Remembering Loretta Swit: A Star, A Sister, A Champion for Compassion
It’s a somber moment for fans of television history and animal activism alike. Loretta Swit, best known as the indomitable Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan from the iconic series M A S H*, has passed away at the age of 87 on May 30, 2025. Her legacy goes far beyond the screen, and today, we remember a woman whose impact touched the lives of millions.
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Alan Alda, who starred alongside Swit for all 11 seasons of M A S H* as Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce, honored her with deep admiration. He remembered her not just as an actress but as a creative force who helped evolve the role of Margaret Houlihan from a one-dimensional stereotype into a fully realized, deeply human character. “More than acting her part, she created it,” Alda said. He recounted with pride how Loretta pushed for her character to be referred to by her real name rather than the infamous “Hot Lips” nickname, marking a milestone in the character's evolution—and in television history.
Jamie Farr, beloved for his role as Corporal Klinger, called Swit his “adopted sister,” sharing how their connection began on her first day on the set and lasted a lifetime. His grief is palpable, noting that their bond felt like family. "From the first time I met her...we embraced each other. That became a lifetime friendship," he said.
Mike Farrell, who joined the M A S H* cast in its later years as B.J. Hunnicutt, simply posted a poignant black-and-white photo of Loretta on Instagram with the dates “1937–2025.” Sometimes, few words are needed to speak volumes. Their decades-long friendship underscored how deeply the M A S H* family remained connected long after the cameras stopped rolling. Loretta herself said in 2017, “These aren’t casual acquaintances from years ago. This is my family.”
But Loretta Swit’s compassion wasn’t confined to television. Off-screen, she was a fierce advocate for animals, a longtime vegan, and a tireless activist. PETA hailed her as a “major champion for all animals.” Lisa Lange from the organization noted that the world has lost “a kind soul and animals a true friend.” Fellow advocate Jo Anne Worley echoed those sentiments, remembering Swit’s passion and energy at a recent board meeting for Actors and Others for Animals.
Loretta Swit wasn’t just a performer. She was a pioneer, a voice for the voiceless, a lifelong friend, and a role model for resilience and transformation. Whether you remember her as Major Houlihan or as a passionate advocate for animal rights, one thing is certain: the world feels emptier without her vibrant presence. Her spirit, however, lives on—in reruns, in rescued animals, and in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, on-screen and off.
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