Death at Home in New York City
Loretta Swit, aged 87, died on Friday at her New York City home. Publicist Harlan Boll confirmed the news, attributing her death likely to natural causes. Swit gained fame for her portrayal of Major Margaret Houlihan in the CBS television series “M*A*S*H.”
Longest-Serving ‘M*A*S*H’ Cast Member
Swit shared the title of longest-serving cast member with Alan Alda. “M*A*S*H” aired from 1972 to 1983. The show depicted life in the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. It was based on Robert Altman’s 1970 film and Richard Hooker’s novel. The series finale drew more than 100 million viewers. That episode remains the most-watched scripted TV episode in history.
Series Gained Acclaim Over Time
“M*A*S*H” began slowly, ranking 46th among 75 shows in its first season. The show received nine Emmy nominations despite modest initial ratings. It gained popularity after moving to a prime Saturday slot, paired with “All in the Family.” The series won Best Comedy at the 1974 Emmys. Alda won Best Comedy Actor that year. It received a 1975 Peabody Award for its use of comedy to reflect the nature of war. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 25 among best TV shows. Time Out placed it at No. 34. It won a 2009 TV Land Impact Award.
Swit Shaped Houlihan’s Development
Swit’s role evolved beyond the film portrayal by Sally Kellerman. The TV character became more complex and grounded. Swit influenced this change, drawing on feminism’s rising awareness in the 1970s. “Around the second or third year I decided to try to play her as a real person,” Swit told Suzy Kalter. She maintained continuity in Houlihan’s character development across episodes. “She was a character in constant flux,” Swit explained.
M*A*S*H
Critics and Colleagues Recognised Her Impact
Alan Alda praised Swit’s influence on the character. “She became more of a real person,” Alda said in 2018. Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center, noted her legacy. “Loretta Swit’s portrayal of Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan was groundbreaking,” she said in a statement.
Swit’s Presence in Nearly Every Episode
Swit appeared in all but 11 of the 256 episodes. The show explored PTSD, sexism, and racism, often influenced by Swit’s input. She advocated for stronger female representation in scripts. Houlihan’s romantic arc included a turbulent relationship with Frank Burns. In Season 5, she returned from Tokyo engaged to another officer. Swit suggested the storyline herself. “He’ll rip the doors off of the mess tent!” she predicted, referring to Linville’s reaction.
The Show’s Finale and Disagreement on Houlihan’s Future
Houlihan considered moving to Tokyo or Belgium but returned to America instead. Swit disagreed with the character’s ending. “I think her next move was Vietnam,” she said in 2023. However, she wrote her final speech to the nurses. “It’s been an honour and privilege to have worked with you,” Houlihan says. Swit said, “I still get letters from women all over the world who became nurses because of Margaret Houlihan.”
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Swit Declined ‘Cagney & Lacey’ to Finish ‘M*A*S*H’
Swit played Chris Cagney in a 1981 TV movie. She was offered the role in the series but remained with “M*A*S*H.” She later told The Florida Times-Union, “You can’t help but get better as an actor working with scripts like that.” She added, “We got spoiled.”
Legacy Praised by Modern Critics
New York Times critic James Poniewozik praised the show’s longevity in 2022. He cited its blend of comedy and serious drama. He compared it to modern shows like “Barry” and “Better Things.”
Stage Career and Animal Welfare Advocacy
Swit returned frequently to stage work. She starred on Broadway in “Same Time, Next Year” in 1975. She also appeared in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” in 1986. Other roles included “Mame” in 2003 and “Amorous Crossing” in 2010. She supported animal welfare causes, launching SwitHeart perfume and a memoir. Proceeds benefited animal-related nonprofits.
Personal Life and Early Career
Swit was born in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrants. She studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She began acting in touring productions. She moved to Hollywood in 1969. She appeared in “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” “Mission Impossible” and “Hawaii Five-O.” In 1972, she earned her breakthrough with “M*A*S*H.” She married actor Dennis Holahan in 1983. They divorced in 1995.
