The legendary Hollywood star Loretta Swit, best known for playing Maj. Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan on the iconic television show M*A*S*H, died on Friday. She was 87 years-old.
After her death was announced, Swit’s former M*A*S*H co-star Alan Alda spoke out to pay a touching tribute to her.
Alda Honors Swit
“Loretta was a supremely talented actor,” Alda, 89, wrote on social media. “She deserved all her 10 EMMY nominations and her 2 wins. But more than acting her part, she created it.”
“She worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one joke sexist stereotype into a real person — with real feelings and ambitions,” he continued. “We celebrated the day the script came out, listing her character not as Hot Lips but as Margaret. Loretta made the most of her time here.”
Related: Alan Alda, 89, Gives Sad Update About His Health As Former MASH Star Battles Parkinson’s Disease
More Tributes Swit
Other M*A*S*H stars have spoken out to pay tribute to Swit as well. Jamie Farr, who portrayed Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger on the show, told The Hollywood Reporter, “Our dear Loretta was so talented, beautiful and an exceptional friend. There is a void in my life now and I shall always have a very special place for her in my heart. May her memory be eternal.”
Mike Farrell, who joined M*A*S*H in season four, took to Instagram to post a simple but beautiful tribute to Swit.
“Loretta… 1937-2025,” he wrote alongside a photo of Swit in her younger days.
Other tributes have poured in for Swit as well.
“Loretta Swit’s portrayal of Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan was groundbreaking – bringing heart, humor, and strength to one of television comedy’s most enduring roles,” said Journey Gunderson, the executive director of the National Comedy Center.
“Her talent extended well beyond that iconic character, with acclaimed work on both stage and screen that showcased her intelligence, versatility, and passion,” Gunderson continued. “That legacy endures through the cultural impact of MASH, which is proudly represented in the National Comedy Center.”
Swit’s History
This came after a spokesperson for Swit confirmed to Fox News that the actress died at her home in New York City on Friday. At the time of this writing, no cause of death has been publicized.
Swit was born in New Jersey in 1937 to Polish immigrants. In 1979, she told People Magazine that she “always wanted to be an actress.”
“Luckily, my mother loved movies and we would go to double features and sit through both films twice,” she recalled.
Swit went on to describe her younger self as a “fat little kid with braces who was very, very shy.” She then opened up about the vision she had for her life.
“I’m not interested in being married,” she said at the time. “I have a career and friends and things I care about doing. I don’t want a lot of other demands. And, thanks to Alan [Alda], who has deep insight about women, I don’t feel guilty anymore about not wanting a family. My parents and friends are my family.”
Related: Alan Alda, 89, Admits He Didn’t Recognize His Own Daughter Amidst Devastating Health Battle
Swit starred in M*A*S*H alongside Alda from 1972 until 1983. During that time, she was nominated for 10 Emmys, winning twice. Swit was also nominated for four Golden Globes, and recently received her third Career Achievement Award.
In a 2023 interview, Swit talked about how grateful she was for her role on M*A*S*H.
“It introduced me to the real experiences of our servicemen and women,” she said. “And I gained so many friends along the way. These friendships will last forever. And that has truly been a gift.”
Rest in peace, Loretta Swit.
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