Loretta Swit

Loretta Swit is an American actress, best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the hit television series MASH*. Born in 1937 in Passaic, New Jersey, Swit’s career in television and film spans decades, beginning with early roles in shows like Hawaii Five-O and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. However, it was her portrayal of the strong-willed, yet vulnerable, head nurse in the Korean War setting of MASH* that solidified her place in television history. Swit’s performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Beyond her work on MASH*, Loretta Swit has appeared in a wide variety of film and television roles, including movies like The Best of Times (1986) and The Swimmer (1968). She has also been an advocate for animal rights, supporting organizations such as The Humane Society and PETA. One of her well-known quotes is, "I’ve never been a ‘star’ person, I’ve always been an actor," reflecting her belief in the craft of acting over the pursuit of fame.

In addition to her acting and activism, Loretta Swit has written a book on her experiences with animal advocacy, titled SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry and Animal Activism of Loretta Swit. Throughout her career, she has remained a beloved figure, not only for her role in MASH* but also for her genuine, down-to-earth personality. As she once said, "I’m not a ‘method’ actor. I just want to connect with the truth of the character," underscoring her focus on authenticity in her craft.