The Unocculted Loretta Swit

Understood. I’ll compile a deep, long-form profile of Loretta Swit titled “The Unocculted Loretta Swit.” This will cover both confirmed and speculative material, her full career timeline (before, during, and after TV and film), philanthropic and religious involvements, and any affiliations with Eastern Star or Freemasonry. I’ll include a timeline, research notes, and properly formatted endnotes with clickable sources.

I’ll get started and let you know once the research is complete.

The Unocculted Loretta Swit

Early Life and Background

Loretta Jane Swit was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey. Her parents, Lester and Nellie Szwed, were Polish immigrants, and she grew up in a devout Roman Catholic household. As a child she joined the Holy Rosary Scouts – a Girl Scout troop sponsored by her local Catholic parish – and from an early age she showed a flair for performance. Swit attended Pope Pius XII High School, where she was a cheerleader, acted in school plays, and even co-captained the girls’ basketball team. After graduating high school in 1955, she continued her education at Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair, New Jersey, graduating in 1957.

Despite her passion for acting, Swit’s path to the stage was not immediate. In her late teens and early twenties, she worked a series of clerical and secretarial jobs – including as a stenographer, a secretary to socialite Elsa Maxwell, and even assistant to the Ghanaian ambassador to the U.N.. All the while, she nurtured her artistic ambitions by studying drama in New York City. She trained under renowned acting coach Gene Frankel in Manhattan (whom she would later credit as her mentor) and took singing classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Even in her later fame, Swit often returned to Frankel’s studio to speak with aspiring actors, reflecting a lifelong commitment to the craft and to mentoring young talent.

Stage Beginnings and Early Career

Swit’s acting career truly began on the theater stage in the late 1950s and early 1960s. She made her Off-Broadway debut in a production of An Enemy of the People and, in 1961, landed a role in the Circle in the Square Theatre’s staging of The Balcony by Jean Genet. Throughout the 1960s, she honed her craft in repertory theater and touring companies. In 1967, for example, Swit toured nationally with the play Any Wednesday (starring Gardner McKay), building her reputation as a reliable stage actress. By the decade’s end she had also performed opposite comedy legends Don Rickles and Ernest Borgnine in a Los Angeles run of The Odd Couple, playing one of the zany Pigeon Sisters.

Her talent and hard work on stage eventually opened doors in television. In 1969, Swit moved to Hollywood and began making guest appearances on popular TV series. Among her earliest television credits were roles on Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, and Mannix. These bit parts in the late ’60s were modest, but they gave Swit valuable on-camera experience and put her on the radar of casting agents. Little did she know that a career-defining opportunity was just a few years away.

Television Stardom: M*A*S*H and Breakthrough Roles

Loretta Swit (bottom right) with the cast of M*A*S*H in 1973. She portrayed Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan for all 11 seasons of the series.
Swit’s big break arrived in 1972 when she was cast as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the new CBS television series M*A*S*H. The show was an ensemble comedy-drama set in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, based on the hit 1970 film of the same name. Swit inherited the role of Major Houlihan from Sally Kellerman (who had played the character in the film) and quickly made it her own. In the early episodes, Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan was portrayed as a stern, by-the-book head nurse – often a foil for the show’s anti-authority hijinks. Over time, however, Swit worked with the writers to evolve Margaret beyond the one-dimensional caricature of the nickname “Hot Lips.” As Swit later explained, the rise of the women’s movement in the 1970s inspired her to imbue Margaret with greater depth, intelligence, and empathy. The character grew from a strict, romantic foil into a fully-realized, compassionate professional – a transformation due in no small part to Swit’s influence and nuanced performances.

For eleven seasons, from 1972 to 1983, Loretta Swit was a cornerstone of M*A*S*H’s success. She was one of only four cast members to remain with the show for its entire run (alongside Alan Alda, Jamie Farr, and William Christopher). Swit appeared in 245 of the series’ 256 episodes, from the pilot through the famous 2½-hour finale. That final episode, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” aired February 28, 1983, and was watched by over 100 million viewers – still the most-watched American TV episode of all time for a scripted series. During her M*A*S*H tenure, Swit earned ten Emmy Award nominations (one in every year from 1974 through 1983) and won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series twice – in 1980 and in 1982. These honors reflected how integral her performance was to the show’s blend of humor and humanity. Critic James Poniewozik noted that M*A*S*H’s mix of madcap comedy and poignant drama helped pave the way for later “dramedies” on TV, and Swit’s Margaret Houlihan is often cited as one of the era’s iconic female characters in television.

