America has lost a beloved patriot and television icon as Emmy-winning actress from the “M*A*S*H” TV series has died at age 87.
See the tweet below.
Loretta Swit, the daughter of Polish immigrants who became one of television’s most recognized stars, passed away Friday in her New York City home.
Her character represented traditional military values during a pioneering television series that became a cultural touchstone for generations of Americans.
Swit’s publicist announced that she died of natural causes, leaving a legacy far beyond her iconic television role.
As one of the longest-serving cast members of “M*A*S*H,” Swit appeared in 240 of the show’s 251 episodes, bringing to life a strong female military officer.
Born Loretta Jane Szwed to Polish immigrant parents in Passaic, New Jersey, Swit embodied the American dream.
After studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she worked her way to Hollywood, appearing in classic American shows like “Mission: Impossible” and “Hawaii Five-O” before landing her career-defining role on “M*A*S*H.”
The final episode of the series, which aired in 1983, made television history as the most-watched episode ever.
This drew over 100 million viewers who tuned in to say goodbye to the characters they had welcomed into their homes for 11 seasons.
The late actress’s portrayal of Major Houlihan evolved significantly throughout the series, transforming from a one-dimensional character into a complex woman of strength and conviction.
Her performance earned her two Emmy Awards and a total of 10 nominations, cementing her place in television history.
“Around the second or third year, I decided to try to play her as a real person, in an intelligent fashion, even if it meant hurting the jokes. … She was a character in constant flux; she never stopped developing,” Swit once said of her approach to the role.
Beyond her acting career, she was a passionate advocate for traditional values, particularly through her tireless work for animal welfare.
She founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance and dedicated much of her life to protecting innocent creatures from cruelty and suffering.
Her organization worked “to prevent cruelty and end animal suffering, to promote and cooperate with numerous nonprofit organizations and programs that protect, rescue, train, and care for animals and preserve their habitat.”
Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Klinger on “M*A*S*H” and was a close friend of Swit’s for decades, paid tribute to her following the announcement of her death:
“From the first time I met her, on what was supposed to be a one-day appearance on M*A*S*H, we embraced each other and that became a lifetime friendship. I can’t begin to express how much she will be missed.”
After “M*A*S*H” concluded, Swit continued to work in television, film, and theater.
She performed in over 1,000 “Shirley Valentine” shows and received the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award for her stage work.
Her last on-screen appearance came in 2019 in the faith-based film “Play the Flute.”
Those wishing to honor her memory can donate to organizations for animals in her name, such as the Actors & Others for Animals or her own SwitHeart Animal Alliance.
Her legacy shines on in the hearts of patriots who treasure the honest storytelling she championed both on and off the screen.
Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actor best known for her role as Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on TV's "M*A*S*H," has died at 87 https://t.co/fzTis3HuEG
— CNN (@CNN) May 30, 2025
