‘M*A*S*H’ Star Loretta Swit Takes Fans’ Breath Away With Her Evolution From ‘Hot Lips’ To ‘100% Beautiful’ In Her 80s

Dec 05, 2024 by apost team

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Even decades after the show went off the air, “M*A*S*H” has continued to resonate with fans – and pick up new ones – due to its stellar writing, enduring relevance and, most of all, a charismatic cast whose camaraderie and hijinks almost make you wish you could be there with them. Among the stars of the hit dramedy series was Loretta Swit, who played the vivacious and high-spirited US Army nurse Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan.

Based on the critically acclaimed Robert Altman film of the same name released in 1970, “M*A*S*H” ran for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983. It made household names of all its top cast members, including Alan Alda, who played the roguishly handsome, war-weary yet endearing prankster Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce, Wayne Rogers as Hawkeye’s loyal sidekick Captain “Trapper” John Francis Xavier McIntyre, and Gary Burghoff as the sweet and resourceful Walter Eugene “Radar” O’Reilly, among others.

However, Swit remained the only female cast member to play a leading role throughout the show’s run, playing the perpetual foil to Hawkeye and Trapper’s antics. Early in the show, Houlihan appeared as a comedic stereotype of a humorless, lovesick nurse focused on getting hitched. But as the women’s liberation movement picked up speed in the 1970s, Swit became more vocal to the show’s producers about giving her character more depth — and they listened. Swit credited much of her burgeoning social awareness at the time to none other than her castmate Alda. 

She would later also attribute Alda with helping her come to terms with the criticism she faced as a single woman in her 30s. Read on to find out more about Swit and fans’ reactions to seeing her now as a beautiful and empowered woman in her 80s.

Swit constantly describes her “M*A*S*H” cast members as being like family to her. In an interview with People in 1979, she sang Alda’s praises, as she said: “I think of Alan as a teacher. He is so involved in women’s lib and has helped me to have confidence in myself. He is a gentle, kind man and I owe a lot of my transformation into a liberated person to him.” 

Because she was single in her 30s, speculation about marriage with the men she was dating at the time was rife. 

“I’m not interested in being married,” she said. “I have a career and friends and things I care about doing. I don’t want a lot of other demands. And, thanks to Alan, who has deep insight about women, I don’t feel guilty anymore about not wanting a family. My parents and friends are my family.”

It wasn’t until she was 42 years old that she tied the knot with actor Dennis Holahan. However, they divorced 12 years later in 1995. Swit has never remarried and remained hush-hush about the divorce and said, “I know some wonderful married couples, but it takes two very special people to make that happen.”

Now in her 80s, Swit has found solace among her closest friends. 

“Alan Alda is a dear friend, nothing like the cynical, bitter Hawkeye. Harry Morgan (Colonel Potter) was adorable, and we loved him terribly,” she told Express, and added, “Mike Farrell (Captain BJ Hunnicutt) was like my big brother, and Jamie Farr (Corporal Klinger) is like family, I would spend Christmas with him. Gary Burghoff (Radar) is a great friend.” 

“It is a real family to me. When Wayne Rogers (Trapper) died recently I was crippled. It was a terrible loss. These people are my life’s treasures,” she added.

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Swit has also moved on to bigger and better things in life that give her fulfillment and joy. Topmost of these have been her rising activism for issues close to her heart — army service members and veterans, as well as animal rights. 

Swit has campaigned for recognition of US prisoners of war, narrating a documentary, “Never The Same,” about World War 2’s Pacific theatre POWs, to honor their legacy. After the devastating 9/11 attack, Swit was compelled to dedicate her time to the servicemen on hand at Ground Zero, which she told Fox News left her “faith intact and invulnerable.” She elaborated:

“I’ll never forget those people — ever. I saw how we pulled together into one strong, resilient family. I remember a newspaper headline in Paris read ‘Today We Are All Americans.’ Well today, we are all family.”

Swit was also on hand when the pandemic hit to contribute as much as she could. “I have been networking. I have been shooting PSAs on my iPhone for New York City — the city I love,” she told Fox News, and added, “The volunteers, caregivers and first responders who are the front of the trenches — they are our heartbeat. Our lifeline.” 

An animal lover, the vegan actress is also a fervent advocate for animal rights, launching the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, which collaborates with NGOs to end cruelty against domestic, farm, exotic, wild and native animals. 

As for how Swit finds the energy to keep up with all her advocacy work, she told Express bluntly, “Not having grandchildren helps.” Determined not to slow down, she said: 

“People say I look great, but I don’t think about the passage of time, just what I’m doing with it. I take life one day at a time and live each day as if it is my last.”

Swit’s optimistic outlook and high spirits have led her to continue leading a vibrant life into her 80s. Turning 88 in 2024, Swit’s appearances have left fans raving about her youthful energy and looks. After sharing a throwback photo on social media, fans showered her with praise.

“Loretta, you are breathtaking!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️” one user exclaimed, as another said, “Dazzling Loretta. And always classy.” 

“Beautiful now and forever. Beautiful inside and out.❤️” a fan remarked, prompting others to echo, “Timeless beauty! 😍💕,” “100% BEAUTIFUL ❤️,” and “Such a hottie then and always.”

Swit was also inundated with compliments after sharing a photo of herself to coincide with the July 4th Independence Day celebration in 2024. The caption read:

“Happy July 4th! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 Enjoy, celebrate, stay safe and remember, of course keep those furbabies safe and indoors during any fireworks!”

Fans were enamored by Swit’s post, including her love and dedication to animals.

“Your posts are always so uplifting and lovely. You are a treasure,” one user wrote, and another said, “You look fantastic!! I am a true loyal fan of the entire 4077 crew!” 

“I watch Mash every night. Loved your progression through the years. ♥️♥️♥️” a fan gushed, with another concurring, “How can an “American Legend” STILL look absolutely stunning!!! ❤️”

“As much as I love your portrayal of Margaret on MASH, I love even more your passion for animals and all the wonderful work you’ve done for them. Bless you! 💖” another comment read.

Fans also went wild for another post featuring Swit with a pair of adorable rescue dogs.

“I just adore your spirit!!!!!” one user said.

“You are such a blessing to this planet 🌎,” a fan declared, as another agreed, saying, “You have a heart of gold…your love for our angels in fur is so deep and so real.”

What do you think about how Loretta Swit’s life and career has progressed? Are you a big “M*A*S*H” fan to this day? Let us know, and pass this along to friends and family who are big fans, too!