M*A*S*H stars pay heartfelt tribute to Loretta Swit after TV star's death
Following news of Loretta Swit's death, tributes have poured in from her co-stars of the iconic TV show M*A*S*H. Leading the tributes was Alan Alda, who played her love interest Hawkeye Pierce. Loretta became a fan favourite for playing Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan.
Taking to X to pay his heartfelt respects, Alan, who is now 89 years of age wrote: "Loretta was a supremely talented actor. She deserved all her 10 EMMY nominations and her 2 wins. But more than acting her part, she created it."
He added: "She worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one-joke sexist stereotype into a real person -- with real feelings and ambitions.
Alan continued: "We celebrated the day the script came out listing her character not as Hot Lips, but as Margaret. Loretta made the most of her time here."
In 1983, their 35 second on-screen kiss became one of the most legendary scenes in TV history as it was viewed by nearly 106 million people.
Loretta's housekeeper reportedly found her dead at the star's New York apartment, according to US news outlet TMZ. And her publicist reportedly told the publication that she died from natural causes. However, an official cause of death is yet to be released.
Next to share their grief with fans was Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger. He once referred to the actress as his "adopted sister."
In a statement released to USA Today, Jamie said: "I dearly loved Loretta! As close as family can get."
The star added: "From the first time I met her, on what was supposed to be a one-day appearance on "M*A*S*H," we embraced each other. That became a lifetime friendship. I can't begin to express how much she will be missed."
Meanwhile, Mike Farrell, who joined the cast in season four of eleven as B.J Hunnicutt, posted a black and white picture of Loretta on social media. He captioned the post simply saying: "Loretta … 1937-2025."
In response to Alan Alda's post on X, fans rushed to comment. One person wrote: "It's because of you guys I became a nurse and learned that showing your human to your patients isn't a bad thing."
They added: "Thanks, to both of you. My most sincere condolences." Another person said: "She held her own with you guys in a time where that was not always easy. Helped create on of the greatest shows of all time. Rest in peace."
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