Emmy-winning actress who transformed M.A.S.H role dies aged 87
Loretta Swit, best known for her role as Major Margaret Houlihan on the TV series M.A.S.H., has died at the age of 87.
Swit died at her home in Manhattan on Friday, with her publicist stating that the cause of death was likely natural causes.
Her portrayal of head Army nurse Houlihan earned her 10 consecutive Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, winning twice in 1980 and 1982.
Swit's influence on scriptwriters helped transform Houlihan from a one-dimensional character into a more complex and realistic person, reflecting the growing awareness of feminism in the 1970s.
M.A.S.H star Alan Alda praised Swit as a 'supremely talented actor' and how she transformed the character previously known as 'Hot Lips' to being known as 'Margaret'.
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