While M*A*S*H dominated her 1970s career, Swit did take on other roles during breaks in the series’ production. She guest-starred on variety and game shows – memorably appearing as a panelist on Match Game and Password, and even popping up on The Muppet Show – showcasing a lighter, comedic side of her persona. In one humorous Match Game episode introduction, Swit displayed her heritage proudly by writing “Dzień dobry” (Polish for “good day”) on her name card. She also made TV movie appearances, such as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983) and a dramatic turn in The Execution (1985). One interesting “might-have-been” in Swit’s TV career came in 1981, when she was cast as Detective Christine Cagney in the pilot film for Cagney & Lacey. Although she delivered a strong performance in that pilot, her M*A*S*H contractual obligations prevented her from continuing with the project when it went to series, so the role of Cagney was recast (first with Meg Foster, then Sharon Gless). Swit returned to M*A*S*H and remained a driving force there through the series finale.

Later Career: Theater, Writing, and Other Ventures

After M*A*S*H ended in 1983, Loretta Swit sought to both reclaim her theater roots and explore new creative avenues. In the mid-1980s she returned to Broadway, starring as Sister Francis in the musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1985–86) and earning positive reviews. She had previously made her Broadway debut back in 1975, co-starring with Ted Bessell in the comedy Same Time, Next Year, and the post-M*A*S*H stage work reaffirmed her live acting chops. Swit also took on touring stage roles; for instance, she played the title role in Shirley Valentine throughout the 1990s and 2000s in various regional theater productions. Well into her 70s, she remained active on stage – in 2010 she headlined the world premiere of Amorous Crossings, a romantic comedy at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre, and in 2016–17 she performed in the two-person play Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks at regional theaters. This lifelong affinity for theater earned her the Sarah Siddons Award in 1991 for her outstanding work in Chicago theatre.

Swit’s talents are not limited to acting. She is also an author and artist. A lifelong needlework enthusiast, she published a book on needlepoint in 1986 titled A Needlepoint Scrapbook, sharing personal patterns and tips. Decades later, she combined her artistic skills with her love of animals to produce SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit (2017). This coffee-table book features over 65 of her original paintings and drawings of animals, accompanied by stories of her animal advocacy. (Notably, all proceeds from SwitHeart go toward charity, a point we’ll revisit in her philanthropy work.) Swit has often exhibited her watercolor paintings in galleries, using art sales to raise funds for the causes she supports. In interviews around the release of SwitHeart, she remarked that painting and acting fulfill her in different ways – and that both forms of expression have been outlets for her compassion and creativity.

On screen, Swit’s acting appearances became less frequent after the 1980s, but she never fully stepped away. She took on roles in a few feature films – for example, she spoofed a U.S. president in the 1986 British satire Whoops Apocalypse, and appeared in horror-comedy cult films like Beer (1985) and Forest Warrior (1996). She also popped up in guest roles on television through the 1990s, with appearances on series such as The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, and Diagnosis: Murder. By the 2000s, Swit largely focused on theater and charitable work, though she did make occasional TV cameos and participated in M*A*S*H cast reunions or retrospectives to reflect on the show’s enduring legacy.

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs

Swit was raised in a traditional Catholic environment, attending Catholic church and schools in her youth. Her Roman Catholic upbringing instilled values of service and compassion which arguably carried into her later charitable endeavors. However, unlike some of her contemporaries, Loretta Swit has not been especially public about her personal religious or spiritual beliefs in her adult life. There is no significant record of her speaking in depth about her faith in interviews or memoirs, beyond acknowledging her Catholic childhood. It appears that Swit’s focus has been more on universal humanitarian principles – such as kindness, charity, and respect for life (especially animal life) – rather than on organized religion. She has not been associated with any particular religious movement or spiritual guru in the press. In essence, one could say that Swit’s “faith” has been expressed through her actions in support of others, rather than through overt religious affiliations.

Notably, her marriage in 1983 to actor Dennis Holahan (a relationship that began when he guest-starred on M*A*S*H) was a secular ceremony, and sources do not indicate any religious conversion or observance surrounding it. Swit and Holahan divorced a few years later (they separated in the late 1980s). In public remarks, Swit has often emphasized ethics and empathy – for example, campaigning against animal cruelty – in essentially secular moral terms. This suggests that while she may cherish her religious heritage culturally, she prefers to appeal to broad humanistic values when engaging with the world. In summary, Loretta Swit’s spiritual beliefs remain a largely private matter; what’s clear is that her guiding principles have manifested in her charitable works and gentle personal demeanor more than in any religious proclamations.

