Loretta Swit: The Versatile and Award-Winning Actress.
Many TV fans know the name Loretta Swit, especially if they grew up watching the classic show MAS*H.
Swit portrayed Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, a strict and passionate army nurse who often clashed with the irreverent doctors of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War.
Her performance won her two Emmy Awards, and she became one of the show’s most popular characters.
But Loretta Swit is more than just “Hot Lips.”
She is a versatile and talented actress who has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions.
She’s also an author, artist, and animal rights activist, dedicating her time and energy to various causes.
Loretta Swit was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents who worked as a salesman and an upholsterer.
She has an older brother named Robert, born six years and one day before her.
Swit is currently 86 years old, standing at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and weighing around 132 lbs (60 kg).
She has blonde hair and blue eyes.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into Loretta Swit’s life and career, exploring her accomplishments and contributions to the entertainment industry and society.
PHOTO Source | Instagram
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Loretta Jane Swit |
| Birth Name | Loretta Jane Szwed |
| Nickname | Hot Lips |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Polish |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Occupation | Actress, author, artist |
| Years Active | 1967-present |
| Spouse | Dennis Holahan (m. 1983; div. 1995) |
| Children | None |
| Awards | Two Emmy Awards, one People’s Choice Award, one Genie Award, one Sarah Siddons Award, one Prism Award |
Loretta Swit’s Background, Early Life, Parents, Siblings, Education and Religion
Swit grew up in a Catholic family of Polish descent, attending Holy Rosary R.C. Church in Passaic and participating in a Girl Scout troop.
She developed a passion for acting at an early age and started performing on stage from age 7.
She graduated from Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic in 1955, where she was a cheerleader, co-captain of the women’s basketball team, and took part in theatrical productions.
Later, she studied secretarial skills at Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair, New Jersey, and worked as a stenographer, a personal secretary, and at the American Rocket Society in New York City while pursuing her acting career.
She also studied drama with Gene Frankel in Manhattan and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to train as a singer.
Loretta Swit’s Personal Life, Boyfriends, Marriage and Divorce
Loretta Swit was married once to actor Dennis Holahan in 1983.
Holahan played a lawyer in MAS*H’s final episode, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.”
The couple divorced in 1995 after 12 years of marriage and had no children together.
Swit has been romantically linked to several other men in the past, including;
Actor Mike Farrell, singer Mark Farner, actor Wayne Rogers, actor David Ackroyd, and actor William Shatner.
Currently, Swit resides in Los Angeles with her four dogs, showcasing her deep love for animals.
She has authored a book called “SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit,” featuring her animal paintings and advocacy for their rights.
Loretta Swit’s Career
Loretta Swit embarked on her professional acting career in the 1960s, appearing in various off-Broadway and regional theater productions.
Her Broadway debut came in 1969 in the musical “Mame,” starring Angela Lansbury.
She also toured with the national company of “Any Wednesday.”
Throughout her career, she starred in numerous plays and won several awards, including the Sarah Siddons Award and the Prism Award.
Swit made her film debut in 1971 in the horror movie “Deadhead Miles.”
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She appeared in various films, including “Freebie and the Bean,” “Race with the Devil,” “S.O.B.,” “Beer,” “Whoops Apocalypse,” “Forest Warrior,” and “Beach Movie.”
She also lent her voice to animated films like “The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue” and “The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists.”
Her most notable film role was in Robert Altman’s 1970 film “MAS*H,” where she played Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan.
The film was a satirical comedy about doctors and nurses during the Korean War and led to a successful TV series of the same name, in which Swit reprised her role.
She appeared in all 251 episodes of the series and won two Emmys for her performance.
Swit also featured in many other TV shows and TV movies and even hosted the documentary series “Those Incredible Animals” from 1992 to 1995. She also participated in several game shows.
Loretta Swit’s Awards and Achievements
Loretta Swit has received numerous awards for her acting career, including two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “MASH” in 1980 and 1982.
She also won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female Performer in a New TV Program for “MASH” in 1974.
Additionally, she received the Genie Award for Best Performance by a Foreign Actress for “First Monday in October” in 1982 and the Sarah Siddons Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre for “Shirley Valentine” in 1991.
The Prism Award recognized her performance in a theatre production of “Shirley Valentine” in 1996.
Loretta Swit also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6328 Hollywood Boulevard and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2017.
Loretta Swit’s Net Worth and Philanthropic Work
As of 2023, Loretta Swit’s estimated net worth is $4 million, primarily from her acting career.
She has also earned money from book sales, art sales, endorsements, and public appearances.
Swit is a dedicated animal rights activist and has supported various animal welfare organizations.
She co-founded Actors and Others for Animals, a non-profit promoting humane treatment of animals, and serves as a spokesperson for the Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the Wildlife Waystation.
She has received several awards for her animal advocacy work.
Swit is also involved in other charitable causes, supporting veterans, fighting against domestic violence, raising awareness about AIDS, and promoting education.
She has donated to various organizations and foundations and participated in various events and campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Loretta Swit
Q: How old is Loretta Swit?
A: Loretta Swit is 85 years old as of 2023. She was born on November 4, 1937.
Q: Is Loretta Swit married?
A: Loretta Swit was married once to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 to 1995. They had no children together. She is currently single.
Q: What is Loretta Swit’s net worth?
A: Loretta Swit has an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2023. Her main source of income is her acting career.”
