Who Is Loretta Swit? Age, Biography and Wiki
Loretta Swit was born on November 4, 1937, making her 87 years old as of 2025. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, she skyrocketed to fame for her portrayal of Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the iconic television series MAS*H. With a career spanning over five decades, Swit not only made headlines as an actress but also as an advocate for animal rights and in various philanthropic efforts. Her work in theatre and television has left an indelible mark in Hollywood.
Occupation | Stage Actress |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 4, 1937 |
Age | 87 Years |
Birth Place | Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. |
Horoscope | Scorpio |
Country | Jersey |
Date of death | 30 May, 2025 |
Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Loretta Swit's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Loretta Swit stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) and has maintained a graceful physique throughout her career. While her exact weight is not publicly disclosed, she has always emphasized a healthy lifestyle. Swit’s body measurements are reported to be approximately 36-25-36 inches, showcasing her classic Hollywood figure.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Loretta Swit's personal life has often been a subject of interest. Previously married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 until their divorce in 1995, Swit has kept her dating life relatively private. As of 2025, rumors suggest she may be dating a mystery beau, although no official confirmation has been provided. Swit has often spoken about her love for animals, which she considers her family, and she remains deeply committed to several animal charities.
Her father was a salesman and upholsterer. Swit's brother, Robert, was six years and one day her senior. As a child, Swit was a member of a Girl Scout troop sponsored by the Holy Rosary R.C. Church of Passaic, known as the Holy Rosary Scouts.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Loretta Swit’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. Her wealth primarily stems from her successful television and film career, alongside her appearances in theater productions and voice acting. Swit’s involvement in charity work has also opened avenues for income, demonstrating her multifaceted career.
Career, Business and Investments
Loretta Swit’s career took off in the early 1970s with her role in MAS*H, where she won two Primetime Emmy Awards. Post-MAS*H, she continued to take on diverse roles in television, film, and stage, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Beyond acting, she has invested in numerous causes, particularly those related to animal welfare, and has authored books focusing on her experiences in the industry.
She graduated from Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic in 1955, where she had been a cheerleader, had taken part in theatrical productions, and was co-captain of the women's basketball team.
She graduated from Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair, New Jersey, in June 1957, then was employed at a variety of clerical jobs, including as a stenographer in Bloomfield, New Jersey; personal secretary to Elsa Maxwell; secretary to the ambassador from Ghana to the United Nations; and at the American Rocket Society in New York City while being tr
ained to dance by a classmate, Elizabeth Parent-Barber, a Rockette and student at the New York School of Ballet.
During this time, she began developing her acting career.
Social Network
Loretta Swit has a vibrant presence on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where she engages with her fans and shares insights from her life and career. Her social media accounts are filled with posts reflecting her passions, her advocacy work, and occasional glimpses into her personal life.
- Instagram: @lorettaswit
- Twitter: @LorettaSwit
Swit also guest-starred in television shows such as Bonanza; The Love Boat; Win, Lose or Draw; Password; Gunsmoke; Match Game; Pyramid; The Muppet Show; and Hollywood Squares. She also starred in Christmas programs such as the television version of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and 1987's PBS special A Christmas Calendar.
In 1988, she hosted Korean War—The Untold Story, a documentary on the true events of the war, and went to South Korea to film it, becoming the first M*A*S*H cast member to actually visit the country, outside of Jamie Farr who served there in the mid-1950s while a member of the U.S. Army.
In 1992, she hosted the 26-part series Those Incredible Animals on the Discovery Channel. Swit's last appearance was on GSN Live on October 10, 2008.
Education
Loretta attended Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, before transferring to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Her education laid the foundation for her illustrious acting career, where she has taken on various roles that have wowed audiences for decades.