Emmy winning TV actress Loretta Swit dies at age 87

Loretta Swit died on Friday

Two-time Emmy-winning actress Loretta Swit, known for her role in the classic TV show M*A*S*H, died on Friday at her New York City home. She was 87.

The actress’ representative told The Hollywood Reporter that the police report suggested Swit is likely to die of natural causes.

For the unversed, the actress famously played the legendary role of Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in the classic CBS series. She was one of the longest-serving cast members of the series, which aired from 1972 to 1983.

The CBS series was based on a film and a novel that revolved around life at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. The series was one of the biggest hits at the time, and its finale notably garnered more than 100 million viewers.

Additionally, the watching record also made the finale one of the most-watched scripted TV episodes ever.

However, the actress’ acting credit goes beyond M*A*S*H as she also performed in Broadway shows like Same Time, Next Year, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

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She earned the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a comedy or variety or music series for the first time in 1980 and then again in 1982.

Meanwhile, her credits also include the upcoming drama Second Chances, as per IMDb.
Loretta Swit was also an animal rights activist and sold merchandise, including her SwitHeart perfume, to support animal welfare efforts.

On the personal front, she was raised in Passaic, New Jersey, by Polish immigrants. She studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. However, she later relocated to Hollywood in 1969.