Loretta Swit Biography: Age, Husband, Career, and Personal Life
Loretta Swit is a renowned American actress best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the long-running television series MAS*H. With a career spanning over five decades, Swit has become a beloved figure in television history. This article explores her life, age, marriage, professional journey, and personal insights.
| Full Name | Loretta Jane Swit |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1937 |
| Age | 87 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Passaic, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Polish-American |
| Profession | Actress, Activist, Author |
| Years Active | 1967–present |
| Notable Role | Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan (MAS*H) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Dennis Holahan (m. 1983–1995) |
| Children | None |
| Awards | 2× Emmy Awards |
| Organization | SwitHeart Animal Alliance |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
🧬 Early Life and Background
Loretta Jane Swit was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, USA. Of Polish descent, she was raised in a Roman Catholic family and attended Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic. Later, she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where she honed her craft and passion for the stage.
🎭 Career Overview
Loretta Swit’s career began in theater, performing in regional and national productions, including notable performances in Same Time, Next Year and The Odd Couple. She made her television debut in the late 1960s with guest roles on series like Gunsmoke and Mission: Impossible.
🚀 Breakthrough Role: MAS*H
In 1972, Swit landed her most memorable role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, a role she portrayed for all 11 seasons until the series ended in 1983. Her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (1980 and 1982).
Swit was praised for bringing depth and complexity to her character, evolving from a caricature of a strict military nurse into a well-rounded, respected female officer.
🏆 Awards and Recognition
- 2× Primetime Emmy Awards for MAS*H (1980, 1982)
- TV Land Award – Impact Icon Award (2009)
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Humanitarian awards for her activism in animal rights
❤️ Personal Life
Loretta Swit was married to actor Dennis Holahan in 1983. However, the couple divorced in 1995. She has no children. Swit is known for her privacy and focuses much of her post-acting life on advocacy and humanitarian causes.
🐾 Activism and Personal Passions
An outspoken animal rights activist, Swit is involved in various charitable organizations. She founded SwitHeart Animal Alliance, which supports efforts to end animal cruelty. She is also a talented painter and published a book titled SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit.
🧠 Fun Facts
- Loretta Swit is the only cast member to appear in both the first and last episode of MASH*.
- She is a classically trained singer.
- Swit turned down multiple marriage proposals before marrying in her 40s.
📚 Conclusion
Loretta Swit is not only a television icon but also a compassionate activist and artist. Her legacy through MASH* and her advocacy work continues to inspire generations. With decades of impactful work in entertainment and beyond, Loretta remains a revered figure in American pop culture.
