Loretta Swit passed away on May 30 at the age of 87. The actress played Major Margaret Houlihan on M*A*S*H in 1972 and became the fans’ favorite. As news of her death spread, her longtime co-stars from the television series wrote touching tributes, reflecting on the bond they shared over the show’s 11-year run and after it ended.
During the M*A*S*H’s early seasons, Swit’s character was often reduced to a nickname. However, through her determination to helping the writers change the stereotype, she helped transform Margaret Houlihan into a better woman. Alan Alda (as Hawkeye Pierce in the sitcom) was among the first to honor Swit.
Tributes to Loretta Swit
Loretta Swit’s role in M*A*S*H earned her global recognition, including ten consecutive Emmy nominations and two wins. But what stood out most to Alan Alda and the rest of the cast was her commitment to upholding the character’s integrity and the camaraderie she brought to the set.
Jamie Farr, 90, who starred as Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger, also shared his grief and admiration for Swit. He described her as someone who felt like family from the moment they met. Though their friendship started during the early days of M*A*S*H, it endured for decades, and he often referred to her as his “adopted sister.” Mike Farrell, 86, also paid his respects to Swit. He joined the series as B.J. Hunnicutt in its fourth season. Mike shared a black-and-white photo of Swit on his Instagram account with the caption, “Loretta … 1937-2025 🖤.”
View this post on Instagram
A life of impact
The cast members of the series would miss Loretta Swit, as most described her as a family member and someone who brought smiles to the faces of others. In a past interview, Swit spoke openly about how much these friendships that started on set meant to her, even many years after the show ended. They were an integral part of her personal life.
Loretta Swit also dedicated much of her life to animal advocacy. Organizations like PETA and Actors and Others for Animals remembered her as a voice for animal welfare. She was a vegan, a longtime activist, and a board member who participated in campaigns and events.