Loretta Swit (Actress) - On This Day

Profession: Actress

Biography: Loretta Swit was an American actress known for her role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the television series M*A*S*H (1972-1983). She won two Emmy Awards for her performance and became a television icon of the era. Swit also had a notable presence on stage and was a passionate animal rights activist.

Swit began her acting career in theater, performing in off-Broadway productions like An Enemy of the People and The Balcony (1961). Swit went on to tour with the national production of Any Wednesday (1967) and later appeared on Broadway in Same Time, Next Year (1975). Her stage work continued throughout her career, including roles in Mame and Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks.

Her breakthrough in television came with her role in M*A*S*H as a dedicated yet vulnerable army nurse, earning her critical acclaim. Swit's portrayal of Houlihan was key to the show's success and earned her two Emmys. Swit was also involved in other television projects, participating in the pilot for Cagney & Lacey and making guest appearances on various shows.

Swit's personal life included a high-profile relationship and marriage to actor Dennis Holahan. She is committed to animal rights and wrote a book on needlepoint, titled A Needlepoint Scrapbook.

Swit's contributions were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Sarah Siddons Award for her work in Chicago theater.

Born: November 4, 1937
Birthplace: Passaic, New Jersey, USA
Age: 86 years old

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Scorpio

Acting Career

Personal Life

• 1983-12-21 American "M*A*S*H" actress Loretta Swit weds (46) American actor Dennis Holahan (41); divorce in 1995

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