For 11 seasons, Loretta Swit played one of the most iconic characters on television, Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M*A*S*H. While the show was basically centered on male leads, Swit brought life to her character and transformed her into a respected, complex woman. She was widely praised for how well she interpreted the role.
Given her popularity and strong presence on M*A*S*H, many expected Swit to take on other leading roles after the series ended. But surprisingly, she didn’t. Instead of jumping into new TV shows, she opted for guest appearances, TV movies, and game show spots.
Loretta Swit didn’t want to be typecasted
Swit once starred in the original Cagney & Lacey TV movie, but she didn’t continue with the series due to her M*A*S*H contract. When that contract ended, she made a clear decision. In an interview, she shared that while she loved the experience of M*A*S*H, she felt it was time to move on. Playing the same character every week, no matter how beloved, wasn’t what she wanted long-term.
So, she explored a wider range. From The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to 14 Going on 30, and multiple roles on The Love Boat, Swit chose variety over repetition. She even played a Soviet cruise official and a newlywed in the same show. She revealed that she did all this to avoid being boxed into the same kind of role again.
Loretta Swit wanted to have creative control
Swit’s choice wasn’t just because she didn’t want to be typecasted; it was also about having creative control. She shared that although M*A*S*H* was progressive for its time, the women didn’t always have the same say as the men behind the scenes. Swit often had to speak up for Margaret’s character, especially when writers tried to make her look weak.
She famously opposed Margaret’s ending in the series, believing her character would never choose a cushy desk job while others were still being deployed. That disagreement, along with years of creative compromise, likely played into her decision to step back from long-term TV commitments. Outside acting, she channeled her energy into animal rights activism, founding the SwitHeart Animal Alliance to fight animal cruelty.