Fans and co-stars alike have paid tribute to Loretta Swit, who redefined her iconic “M*A*S*H” role, received 10 Emmy nominations, and forged enduring relationships with her co-stars.

Known for her role as Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the CBS sitcom “M*A*S*H,” actress and animal rights activist Loretta Swit died at the age of 87.Swit died at her New York City home on Friday, May 30, 2025, shortly after midnight. According to a police investigation, her death is suspected to have been caused by natural causes. Harlan Boll, her long-time publicist, verified the information.

During the eleven seasons of “M*A*S*H,” from 1972 to 1983, Swit played the ground-breaking character of Maj. Houlihan, which made her a household name in the US and abroad. Sally Kellerman, who portrayed the character in the 1970 feature picture, passed the role on to her.

Initially viewed as a humorous cliché, “Hot Lips” developed into one of the most realistic and multifaceted characters on the show. Swit’s performance and contributions on set were significantly responsible for this change.