Hollywood has lost a true patriot and talent with the passing of Loretta Swit, the unforgettable Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan from M*A*S*H, at age 87.
The Daily Mail reported that on Friday, Swit passed away at her New York City home due to suspected natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of grit and grace that defined an era of television.
Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Swit was a cheerleader in high school before chasing her dreams at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Her early career saw her honing her craft in repertory theater, later moving to Los Angeles in 1970 to build a resume with roles in classic shows like Gunsmoke and Hawaii Five-O.
Then came M*A*S*H, the Korean War-set dark comedy adapted from Robert Altman’s 1970 film, where Swit’s portrayal of a tough-as-nails army nurse in 240 of 251 episodes made her a household name.
Swit didn’t just act; she embodied a character who demanded respect, earning two Emmys in 1980 and 1982 from a whopping 10 nominations for her standout work.
"She wasn’t just a piece of anatomy," Swit told Fox News in 2023, bristling at the "Hot Lips" nickname. "She was a major in the United States Army, and she should not be disrespected," she added.
Her words cut through the progressive obsession with labels—here’s a woman who knew rank and hard work trumped cheap monikers every time. Swit reflected on M*A*S*H’s unique tone, saying, "Laughter and humor were our defense."
That defense against the grim realities of war resonated with 105 million viewers for the series finale, cementing M*A*S*H as a cultural titan with 14 Emmy wins and a Peabody Award in 1975.
While the show’s cast, including Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce, brought the laughs, Swit’s character reminded us of the quiet strength of servicewomen—a message often lost in today’s identity-driven narratives.
Beyond M*A*S*H, Swit graced screens in Murder, She Wrote and The Love Boat, and even lent her charm to The Muppet Show, proving her range wasn’t confined to wartime drama.
Her film credits, like "Freebie and the Bean" in 1974 and "S.O.B." in 1981, alongside theater triumphs in "Shirley Valentine" over 1,000 times, showed a relentless drive, honored by a 1989 Hollywood Walk of Fame star and a 1991 Sarah Siddons Award.
Even with an upcoming role in the drama "Second Chances," Swit never stopped creating, a work ethic that shames the entitlement culture creeping into Hollywood today.
Off-screen, Swit’s passion for animal rights shone as bright as her acting, turning vegan in 1981 and championing the ASPCA with a dedication to fostering dogs.
Supporting Actors and Others for Animals, she pushed for adoption and visited rescue centers, embodying a compassion that didn’t need social media virtue-signaling to prove its worth.