Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress renowned for her portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the iconic TV series MASH*, passed away on May 30, 2025, at her home in Manhattan at the age of 87, likely from natural causes, as confirmed by her publicist, Harlan Boll. Swit, who appeared in all 11 seasons of the CBS series from 1972 to 1983, transformed the initially one-dimensional, militaristic head nurse—first portrayed by Sally Kellerman in Robert Altman’s 1970 film—into a complex, sympathetic character. Her performance earned her two Emmy Awards (1980, 1982) from 10 consecutive nominations for best supporting actress in a comedy series. Swit’s influence on the writers helped evolve Houlihan from a caricature defined by her affair with the married Major Frank Burns (Larry Linville) into a dedicated, empathetic professional, phasing out the “Hot Lips” nickname and reflecting the growing feminist awareness of the 1970s. The series, set at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War, became a cultural landmark, with its 1983 finale drawing over 100 million viewers, the most-watched scripted TV episode ever. Born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents, Swit began her career in theater before landing roles in TV shows like Gunsmoke and Mission: Impossible. Her MASH* role brought global fame, and she remained one of only two actors, alongside Alan Alda, to appear in both the pilot and finale. Beyond MASH*, Swit starred in films like S.O.B. (1981) and TV movies, made guest appearances on game shows, and was briefly married to actor Dennis Holahan, whom she met on the MASH* set. A passionate animal rights activist, she founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance and published a book combining her artwork and activism in 2017. Swit’s legacy endures through her transformative work on MASH* and her lifelong dedication to animal welfare, leaving behind a close-knit bond with her co-stars, whom she considered family.