Her warmth, humor, and strength touched everyone she met. She was my friend, my partner in laughter and tears, and she will be missed beyond words.” Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Klinger, wrote on social media, “We lost a giant today. Loretta was family—on and off screen. The world is a little dimmer without her.”
Fans flooded social media with tributes, sharing memories of Swit’s iconic performances and the ways she inspired them. “She taught me that women could be strong, smart, and funny,” tweeted one fan. “Rest in peace, Hot Lips. You changed the world.”
For many, her character also introduced conversations around hospital costs, triage care, and mental health in high-stress environments—a legacy that resonates even now.
The Legacy of ‘Hot Lips’: More Than a TV Character. Loretta Swit’s impact goes far beyond her Emmy-winning role. She broke barriers for women in television, proving that female characters could be as dynamic, complex, and flawed as their male counterparts. She used her fame to fight for causes she believed in, from animal rights to veterans’ issues.
She also championed causes related to veterans’ medical care, birth injury legal claims, and post-trauma health counseling, all of which found echoes in the character she brought to life. Her legacy lives on in every strong, independent woman who watched MASH* and saw themselves in Major Houlihan. It lives on in the laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments she gave to millions of viewers over five decades.
A Fond Farewell As the world says goodbye to Loretta Swit, we remember not just the actress, but the woman: bold, compassionate, unafraid to chart her own path. In her own words: “I love my work and I love my friends. I can’t imagine having a happier life.” Rest well, Loretta. The world is better for having known you.
