**Loretta Swit, Emmy-Winning Star of M*A*S*H, Passes Away at 87**
**Meta Description:** Loretta Swit, renowned for her role in M*A*S*H, has died at 87. The Emmy-winning actress was celebrated for her portrayal of Major Margaret Houlihan.
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**Loretta Swit, Beloved M*A*S*H Star, Dies at 87**
Loretta Swit, the acclaimed actress best known for her role as Major Margaret Houlihan on the iconic television series M*A*S*H, has passed away at the age of 87. Her publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed that Swit died at her home in New York City shortly after noon on Friday, likely due to natural causes.
Swit gained fame for her portrayal of Major Houlihan on CBS’s M*A*S*H, which aired for 11 successful years from 1972 to 1983. The series, based on Robert Altman’s 1970 film, is often regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time, with its finale attracting over 100 million viewers—making it the most-watched episode of any scripted series in history.
In the original film, Major Houlihan was depicted as a one-dimensional character known as “Hot Lips.” However, Swit took the opportunity to develop the character into a more nuanced and relatable figure in the television adaptation. She once shared with Suzy Kalter, author of “The Complete Book of M*A*S*H,” that she aimed to portray Houlihan as a real person, even if it meant sacrificing some comedic elements.
Swit’s outstanding performance earned her two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1980 and 1982.
Born Loretta Jane Szwed in Passaic, New Jersey, in 1937 to Polish immigrant parents, Swit pursued her passion for acting by enrolling in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before moving to Hollywood in 1969. In addition to her work on M*A*S*H, she appeared in various television shows, including Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, and Bonanza. Swit also had a successful theater career, starring on Broadway in productions such as Same Time, Next Year and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
Throughout her career, Swit made memorable appearances in several TV musical specials, including The Muppet Show, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
Loretta Swit’s legacy as a talented actress and beloved television icon will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
**FAQ**
**What was Loretta Swit best known for?**
Loretta Swit was best known for her role as Major Margaret Houlihan on the television series M*A*S*H, for which she won two Emmy Awards.
