Loretta Swit, Iconic "M.A.S.H." Star, Passes Away at 87
NEW YORK (AP) — Loretta Swit, beloved for her role as Major Margaret Houlihan in the groundbreaking TV series "M.A.S.H.," has died at the age of 87. Her publicist confirmed that she passed away at her home in New York City, likely from natural causes.
Swit starred alongside Alan Alda as they depicted life in the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. The series aired from 1972 to 1983 and became a cultural phenomenon, culminating in a record-breaking finale that attracted over 100 million viewers.
Originally portraying a one-dimensional character in the 1970 film, Swit transformed Houlihan into a nuanced figure, influenced by the evolving feminist movement of the 1970s. "I took each traumatic change that happened in her life and kept it," she once reflected, emphasizing her commitment to depth in character development.
"M.A.S.H." initially struggled in its first season but later became a critical success, winning nine Emmy nominations and accolades, including the 1975 Peabody Award for its impactful humor and commentary on war.
Swit’s legacy as a pioneering actress and her contributions to television will be remembered fondly.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
