In the months before her passing, Loretta Swit graced a few public events in New York City, leaving a trail of elegance and purpose behind. She remained devoted to causes close to her heart, especially animal welfare, and carried the same spark that made her unforgettable on screen, till her final days.
Loretta passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2025. Her publicist confirmed that she was found by her maid around 10 a.m. that Friday. While the official cause hasn’t been stated, it’s believed to be natural causes. Known and loved by many for her role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the hit CBS series M*A*S*H, Loretta left a mark that went beyond acting.
Loretta Swit didn’t just show up at the event; she also participated in a meaningful way
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Even in her later years, Loretta remained active, not just in showbiz but in philanthropy. Her final public appearance was earlier this year on February 6, 2025, at ELYSIAN magazine’s Spring Philanthropy & Fashion Issue Launch held at The National Arts Club in New York. She was the cover star for that issue, a reflection of her commitment to animal rights.
Months earlier, in October 2024, she attended the opening night of Hannah Gadsby: WOOF!, a new stand-up show at the Abrons Arts Center. Loretta was also spotted at New York Fashion Week in September, walking the runway with grace. At 87, she didn’t just attend; she participated, showing up in a stunning velvet gown beside designer Johnathan Kayne and a little dog named Ziggy.
Loretta Swit Lived A Life of Great Achievement
Loretta Swit was more than just an actress — she was a storyteller, a voice for the voiceless, and a woman of strength. She was known for being real. She stayed loyal even when M*A*S*H had its struggles. Her breakout role in M*A*S*H earned her two Emmy Awards and ten nominations. In fact, she was nominated every year the show aired, except for its very first season. She starred in 240 out of 251 episodes.
Outside the series, she appeared in classics like Hawaii Five-O, The Love Boat, Whoops Apocalypse, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Her final film credit was in the 2019 movie Play the Flute. But even more interestingly, her IMDb page shows she was set to appear in Second Chances, a project still in pre-production at the time of her death. Truly, she made a difference.