Loretta Swit, who won two Emmy Awards playing Major Margaret Houlihan, the demanding head nurse of a behind-the-lines surgical unit during the Korean War on the hit TV series M*A*S*H, has died. She was 87.Loretta Swit was an American actress best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the long-running television series M*A*S*H. Born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Swit is of Polish descent and was raised in a close-knit Catholic household. From a young age, she showed an interest in performance, eventually studying drama under renowned acting coach Gene Frankel in New York City. Before becoming a household name, she worked as a singer and stage actress, honing her craft in theatre.
Swit’s big break came in 1972 when she was cast in M*A*S*H, a television adaptation of the 1970 film of the same name. The series, set during the Korean War, became a critical and commercial success. Swit portrayed Major Houlihan, a tough, career-focused Army nurse initially depicted as rigid and humourless. Over time, however, Swit helped evolve the character into a multi-dimensional woman with compassion, strength, and a sense of humour. Her nuanced performance earned her widespread acclaim and two Emmy Awards (in 1980 and 1982) for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Swit was one of only four cast members to remain with M*A*S*H for its entire 11-season run. Her work on the show helped redefine how women, especially those in military and professional settings, were portrayed on television. Major Houlihan's transformation from a caricature to a respected and capable officer mirrored the growing awareness of gender equality during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Beyond M*A*S*H, Swit continued acting in television movies, stage productions, and guest appearances on popular shows like Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, and Murder, She Wrote. She also returned to the stage with performances in productions such as The Vagina Monologues and Shirley Valentine, showcasing her enduring versatility as an actress.
Swit was also a passionate animal rights advocate. A dedicated supporter of animal welfare, she has worked with various organisations and has even authored a book titled SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, which features her artwork and highlights her advocacy work. Proceeds from the book support animal rescue efforts.
Despite stepping back from mainstream television, Loretta Swit remained active in the arts and activism. Her contributions to entertainment and animal welfare have earned her numerous awards and honours, including recognition from the Humane Society and various arts foundations.
Today, Loretta Swit is celebrated not only for her trailblazing role on M*A*S*H but also for her enduring commitment to meaningful causes. Her legacy is one of talent, compassion, and a refusal to be boxed into one role—on screen or in life.
Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model
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