Love, Loss, and Fierce Independence. Loretta Swit’s personal life was as unique as her career. Though she once declared, “I’m not interested in being married,” fate had other plans.
In 1983, she married actor Dennis Holahan, whom she met on the set of MASH* when he guest-starred as Per Johannsen, the Swedish diplomat who stole “Hot Lips”’ heart. Life imitated art, but the marriage ended in 1995.
Swit never remarried and never had children, a choice she embraced without regret. For women like Swit, maternity insurance and pregnancy-related healthcare weren’t personal necessities, but she often used her platform to advocate for women’s reproductive rights and equitable insurance access.
“My parents and friends are my family,” she said. “I don’t want a lot of other demands. I love my work and I love my friends. I can’t imagine having a happier life.”
Swit’s independence, her refusal to conform to Hollywood’s expectations, and her fierce advocacy for animal rights set her apart. She spent decades championing animal welfare causes, earning the admiration of activists and fans alike.
A Final Curtain Call: Hollywood and Fans React. News of Swit’s passing sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. Alan Alda, her longtime friend and co-star, issued a heartfelt statement: “Loretta was the soul of MASH*.
