Loretta Swit who played Houlihan on pioneering TV series M.A.S.H dies aged 87
Loretta Swit, who won two Emmy Awards playing Major Margaret Houlihan on the pioneering hit TV series M.A.S.H, has died aged 87.
Publicist Harlan Boll said Swit died on Friday at her home in New York City, likely from natural causes.
Advertisement
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.
Cast members from M.A.S.H William Christopher, Jamie Farr, Loretta Swit, Henry Morgan, Mike Farrell, Alan Alda and William Ogden Stiers (Doug Pizac/AP)
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 February 28 1983 lured over 100 million viewers, the most-watched episode of any scripted series ever.
Rolling Stone magazine put M.A.S.H at No 25 of the best TV shows of all time, while Time Out put it at No 34.
Advertisement
It won the Impact Award at the 2009 TV Land annual awards, as well as a Peabody Award in 1975 'for the depth of its humour and the manner in which comedy is used to lift the spirit and, as well, to offer a profound statement on the nature of war'.
In Altman's 1970 film, Houlihan was a one-dimensional character — a sex-crazed bimbo who earned the nickname 'Hot Lips'.
Her intimate moments were broadcast to the entire camp after somebody planted a microphone under her bed.
Loretta Swit at the 45th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 2018 (Richard Shotwell/Invision via AP)
Sally Kellerman played Houlihan in the movie version and Swit took it over for TV, eventually deepening and creating her into a much fuller character.
Advertisement
The sexual appetite was played down and she was not even called 'Hot Lips' in the later years.
The growing awareness of feminism in the seventies spurred Houlihan's transformation from caricature to real person, but a lot of the change was due to Swit's influence on the scriptwriters.
'Around the second or third year I decided to try to play her as a real person, in an intelligent fashion, even if it meant hurting the jokes,' Swit told Suzy Kalter, author of The Complete Book of M.A.S.H.
'To oversimplify it, I took each traumatic change that happened in her life and kept it. I didn't go into the next episode as if it were a different character in a different play. She was a character in constant flux; she never stopped developing.'
Advertisement
Swit appeared in all but 11 episodes of the series, nearly four times longer than the Korean War itself, exploring issues like PTSD, sexism and racism.
Actress Loretta Swit poses in Los Angeles (Wally Fong/AP)
After the TV series, Swit became a vocal animal welfare activist, selling SwitHeart perfume and her memoir through her official website, with proceeds benefitting various animal-related non-profit groups.
In 1983, she married actor Dennis Holahan, whom she had met when he was a guest star on M.A.S.H. They divorced in 1995.
Born in Passaic, New Jersey, the daughter of Polish immigrants, Swit enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, then paid her dues for years in touring productions.
Advertisement
In 1969, she arrived in Hollywood and was soon seen in series such as Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible and Bonanza before she got her big break with M.A.S.H in 1972.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
40 minutes ago
- BBC News
Man accused of writing Trump assassination letters was framed, officials say
A man accused of writing letters threatening to assassinate US President Donald Trump was framed, investigators Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old undocumented immigrant, was arrested last week after officials alleged he threatened to shoot Trump. He faces a deportation hearing a court filing, prosecutors now claim the letters were written by Demetric Deshawn Scott, who is set to face trial on allegations he assaulted and robbed Mr Scott has been charged with witness intimidation, identity theft and breach of bail. He told investigators he wrote the letters to prevent Mr Morales-Reyes from testifying in the robbery case, court documents say. In an interview after his arrest on 22 May, Mr Morales-Reyes told investigators he suspected Mr Scott wanted to "get him in trouble" after he accused him of Morales-Reyes doesn't speak fluent English, and his handwriting is "completely different" from the writing on the letters, according to the court filing. Police in Milwaukee - Wisconsin's most populous city - then interviewed Mr Scott, who "admitted that he wrote everything on the letters and envelopes himself"."When asked what was going through his head at the time of writing the letters, the defendant stated 'Freedom,'" the filing said. According to the filing, he admitted his intention was not to threaten Trump but prevent Mr Morales-Reyes from testifying at his trial, which is scheduled for week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a press release announcing Mr Morales-Reyes's arrest over a letter sent to an immigration field officer, including a copy of the letter, the author said he would "shoot your precious president in his [sic] head" at a Trump rally before fleeing back to his native country of of the letter were also sent to the Wisconsin attorney general's office and Milwaukee police chief. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted a picture of Mr Morales-Reyes's face and the letter on social media, writing: "This illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars."When White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about Noem's post and whether it would be corrected or removed, she referred questions to Homeland post about Mr Morales-Reyes remains on Mr Morales-Reyes is no longer accused of making the threats, a DHS statement said Mr Morales-Reyes would remain in custody."Over the course of the investigation, this individual was determined to be in the country illegally and that he had a criminal record," it Morales-Reyes will face a deportation hearing in Chicago Immigration Court on Wednesday morning, according to his lawyer Cain a statement to BBC News, the lawyer said that his client and his family are "relieved that it is now clear who the actual writer of the threatening letters is", but added that they "have been traumautized by these events and hope to be reunited soon". "We also believe that the Department of Homeland Security should issue a public statement acknowledging their error and calling for a stop to any threats against him and his family," the statement Oulahan added that Mr Morales-Reyes applied for a U visa - a type of visa given to the victims of crimes who cooperate with law enforcement - this past March. But the backlog on approving U visas is 7-8 years, "thus, we will be exploring other avenues of relief to try to keep him here."Demetric Deshawn Scott is set to face trial in July over the robbery case involving Mr Scott is charged with multiple felonies, including armed robbery, aggravated battery and use of a dangerous news outlet Milwaukee Journal Sentinel described the alleged encounter, saying that a man captured on a doorbell camera, suspected to be Mr Scott, assaulted Mr Morales-Reyes with a corkscrew while attempting to steal his bicycle.
