983. The show, which revolved around a mobile Army surgical hospital during the Korean War, is still revered in television history, culminating in a series finale that garnered an astonishing 106 million viewers—marking it as the most-watched television episode up to that time.
Noted for her multifaceted character, Swit's "Hot Lips" was depicted as a strong yet emotionally complex Army nurse, a role that explored themes such as the burdens of war, sexism, and the human cost of conflict through both comedic and poignant narratives. Inspired by the 1968 book "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors," Swit's character emerged amid comedic chaos, often engaging in relatable antics alongside co-stars, including a memorable affair with Major Frank Burns, played by Larry Linville.
Beyond M*A*S*H, Swit amassed a rich career in television, film, and stage, with notable performances in Broadway productions like "Same Time, Next Year," "Mame," and "Shirley Valentine." In a reflective 2010 interview, she articulated her passion for acting: "Acting is not hiding to me, it's revealing. We give you license to feel," emphasized the actress, underlining the emotional depth that she brought to her craft.
Tributes have begun pouring in for Swit, with many remembering not only her impressive career but also her impact on audiences and fellow actors alike, including fond remembrances of her co-creator, Gene Reynolds.