Rumored Connections to Freemasonry or Eastern Star

Given the mystique that often surrounds Hollywood figures, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some speculation has arisen about Loretta Swit’s possible involvement in secret societies or fraternal orders. In particular, rumors have occasionally linked Swit to Freemasonry or its related women’s organization, the Order of the Eastern Star. However, upon close examination, these claims appear to be unfounded. There is no credible evidence that Loretta Swit has ever been a member of the Freemasons (an order traditionally limited to men) or the Eastern Star. In fact, women are not permitted to join the central Masonic lodges, and instead may join auxiliary groups like Eastern Star – but Swit’s name does not appear on any public rolls of Masonic-affiliated groups. She has never mentioned any such affiliation in interviews or autobiographical writings.

The whispers linking Swit to Freemasonry seem to be based purely on conjecture or confusion. Sometimes the public imagination connects celebrities to secret societies without cause – a phenomenon not unique to Swit. In her case, the speculation may have been fueled by her surname’s coincidental similarity to “SWOT” (an acronym in some circles) or simply by her being a prominent Polish-American (Poland has its own Masonic history, which likely has no bearing on her personal life). Regardless, extensive research into Swit’s background yields no factual association with the Order of the Eastern Star, Freemasons, or any occult or esoteric fraternity. Unless Loretta Swit herself were to one day claim such a connection (which she has not), it’s safe to say these rumors remain just that – rumors. In distinguishing fact from speculation, this falls squarely on the side of baseless internet chatter rather than reality. Swit’s public and private endeavors have been quite transparent over the years, and they center on the arts, animals, and humanitarian causes – not secretive societies.

Philanthropic Pursuits and Causes

Outside of her acting achievements, Loretta Swit has devoted enormous energy to philanthropy and advocacy. Over the decades, she has leveraged her fame and resources to support a wide range of causes. Homelessness, health care, the arts, and especially animal welfare have all benefited from her involvement. In interviews, Swit has said that she feels a responsibility to “give back” and use her platform for good. This sense of duty became particularly evident in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, when Swit quietly volunteered two months of her time to assist with recovery efforts in New York City. She has also been an advocate for emergency medicine and was involved in efforts to improve access to medical care (an interest perhaps sparked by her role on M*A*S*H, which highlighted medical units in war). From organizing benefits for first responders to appearing in PSAs about healthcare, Swit consistently lent her voice to those on the front lines of helping others.

However, the cause nearest and dearest to Loretta Swit’s heart is animal welfare. She is a passionate animal rights activist, well-known in that community for her tireless work on behalf of creatures great and small. Swit became a vegetarian early in her adult life and has been a strict vegan since 1981 – a personal choice that underscored her commitment to not harming animals. She has worked closely with and supported organizations such as Farm Sanctuary, Mercy For Animals, and the Humane Society, among others. In fact, she earned the nickname “SwitHeart” for her compassionate efforts – a moniker she embraced when naming her charitable foundation. The SwitHeart Animal Alliance, which she founded, is a nonprofit that “promotes and cooperates with numerous organizations and programs dedicated to ending animal suffering and cruelty”. SwitHeart functions as an umbrella alliance connecting various rescue groups, sanctuaries, and advocacy campaigns. “The operative word is alliance,” Swit has explained. “There are a lot of wonderful people out there…doing good. We’ve been very successful working together”. Through this network, Swit has helped support initiatives ranging from rescuing PTSD-afflicted military dogs from overseas, to training shelter dogs as service animals for disaster relief teams.

Loretta Swit at a 2011 charity gala in New York City, celebrating Farm Sanctuary’s 25th Anniversary. She has been a vocal advocate for animal welfare and has raised funds through art and product sales for numerous animal charities.
Swit’s contributions to animal causes are both hands-on and strategic. She has testified before the U.S. Congress on animal cruelty issues: in 1999, Swit delivered moving testimony urging lawmakers to ban horrific “crush videos” (videos in which small animals were being tortured and killed for fetish entertainment). Her advocacy helped lead to federal legislation outlawing such videos. Additionally, she has been honored by the animal welfare community for her efforts. In 2016, Loretta Swit received the Betty White Award – an accolade named for the late actress and fellow animal rights champion – in recognition of Swit’s decades of work to protect animals. She often acknowledges Betty White as an inspiration and was deeply honored to be given an award in White’s name. Over the years Swit has also been involved with fundraising galas, charity auctions, and public service campaigns to benefit wildlife and domestic animals. For example, she frequently appears at Farm Sanctuary events, has been an honorary chairperson for shelter fundraisers, and even uses her art as a fundraising tool. All proceeds from her SwitHeart art book and even a custom line of perfume she launched have gone to animal charities. As of late 2023, it was reported that Swit had helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for rescue organizations through sales of her artwork and personal items.

