Loretta Swit, known for role as Major Margaret Houlihan on 'M*A*S*H,' dies at 87

NEW YORK (KABC) — Loretta Swit, the actress best known for her role as Major Margaret Houlihan on the acclaimed television series “M*A*S*H,” died Friday at her home in New York City, her publicist said. She was 87.

The cause of death was preliminarily suspected to be natural causes, according to a police report, her spokesperson said. A coroner’s investigation was pending.

During her long career, Swit was honored with such recognition as the People’s Choice Award, Genie Award, Silver Satellite Award, Jean Golden Halo Award, Pacific Broadcasters Award, and two Emmy Awards. With 10 Emmy nominations and four nominations for the Golden Globe, she most recently has received her third Career Achievement Award.

Loretta Swit speaks to ABC7 on 45th anniversary of M*A*S*H

The hit series “M*A*S*H” is celebrating its 45th anniversary this TV season. The show debuted in September 1972. One of the stars of the show is still making a name for herself.

She teamed with some of the most memorable names in the world of entertainment, and made her Broadway debut in “Same Time, Next Year” opposite Ted Bessell and toured with two illustrious “Mames,” Susan Hayward and Celeste Holm, playing the title role of Mame herself years later in New York and Pennsylvania. She has appeared in over 1,200 performances of Shirley Valentine – a role for which she won Chicago’s most prestigious theatrical honor, the Sarah Siddons Award.

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

You May Also Like
Federal judge approves Colorado law banning people under 21 from buying a gun

A federal judge has given the go-ahead for a law in Colorado that prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing firearms.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A federal judge has…
'Cannon' test boosts Karen Read’s defense, showing taillight damage consistent with thrown bar glass

Karen Read’s defense gets a boost from ‘Cannon’ test, revealing taillight damage that matches glass thrown at her

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Karen Read’s legal team…
FBI Director Kash Patel announces Covid breakthrough after seizing Anthony Fauci's phones and hard drives

FBI Director Kash Patel reveals Covid discovery following seizure of Anthony Fauci’s electronic devices.

According to the president’s intelligence head, the Trump administration claims to have…
‘Predator: Killer of Killers’ Ending Explained: The Secret Meaning Behind Those ‘Prey’ Easter Eggs

Explaining the Ending of ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’: Uncovering the Hidden Symbolism in the ‘Prey’ Easter Eggs

In 2022, the release of Prey on Hulu brought about a significant…
Former University of St. Francis basketball player Landus Anderson fulfills dreams as NBA lawyer for Portland Trail Blazers

Landus Anderson, a former basketball player at the University of St. Francis, achieves his aspirations as an attorney for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA.

A former basketball player from the University of St. Francis in Joliet,…
Fugitive accused of wiping out New York family including kids aged two and four is captured in tourist spot

Man who allegedly killed New York family, including young children, is arrested in popular tourist destination

A fugitive accused of killing a New York family-of-four, including two young…
Supreme Court gives DOGE access to Social Security data

Supreme Court grants access to Social Security data for DOGE

Granting DOGE access to sensitive data within the Social Security Administration, the…
Chicago police officer killed in Chatham shooting on South Drexel Avenue, with suspects in custody, CPD says

CPD reports Chicago police officer fatally shot in Chatham incident; suspects apprehended

CHICAGO (WLS) — Several suspects are in custody after a Chicago police…
'Freakier Friday' new look: what the latest trailer reveals about the sequel's story.

‘Revealing the Story of the Sequel: A Closer Look at the New ‘Freakier Friday’ Trailer’

Disney released a new trailer for “Freakier Friday” and the switcheroo shenanigans…
San Diego authorities arrest 3 noncitizens allegedly involved in transporting more than $5M worth of meth

3 noncitizens arrested in San Diego for allegedly transporting over $5M worth of meth

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Three men were arrested…
Republicans weigh in on whether Trump and Musk should make peace after talks called OFF

Republicans consider if Trump and Musk should reconcile after discussions canceled

Elon Musk and Donald Trump should reconcile their differences Republican lawmakers told the…
How much money Elon Musk lost because of feud with Donald Trump

The financial impact of Elon Musk’s dispute with Donald Trump

Elon Musk, the former controversial leader of DOGE, has reportedly experienced a…