Loretta Swit Dies: M*A*S*H’s Hot Lips Houlihan at 87
- Loretta Swit, best known for her iconic role as Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the television series M*A*S*H, has died.
- 4, 1937, Swit studied drama in New York before making her stage debut in the 1960s.
The world mourns the loss of Loretta Swit, the beloved actress who immortalized Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the groundbreaking series MAS*H. Swit, who left an indelible mark on television history, died at the age of 87. Beyond her Emmy-winning performance, learn about her activism and stage career that spanned decades. From her early work in theater to roles on Hawaii Five-O and Mission: Impossible, Swit’s talent captivated audiences. News Directory 3 remembers her contribution to the arts. Discover what’s next for her legacy.
Loretta Swit, M*A*S*H’s ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan, Dies at 87
Updated May 30, 2025
Loretta Swit, best known for her iconic role as Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the television series
M*A*S*H, has died. She was 87. Swit, a two-time Emmy Award winner, passed away at her home Friday morning
of natural causes, according to the Hollywood Reporter. In addition to her prosperous acting career, Swit was a
passionate animal activist.
Born Loretta Jane Szwed in Passaic, N.J., on Nov. 4, 1937, Swit studied drama in New York before making her
stage debut in the 1960s. She appeared in several Broadway and off-Broadway productions before moving to
Hollywood in 1969. Her first on-screen appearance was in a 1969 episode of Hawaii Five-O. She also
guest-starred in series such as Mission: Impossible, Mannix, and Gunsmoke.
