Alan Alda has paid respects to his “supremely talented” “M*A*S*H” co-star Loretta Swit, who died May 30 at age 87.
In a post on X, Alda, who played the wisecracking surgeon Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce alongside Swit’s Maj. Margaret Houlihan through all 11 seasons, said the actress deserved the 10 Emmy nominations in a row she received for the character (winning two: 1980, 1982).
“More than acting her part, she created it,” Alda, now 89, wrote. Alda praised how Swit brought life into the Houlihan character. “She worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one-joke sexist stereotype into a real person – with real feelings and ambitions.”
Swit had spoken with pride about convincing the show writers to stop referring to Houlihan as “Hot Lips,” a nickname from an affair with married colleague Frank Burns (Larry Linville).
“We celebrated the day the script came out listing her character, not as Hot Lips, but as Margaret,” wrote Alda. “Loretta made the most of her time here.”
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Loretta Swit dies at 87: ‘M*A*S*H’ star called character ‘so much more than a piece of anatomy’
Jamie Farr calls Loretta Swit his ‘adopted sister’
Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger on “M*A*S*H,” paid respects to his “adopted sister” in a statement to USA TODAY.
“I dearly loved Loretta! As close as family can get,” said Farr, 90, whose Klinger evolved from a bit player to a main character. “From the first time I met her, on what was supposed to be a one-day appearance on “M*A*S*H,” we embraced each other. That became a lifetime friendship. I can’t begin to express how much she will be missed.”
Mike Farrell tribute: A photograph
Mike Farrell, who joined the “M*A*S*H” cast in season 4 as B.J. Hunnicutt, posted a black and white photograph of Swit on Instagram.
“Loretta … 1937-2025 🖤,” Farrell, 86, wrote.
The three actors, along with Gary Burghoff (who played Radar O’Reilly), are the last remaining leading actors from “M*A*S*H,” who remain a tight-knit group despite the decades.
“We might as well be joined at the hip,” Swit told Fox News in 2017. “We see each other quite frequently. Every time we lose a comrade, it’s a body blow. We feel it harshly, badly. People always ask me, ‘Do you ever see them?’ When do I not see them? These aren’t casual acquaintances from years ago. This is my family.”
PETA praises ‘major champion’ Loretta Swit
Lisa Lange, vice president at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, praised Swit’s “legacy of compassion.” The actress was a longtime animal activist and vegan.
“While Loretta Swit may have been known to most as Major Margaret Houlihan, she was known to PETA as a major champion for all animals,” Lange said in a statement. “The world has lost a kind soul and animals a true friend.”
“Laugh-In” star Jo Anne Worley, a board member with Swit on Actors and Others for Animals, said Swit had “enthusiastically participated” in the group’s recent meeting.
“Loretta dedicated her life to improving the lives of all animals,” Worley said in a statement. “We will all miss her joyous presence. “
