(WFLA) — Loretta Swit, known for her role as Maj. Margaret Houlihan in the show “M*A*S*H,” has died at the age of 87.
Representatives for the late actress confirmed her death Friday, according to NBC News,
Her spokesman, Harlan Boll, said the police reported her time of death at 12:01 p.m., as reported by Variety.
She is believed to have died of natural causes.
Swit had a long career in both theater and television, but was likely best known for her work on the TV comedy-drama series “M*A*S*H,” which focused on a U.S. Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War.
She inherited the role of Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan from actress Sally Kellerman, who played the patriotic head nurse in the original film.
In the show’s first few seasons, Swit played an antagonistic role toward protagonists Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce, played by Alan Alda, and “Trapper” John McIntyre, played by Wayne Rogers. However, her character eventually softened and became a beloved cast member, being one of four actors to stay for all 11 seasons.
Her work as Houlihan earned her two Emmy awards and 10 nominations. She was also nominated four times for the Golden Globes, according to IMDB.
Aside from her work in television, Swit was an avid animal rights activist and a proud vegan.
One of her last posts on social media was a message in support of the military on Memorial Day.
“With loving gratitude they served and protected and gave their lives. Rest In Peace,” she wrote.
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