Loretta Swit, TV icon from MAS*H, dies at 87

<p>Loretta Swit, TV icon from M<em>A</em>S*H, dies at 87</p>

Loretta Swit, known for her Emmy-winning role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the popular series "M*A*S*H," has died at the age of 87. The death was confirmed by her spokesman Harlan Boll and occurred on Friday night at her home in New York City, presumably from natural causes. According to reports, an autopsy report is still pending, leaving the official cause of death unclear ( crown, Hollywood Reporter, Live Mint ).

Swit gained national prominence for her role on “M*A*S*H,” a CBS comedy-drama series that aired from 1972 to 1983. She appeared in 240 of 251 episodes and was part of the legendary series finale, which was watched by over 106 million viewers on February 28, 1983. This episode is considered the most watched of a scripted television series in history ( Live Mint ).

Fame from “M*A*S*H”

Swit played Major Houlihan, a feisty Army nurse who demonstrated both toughness and compassion. Her performance set new standards for women on television and her role evolved over the years, something Swit described in interviews as unique. For her impressive performance, she won two Emmy Awards and was nominated a total of ten times ( Hollywood Reporter, crown ).

As one of the few original cast members, Swit was part of the show until the final episode in 1983. Her character was not only a humorous, but also a profound and emotional influence on the series and the culture in general. A memorable moment was the 35-second kiss between her and co-star Alan Alda in the finale, which was considered one of the most expensive kisses in television ( Hollywood Reporter ).

Commitment and legacy

In addition to her iconic role in "M*A*S*H," Swit has also been active in theater, appearing in various productions including "The Odd Couple" and "Same Time, Next Year." She was deeply committed to animal welfare and founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance in 2016. She also hosted the documentary series “Those Incredible Animals.” Swit once said that a fan's emotional reaction to the series left a lasting impression on her ( crown, Hollywood Reporter ).

Swit has received numerous awards for her acting and humanitarian efforts, including the Sarah Siddons Award for her contributions to theater. She leaves a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry and animal welfare. Friends and fans can make donations to animal welfare organizations in honor of Swit ( Live Mint ).