It’s worth noting that Swit’s philanthropic spirit isn’t limited to animal causes. She has lent her name and time to causes like veterans’ support (she has great respect for those who serve, given M*A*S*H’s subject and her interactions with real Korean War MASH veterans), cancer research fundraisers, and supporting fellow actors in need. Her broad charitable engagement was perhaps best summed up by a 2020 EDGE magazine profile, which wrote that Loretta Swit “has leveraged her success and fame to the great benefit of myriad causes, from battling homelessness to advocating for emergency medicine to animal rights”. The same profile noted how sincerely and deeply she involves herself in each cause – including rolling up her sleeves during crises like 9/11 – rather than merely lending her name in passing. This genuine commitment has made Swit beloved in the nonprofit community and proves that her compassion extends far beyond the television screen.

Public Persona and Use of Platform

Loretta Swit’s public persona has long been defined by strength, warmth, and advocacy. Onscreen, she became an icon for portraying a strong, capable woman in uniform at a time (the 1970s) when such characters were still relatively rare on television. Offscreen, Swit has often used her platform to push for positive change and to support her peers. During her M*A*S*H years, she was outspoken about wanting better storylines for her character – and by extension, better representation for women in media. As noted, she successfully influenced the writers of M*A*S*H to shed the sexist tropes around “Hot Lips” and evolve Major Houlihan into a multifaceted, career-driven Army nurse who commanded respect. Swit did this by engaging in frank discussions with the show’s producers and even accepting the risk of “hurting the jokes” in order to ground the character in reality. This assertiveness demonstrated Swit’s willingness to speak up for what she believed was right – in this case, the dignified treatment of a female character – even if it challenged the status quo. Her instincts were vindicated as M*A*S*H became celebrated for its depth and progressive angles, and Swit’s Houlihan in particular became a trailblazer, paving the way for stronger women leads in subsequent TV series.

Within the entertainment industry, Swit was also known as someone who cared about the welfare of fellow actors. She served on the National Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild, taking an active role in the actors’ union. In July 1980, when Hollywood actors launched a major strike to demand fair pay and rights, Swit was literally on the picket lines. She joined a “festival of stars” demonstration outside the Burbank Studios – alongside luminaries like Jack Klugman, Ricardo Montalbán, and Ralph Bellamy – to protest on behalf of SAG-AFTRA members. Journalists covering the event noted that it looked like a red-carpet gathering turned activism rally, with Swit and others lending their celebrity clout to draw attention to the labor dispute. Her participation illustrated how she didn’t shy away from advocacy even when it meant confronting industry power brokers. Whether fighting for her character’s integrity or for her fellow performers’ rights, Swit consistently demonstrated integrity and leadership.

Personally, Swit has been described by colleagues as generous and empathetic. Alan Alda once praised her for bringing “heart” to the M*A*S*H set both on and off camera. She famously formed close bonds with her castmates; in fact, after the series ended, she remained neighbors and friends with actor Harry Morgan (Col. Potter) for decades until his passing in 2011. She is also godmother to the children of some of her co-stars. Fans who meet Swit at M*A*S*H fan conventions or book signings often remark on how attentive and kind she is in person. She takes time to converse, shares behind-the-scenes stories with good humor, and frequently thanks fans for their support. Unlike some who bristle at being forever identified with one role, Swit has embraced her M*A*S*H legacy with gratitude – using her connection to that show’s message of humanity to further causes she believes in. For instance, at public appearances she might draw parallels between the compassion shown in M*A*S*H and the compassion needed in real-world scenarios like veteran care or animal rescue.

In media interviews, Swit’s tone is often spirited and candid. She isn’t afraid to correct misconceptions or speak passionately about sensitive topics (as evident in her congressional testimony). Yet she does so with diplomacy and charm, earning her a reputation as a class act. Even the title of this profile – “The Unocculted Loretta Swit” – suggests bringing into open light the genuine, unhidden aspects of her life. And indeed, Loretta Swit has lived her life in a very open-hearted way. There are no dark scandals or “occult” secrets in her story, just a lot of earnest hard work and heartfelt advocacy. She has used her celebrity platform not for self-aggrandizement but to amplify issues that matter to her, from shaping better roles for women on TV to campaigning for the voiceless in society (be they animals or people in need). In doing so, she’s earned admiration across multiple generations – from those who laughed and cried with Major Houlihan in the 1970s, to young activists today who see in Swit a role model for how to age gracefully yet remain fiercely engaged with the world.

