Loretta Swit, the beloved actress who brought to life the iconic character Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on *M*A*S*H*, passed away at 87 this past Friday at her home in New York City. Her death, confirmed to Fox News Digital, is believed to have been from natural causes.
But while Hollywood may remember Swit for her quick wit and Emmy-winning performances, conservatives across America will remember her for something far deeper — her unwavering support for our nation’s veterans, her pride in portraying strong women in uniform, and her bold stand against reducing patriots to punchlines.
Swit, who graced our screens for over a decade in one of the most-watched television series in American history, never lost sight of what her role truly meant. Playing a woman of rank — a Major in the U.S. Army — Swit refused to let her character be diminished by a demeaning nickname that some in the entertainment industry gleefully embraced.
“I understand nicknames come with great love and admiration for a character,” she said in an interview with Fox News Digital in 2023. “But it was an insult as far as I was concerned. She wasn’t just a piece of anatomy. She was a major in the United States Army, and she should not be disrespected.”
In an industry often too quick to mock tradition, the military, and conservative values, Swit stood firm, advocating for dignity, respect, and authentic portrayals of women in service. Her pushback wasn’t performative — she went so far as to ask the *M*A*S*H* writers to phase out the “Hot Lips” moniker. “She’s so much more than this,” Swit insisted.
And indeed she was.
Beyond *M*A*S*H*, Swit enjoyed a long and decorated career in film, television, and theater. From Broadway productions like Same Time, Next Year to working alongside legends such as Chuck Norris and Barbara Eden, her résumé is rich with American storytelling. But it was her off-screen mission that truly set her apart.
A passionate animal lover, Swit launched the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, an organization committed to ending animal cruelty and suffering. Her art book and fragrance — both named “SwitHeart” — served not only as creative outlets but as tools to raise money for causes close to her heart. Unlike many celebrities who push vanity projects, Swit used her platform for good — quietly, effectively, and selflessly.
Still, it was her work with America’s veterans that became her life’s calling.
“I worked for a long time with World War II vets and got to know them really well,” she said. “It made you realize how much work we needed to do in this country to support them… They endured so much and many faced those struggles in silence.”
In a culture that increasingly overlooks the sacrifices of our armed forces — or worse, maligns them — Loretta Swit used her voice to honor the forgotten, the wounded, and the brave. She forged lifelong friendships with servicemen and women, attending events, sharing their stories, and championing their dignity.
“The very fact that a serviceman or woman puts themselves on the front lines and says, ‘I give you my life’ – that’s the ultimate sacrifice,” she said. “And we just don’t thank them enough.”
Swit famously quoted a powerful statement that captures her patriotism: “A veteran is someone who at one time in their lives wrote out a blank check made out to the United States of America, giving them the sum of up to and including their life.”
That quote is more than words — it’s a worldview. And Swit lived it.
In today’s Hollywood — a landscape dominated by virtue signaling, anti-American rhetoric, and shallow activism — Swit stood out like a beacon. She didn’t chase headlines by parroting progressive talking points. She spent her life quietly championing the people who make America strong: our veterans, our animals, our unsung heroes.
She was more than an actress. She was a patriot.
With two Emmy Awards, 10 Emmy nominations, and a résumé that includes everything from The Muppet Show to Race with the Devil, Loretta Swit was a star. But it was her humility, her loyalty, and her deep appreciation for those who serve that made her truly unforgettable.
In an era of division and distraction, we remember Loretta Swit not only for her talent but for her decency. She understood that *M*A*S*H* was more than a comedy — it was a tribute. And she made sure her role honored the brave women who wear the uniform, not just for laughs, but with dignity and heart.
May she rest in peace — a true friend to the military, a voice for the voiceless, and a rare example of what Hollywood used to be: graceful, patriotic, and proud to stand for something real.
