Loretta Swit, best known for her role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, has passed away at 87 at her home in New York City. Her publicist confirmed she likely died of natural causes.

Swit and Alan Alda were the longest-serving cast members of MASH*, which ran from 1972 to 1983. Over 11 seasons, Swit helped shape the show’s deeper themes, including PTSD, sexism, and racism. She pushed to evolve her character from a one-dimensional stereotype into a strong, complex woman — and insisted on being called “Margaret,” not “Hot Lips.”

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents, Swit studied acting and worked in theater before moving to TV in the late 1960s. Though initially unhappy with how Houlihan was written, she tirelessly worked with writers to make the role more respectful and realistic, especially for women in the military.

Beyond MASH*, Swit appeared in theater, TV, and film, including Broadway productions and her final movie in 2019. She was also a dedicated animal rights advocate and a longtime vegan. Swit was married once, to actor Dennis Holahan, and continued performing well into her 70s. She is remembered by fans and co-stars alike for her intelligence, advocacy, and unforgettable contribution to one of TV’s most iconic shows.

Alan Alda wrote:
“She turned a one-joke character into a real person. We celebrated the day her script listed her as ‘Margaret’ — thanks to Loretta’s vision and voice.”