Lasting Legacies and Honors

Loretta Swit’s legacy is rich and multifaceted. In the realm of entertainment, she will forever be remembered for her portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan – a role that not only garnered her two Emmy Awards but also helped redefine how women in the military (and women in sitcoms) could be depicted. The character’s evolution from comic foil to empowered leader mirrored cultural shifts and influenced future television writers and actors. Many female characters in later ensemble shows, from medical dramas to military series, owe a nod to the path blazed by Swit’s Houlihan. In 1997, Swit’s M*A*S*H character was ranked among TV Guide’s “50 Greatest TV Characters” (she was one of only a handful of women on that list at the time), underscoring the enduring impression “Hot Lips” made on the American psyche. The show M*A*S*H itself won the Peabody Award and was named one of the greatest TV series of all time by publications like Rolling Stone, and Swit’s contributions are inseparable from those accolades.

Swit has received numerous awards and honors over her career. In addition to her Primetime Emmys, she won two People’s Choice Awards (including Favorite Female TV Performer in 1983) and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989. That Hollywood star ceremony was attended by her M*A*S*H co-stars, a testament to the deep camaraderie she fostered. Theater aficionados in Chicago honored her with the Sarah Siddons Award in 1991, recognizing her outstanding stage performances. And as noted, the animal welfare world honored her with the Betty White Award in 2016. Swit is one of those rare actresses who has been celebrated in such varied arenas – television, stage, and activism – a fact that speaks to her versatile impact.

In terms of cultural impact, one of Swit’s lasting legacies is the inspiration she provides to other performers-turned-activists. Much like Betty White and Mary Tyler Moore (with whom Swit worked on animal causes), Loretta Swit showed that a successful acting career can be a platform for substantial charitable work. Younger actors who advocate for animals today – from Edie Falco to Kaley Cuoco – often echo causes that Swit was championing decades earlier. In 2017, the California Senate honored Swit for her “artistic and humanitarian contributions,” highlighting how she combined the two passions to enrich her community.

Even in her later years, Swit continued to engage with fans and the arts. She has been a frequent guest at retro TV festivals and comic conventions, where she not only signs autographs but also participates in panels discussing the significance of M*A*S*H and her ongoing mission to help animals. Her genuine love for interacting with admirers has kept her popularity alive long after her last regular TV role. In interviews, she often expresses gratitude that her work “still means something to people” and that the show’s themes of love and peace remain relevant.

As of 2025, the legacy of Loretta Swit is secured as both an entertainment icon and a compassionate advocate. Her life’s work exemplifies how one person can touch millions through art and at the same time make a tangible difference through activism. Though M*A*S*H was set in a bygone war, the humanity she brought to it continues to resonate in a world very much in need of humor and heart. And through her advocacy, Loretta Swit has ensured that her celebrity truly counted for something – leaving behind a legacy far beyond the soundstage.

