The world of television lost a true icon with the passing of Loretta Swit at the age of 87.

Best known for her indelible portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan across all 11 seasons of the groundbreaking CBS series M*A*S*H, Swit breathed life, depth, and unforgettable humanity into a character who became a cultural touchstone, evolving far beyond her initial nickname.

Her death, confirmed by her publicist, marks the end of an era for one of television’s most beloved ensembles.

Swit wasn’t initially cast as Houlihan. The role originated with Sally Kellerman in Robert Altman’s 1970 film, but when the television adaptation launched in 1972, Swit secured the part, beating out numerous contenders.

Initially, Margaret Houlihan was introduced as a foil – the strict, by-the-book, and often ridiculed head nurse, her infamous “Hot Lips” monieur a source of embarrassment and the butt of pranks, particularly from the irreverent surgeons Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) and Trapper John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers).

She embodied the rigid military authority the anti-establishment doctors constantly rebelled against.

However, Swit and the show’s writers refused to let Margaret remain a caricature. Over the series’ remarkable run, which spanned the Korean War but resonated deeply with the Vietnam-era audience, Major Houlihan underwent one of television’s most profound character evolutions. Swit masterfully navigated this transformation.

Margaret softened, revealed vulnerability, grappled with loneliness, pursued passionate (and often complicated) romances – most notably with the equally complex Major Frank Burns (Larry Linville) and later, Colonel Sherman T. Potter (Harry Morgan) in a deep, platonic bond. She proved herself to be an exceptionally capable, dedicated, and courageous nurse and officer, fiercely protective of her staff and patients.

Swit’s brilliance lay in making Margaret wholly human. She could be stern and demanding one moment, deeply compassionate and tearful the next. She navigated the horrors of war with resilience, yet her moments of breakdown, like the iconic scene where she learns Frank has abandoned her, showcased Swit’s extraordinary emotional range.

She allowed Margaret to be flawed, ambitious, romantic, principled, and ultimately, deeply sympathetic. The “Hot Lips” nickname, once a source of humiliation, became almost an ironic badge of honor as the character earned the audience’s respect and affection.

Swit received two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for this nuanced performance (1979 & 1981), and was nominated a total of nine times during the show’s run.

M*A*S*H wasn’t just a hit; it was a phenomenon. Its unique blend of uproarious comedy and devastating drama, its sharp anti-war sentiment, and its deeply human characters made it appointment television.

The series finale in 1983 remains the most-watched non-Super Bowl telecast in U.S. history. Swit, as Margaret, was absolutely central to this success. She represented the often-overlooked perspective of women in war – the nurses who bore witness to unimaginable suffering while maintaining professionalism and care under immense pressure.

She became a symbol of female strength and competence within a male-dominated military environment, paving the way for more complex female characters on television.

Her chemistry with the ensemble cast, particularly Alan Alda, was electric. Their relationship evolved from constant antagonism to a deep, mutual respect and friendship, a dynamic that mirrored the show’s own maturation.

Swit held her own against comedic giants like Alda, Mike Farrell (who replaced Rogers as B.J. Hunnicutt), and David Ogden Stiers (Charles Winchester), delivering sharp retorts and physical comedy with impeccable timing, while also anchoring the show’s most poignant dramatic moments.

While M*A*S*H defined her career, Swit’s talents extended beyond the 4077th. She was a gifted stage actress, receiving Tony Award nominations for her performances in Broadway productions like The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Shirley Valentine.

She appeared in numerous television movies and guest-starred on popular series such as Hawaii Five-O, The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, and Diagnosis: Murder.

She also voiced characters in animated shows, including the villainous Mona in Jonny Quest. Notably, she was the first choice for the role of Christine Cagney in Cagney & Lacey but was unable to accept due to her M*A*S*H commitments, leading to the casting of Sharon Gless.

Beyond acting, Swit was a passionate advocate for animal rights. She served on the board of directors for the Wildlife Waystation and was deeply involved with organizations like the Morris Animal Foundation and PETA.

Her artwork, particularly her paintings of animals, became a significant second career, with her work exhibited and sold to support her beloved animal charities. She authored books on needlepoint and celebrating cats, further reflecting her diverse creative spirit and love for animals.

Swit remained forever connected to her M*A*S*H family and cherished the role that made her famous. She frequently participated in reunions and retrospectives, always speaking fondly of her time on the show and the enduring bond with her castmates.

In later years, she continued to make appearances at fan conventions, graciously engaging with the generations of viewers who adored Major Houlihan.

Tributes poured in immediately following the news of her passing. Alan Alda, her on-screen sparring partner and dear friend, shared heartfelt words: “Loretta Swit was a force of nature, both as an actress and as a person.

She brought intelligence, strength, and a wonderful sense of humor to the character of Hot Lips. Off-screen, she was all heart. Funny, warm, and caring. I’m going to miss her terribly.”

Jamie Farr (Corporal Klinger) expressed his deep sorrow, calling her “a sweetheart” and recalling her kindness and talent. Mike Farrell praised her “great talent and big heart,” while the official M*A*S*H social media accounts honored her as “a true legend.”

Loretta Swit’s legacy is multifaceted. She was a consummate professional who elevated every scene she was in. She took a character that could have been a one-note joke and, through sheer talent and dedication, crafted a complex, enduring woman who resonated with millions. She broke ground in portraying a strong, multifaceted female character in a prime-time comedy during a pivotal era for television.

Her portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan taught audiences about compassion, resilience, the absurdity of war, and the multifaceted nature of strength. She made us laugh, she made us cry, and she made us care deeply about the people stitching up the wounds of conflict, both physical and emotional.

The lights of the 4077th MASH unit shine a little dimmer today, but the brilliance of Loretta Swit’s performance ensures Major Houlihan, and the actress who embodied her with such grace and power, will never be forgotten. Her passing marks the loss of a television legend whose impact continues to resonate.