Emmy-winning 'M.A.S.H.' star Loretta Swit, best known for her role as Maj. Houlihan, has died at 87

Loretta Swit, celebrated for her iconic portrayal of Major Margaret Houlihan on the groundbreaking television series "M*A*S*H," has passed away at the age of 87. According to reports, she died of natural causes in her New York City home . Swit’s role in "M*A*S*H" not only showcased her remarkable acting skills but also contributed significantly to the show’s enduring legacy as a cultural touchstone during its original run from 1972 to 1983. The character of Major Houlihan was both a pioneering female figure and a complex individual who navigated the challenges of military life amidst the backdrop of war.

New York City, likely from natural causes.

Swit and Alan Alda were the longest-serving cast members on “M.A.S.H.,” which was based on Robert Altman’s 1970 film, which was itself based on a novel by Richard Hooker, the pseudonym of H. Richard Hornberger.

The CBS show aired for 11 years from 1972 to 1983, revolving around life at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, which gave the show its name. The two-and-a-half-hour finale on Feb. 28, 1983, lured over 100 million viewers, the most-watched episode of any scripted series ever.

Additionally, she appeared in several films and TV movies, including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, S.O.B., Race With the Devil, Beer, Whoops Apocalypse and Forest Warrior.

Her final acting credit came in 2019 in a movie titled Play the Flute. Swit was also expected to appear in an upcoming project titled Second Chances, according to her IMDb page. The film is currently in pre-production, per the site.

Prior to "MAS*H," Swit guest-starred in 1970 on television series such as "Mission: Impossible," "Mannix," "Gunsmoke," and "Hawaii Five-O."

MAS*H"'s run, she remained active, playing roles that included an obnoxious gossip columnist in Blake Edwards's "S.O.B." (1981) alongside Julie Andrews and William Holden, and a crime boss's unfaithful wife in "Freebie and the Bean" (1974) with Alan Arkin and James Caan. She also appeared in the television movies "Race With the Devil" (1975), "Mirror, Mirror" (1979), "The Love Tapes" (1980), and "Games Mother Never Taught You" (1982), and famously guest-starred on "The Muppet Show" (1980), creating a brief rivalry with Miss Piggy.

Swit's performance earned her two Emmy Awards, solidifying her status as one of television's most respected actresses . Alongside Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye Pierce, she became one of the longest-serving cast members on the series. The show's unique blend of humor and poignant commentary on war resonated with audiences and remains influential today . Swit’s contributions to television continue to be celebrated as fans remember both her talent and her impact on American popular culture.

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Sara H

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