Daily Mail
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Popeyes sparks fast food war with McDonald's as snack wrap release date announced
Popeyes is unleashing its competitive side after adding Chicken Wraps to its menus this week - as McDonald's finally announced the return date of the beloved Snack Wrap. Popeyes' Chicken Wraps come with lettuce, shredded cheese, and pickles with a choice of Classic, Spicy, or Honey Mustard sauce. 'We wanted to create a Chicken Wrap that was undeniably Popeyes,' said the chain's VP of Culinary Innovation Amy Alarcon. The wraps, available for a limited time, include nearly every ingredient one sees on McDonald's beloved Snack Wraps. The McDonald's item had been a longtime fan favorite item that customers have been waiting for since its 2016 discontinuation. The item, which came with the choice of ranch or honey mustard, was made of grilled or crispy chicken, lettuce, and shredded cheese. The new McDonald's wrap, which will come with a spicy or ranch spread, is set to return at participating locations on July 10, the chain announced Tuesday. While thousands of customers have been reacting to McDonald's Snack Wraps, Popeyes has been busy hinting its intentions to beat the restaurant chain in a fast food war. McDonald's ranch or spicy-flavored Snack Wraps will be available to purchase at participating locations on July 10 Popeyes began its quest on May 30 by mimicking a cryptic X post McDonald's made in April. McDonald's wrote 'Snack wraps 0x14.2025,' making customers believe they would return on the 14th of a month this year. The chicken chain responded on May 30 with 'chicken wraps 0x.02.2025,' which signaled the item would appear in two days on June 2. Popeyes also responded to this morning's Snack Wrap announcement from McDonald's by writing '... y'all good?.' The brand poked fun at the length of the McDonald's social media announcement, writing: 'i ain't reading all that - i'm happy for u tho - or sorry that happened.' As of now, McDonald's has yet to clap back, but its fans were more than thrilled to finally learn the Snack Wrap's release date. Popeyes fans were also excited to try one of its Chicken Wraps and were intrigued by the chains' relationship. 'Popeyes and McDonalds beefing was not on my bingo card,' an X user wrote. I think Popeyes and McDonald's need a debate on the chicken wrap — Loner Skii ⛷️ (@LonerSkii) June 3, 2025 McDonald's and Popeyes chicken wraps this summer: — Public Enemies Podcast (@PublicEnemiesHQ) June 3, 2025 Social media users either rooted for McDonald's or Popeyes, while others were entertained by the disses The battle between McDonald's and Popeyes is nothing new in the fast food world. The restaurant chains challenged one another back in 2019 during the early years of the chicken sandwich wars. Popeyes had already been in a battle with Chick-fil-A over the brands' chicken sandwiches. McDonald's took it to another level by launching a Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich. Fast-forward five years into the future, and both restaurant chains are going head-to-head in $5 Meal Deals. McDonald's is still looking to outdo Popeyes in the chicken category and is currently working on three C-suite roles to analyze menu items in three categories: beef, chicken, and beverages and desert. While the two are competing, McDonald's and Popeyes have one thing in common: low first quarter sales this year. Popeyes' same-store sales dropped 4 percent, while McDonald's US sales fell by 3.6 percent. The restaurant chains have not let slipping sales drag them down and, like other fast food brands, are continuing to fight for top dollar.