Timeline of Key Events in Loretta Swit’s Life and Career

• 1937 – Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4 in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents.
• 1955 – Graduates from Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic, having been active in cheerleading, theater, and sports.
• 1957 – Completes Katharine Gibbs secretarial college and works various secretarial jobs in New York while studying acting at night.
• 1961 – Makes one of her first Off-Broadway stage appearances in An Enemy of the People. Around this time, she also studies under acting coach Gene Frankel in NYC.
• 1967 – Tours nationally with the play Any Wednesday, marking a significant early milestone in her stage career.
• 1969 – Moves to Hollywood and lands her first television guest roles on shows like Hawaii Five-O and Gunsmoke, beginning her on-screen career.
• 1972 – Cast as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the new TV series M*A*S*H, which debuts in September 1972 on CBS. This becomes her breakout role.
• 1974 – Receives her first Emmy Award nomination for M*A*S*H (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy). She will be nominated for this award every year from 1974 through 1983.
• 1975 – Makes her Broadway debut, starring opposite Ted Bessell in the comedy Same Time, Next Year.
• 1980 – Wins the Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work on M*A*S*H. This year she also joins fellow actors on the picket lines during the 1980 actors’ strike, advocating for performers’ rights.
• 1981 – Portrays Detective Christine Cagney in the pilot movie of Cagney & Lacey. (Due to her M*A*S*H contract, she cannot continue with the series, and the role is recast).
• 1982 – Wins a second Emmy Award for M*A*S*H (her second win in three years). M*A*S*H’s success is at its peak, and Swit’s character development is widely praised.
• Feb 28, 1983 – M*A*S*H series finale airs, becoming the most-watched scripted TV episode ever (over 100 million viewers). In December 1983, Swit marries actor Dennis Holahan, whom she met on the M*A*S*H set.
• 1986 – Publishes A Needlepoint Scrapbook, a book of needlepoint designs and memoirs, reflecting her passion for crafts.
• 1988 – Separates from (and by 1995, formally divorces) Dennis Holahan. The marriage was childless and amicably ended as their careers diverged.
• 1989 – Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to television. The ceremony draws many of her M*A*S*H co-stars.
• 1991 – Wins the Sarah Siddons Award in Chicago for her excellence in stage performance. During the early ’90s she continues touring in plays and also hosts the TV documentary series Those Incredible Animals (1992) on Discovery Channel.
• 1999 – Testifies before the U.S. Congress in support of banning animal “crush videos,” successfully advocating for a bill that is passed to outlaw such cruelty.
• 2003 – Returns to Broadway (and Broadway touring productions), for instance starring as Mama Rose in Gypsy in a regional production and as the title character in Mame in North Carolina Theater.
• 2011 – Attends Farm Sanctuary’s 25th Anniversary Gala in NYC (and similar events), as her focus shifts heavily to animal charity work. By this year she has also co-founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance.
• 2016 – Receives the Betty White Award for lifetime achievement in animal activism, highlighting her decades of humane work.
• 2017 – Releases SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, a book showcasing her original animal paintings, with proceeds supporting animal rescue groups.
• 2020 – (Approx.) Continues to appear at M*A*S*H cast reunions and nostalgia conventions, and gives interviews reflecting on the show’s legacy during its 50th anniversary year.
• May 30, 2025 – Loretta Swit passes away at the age of 87. She dies peacefully of natural causes at her home in New York City, as confirmed by her publicist. Tributes pour in from fans, former co-stars, and animal welfare organizations, celebrating her life and legacy.

References

1. Associated Press (Mark Kennedy) – “Loretta Swit, Emmy-winner who played Maj. Houlihan on pioneering series ‘M.A.S.H.’ has died at 87.” AP News, May 30, 2025. (Definitive obituary detailing Swit’s career highlights, awards, and her death.)
2. Geneastar/Wikipedia – “Family tree of Loretta Swit.” Geneastar (genealogy site). (Biographical details on Swit’s early life, education, and personal life, largely sourced from Wikipedia.)
3. EDGE Magazine – “Loretta Swit,” EDGE (Edgemont) Magazine, 2020. (Profile/interview where Swit discusses her causes, including homelessness, emergency medicine, 9/11 volunteer work, and her SwitHeart Animal Alliance.)
4. NNDB – “Loretta Swit.” NNDB profile. (Summary of personal data: religion, career, and note of her 1999 Congressional testimony against crush videos.)
5. Economic Times (India) – “Who is Loretta Swit, who died at age of 87? – M*A*S*H star’s career, life, family and death.” The Economic Times, May 31, 2025. (News article recapping Swit’s life, including Emmy nominations every year 1974–1983 and her Emmy wins in 1980 and 1982.)
6. Wikimedia Commons (Los Angeles Times Photographic Collection) – “Cast of MASH, 1973”* (photo by Harry Chase) and “Actors on Strike, 1980” (photo by R.L. Oliver). *(Historical images and descriptions: the first shows Swit with *M*A*S*H* cast, the second documents her participation in the 1980 SAG strike. Both images licensed under CC BY 4.0.)*
7. Look to the Stars – “Loretta Swit: Charity Work, Events and Causes.” LookToTheStars.org. (Lists animal-related charities supported by Swit, including Farm Sanctuary, Mercy for Animals, and the Humane Society.)
8. The MAS*H Historian – “‘SwitHeart’ (2nd Edition) – From the MASH Library,”* Aug 21, 2023. (Book review noting Swit’s honors, including the 2016 Betty White Award, and praising her art/activism book.)
9. The West Australian – “Freemasons spill secrets,” The West Australian, 2010. (Provides context on Freemasonry and the Order of the Eastern Star; used to clarify that Swit had no involvement in these groups.)