M*A*S*H Actress Loretta Swit Dies Aged 87 in New York

Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the long-running TV series "M*A*S*H," has died at age 87. Swit portrayed the head nurse throughout the show's entire 11-season run from 1972 to 1983, earning two Primetime Emmy Awards and several other accolades for her performance. "M*A*S*H," which combined comedy with thoughtful commentary on war and social issues, was a cultural phenomenon, culminating in the most-watched scripted series finale in U.S. history. Swit's portrayal evolved over time, reflecting the growing awareness of feminism in the 1970s and her own influence on the character's depth. She was also known for her advocacy for animal rights and was a vegan since 1981. Swit passed away at her home in New York City, with natural causes believed to be the reason, as confirmed by her publicist.