Daily Mail
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Fetterman rocked by latest staff upheaval amid spiraling health concerns
Another key staffer has departed John Fetterman's office amid the Pennsylvania Senator's reported mental health issues. A blockbuster New York Magazine feature last month painted the Pennsylvania Senator as not well and behaving erratically since being treated for depression. Further tales have been published since, including an old video of Fetterman behaving poorly on a plane and driving a staffer to tears with an outburst during a meeting with union representatives. Fetterman has consistently lashed out at the story as a 'one source hit piece' but in its wake, several staffers have left him. That continued Tuesday as Fetterman's Chief of Staff, Krysta Sinclair Juris, announced her departure. Juris replaced Adam Jentleson, who Fetterman has identified as the 'one source' who went on the record about his alleged experiences with the Senator in the magazine piece. The Senator painted her departure as amicable in a statement. 'I'm grateful for Krysta's work. She's been an invaluable member of the team for over two years and I wish her all the best.' Cabelle St. John, Fetterman's former deputy chief of staff, senior adviser and scheduling director, is taking over the job from Juris. 'Cabelle St. John has been a trusted advisor since day 1 in the office. I'm lucky to have her taking over as my Chief of Staff and I'm confident she'll do a great job,' he said. The news comes after the latest criticism of Fetterman was published this past weekend, suggesting he is an absentee Senator during a debate with Republican Dave McCormick. The Philadelphia Inquirer - one of Pennsylvania's more prominent home state newspapers - told him to step aside. In an opinion piece published by the paper's editorial board Sunday, Fetterman was told 'to serve Pennsylvanians, or step away' due to what the board believes is a neglect of his duties as a U.S. Senator. Fetterman was bashed for missing votes, and for his lack of travel around the Commonwealth. Fetterman responded that the votes he has missed have been 'procedural' in nature, adding: 'At this point I'm hearing I'm doing that job, I'm defending on all those things and all of those important votes, I've always been there.' 'We all know those votes that I've missed were on Monday. Those are travel days, and I have three young kids and I, those are throwaway procedural votes that there were never determinative. They were important. That's a choice that I made,' Fetterman concluded. The bombshell story in New York Magazine features several concerning accusations about Fetterman's behavior, including not taking medicine prescribed after he spent time in a mental health facility in 2023. Only one staffer would go public with the claims and Fetterman has personally denied them. Some of the anonymous staffers shared marital strife and political disagreements with his wife Gisele. Former Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson is the most public face of the story, titled 'The Hidden Struggle of John Fetterman.' One year after Fetterman's release from the traumatic-brain-injury and neuropsychiatry unit at Walter Reed Hospital, Jentleson wrote a letter the division's director who treated Fetterman there. 'I think John is on a bad trajectory and I'm really worried about him,' Jentleson wrote in the 1,600-word email with the subject line: 'Concerns.' He added that the senator 'won't be with us for much longer' if he doesn't change his behavior, with Jentleson claiming these are 'the things you said to flag, so I am flagging.' One of the things he was told to flag: that Fetterman purchased a gun, though Jentleson admits the senator 'takes all the necessary precautions, and living where he does I understand the desire for personal protection.' Jentleson is referring to the hard-scrabble small town of Braddock where Fetterman served as mayor and still lives. Fetterman is accused of everything from the physical - 'not taking his meds' to eating fast food multiple times a day - to the mental - lying, 'self-centered monologues,' 'conspiratorial thinking; megalomania' - among his issues. The senator is also allegedly obsessed with social media despite admitting it was an 'accelerant' of his depression and driving 'recklessly' to the point that staffers refused to ride with him and a police officer said it was 'a miracle no one died' after one accident last June. Jentleson also argued that 'every person who was supposed to help him stay on his recovery plan has been pushed out.' The former chief of staff later said in an interview a year after writing the letter that he's telling his side of the story because he believes Fetterman's trajectory has taken him out of consideration to lead the Democrats going forward. 'Part of the tragedy here is that this is a man who could be leading Democrats out of the wilderness but I also think he's struggling in a way that shouldn't be hidden from the public.' Quite the opposite, as The Intercept recently reported that Fetterman's campaign is bleeding money and losing small-dollar donors ever since his meeting with Trump. The author, Ben Terris, spoke to Fetterman ahead of publication and got a text message from him asking: 'Why is this a story? He added that the number of staffers leaving is typical for Washington and he is the 'best version' of himself right now. Fetterman also denied claims that towards the beginning of his first term, he had to be spoken with for 'an hour' with staffers 'trying to trying to convince him, to talk him out of some crazy fantasy' that he wouldn't be allowed in the Senate. He also said there is no truth to accusations that he began to 'sour' on his own party after bipartisan efforts to prevent him from wearing his trademark hoodie and shorts to the Senate floor. Things became somewhat more complicated when asked about arguments over Gaza and meeting with Donald Trump with his wife Gisele, herself having come to the U.S. as an illegal migrant. Fetterman called their disagreements 'very common in political marriage' and said Gisele 'has her own voice. Gisele, for her part, told New York Magazine that Jentleson is trying to harm her husband and lied to her about his health.
