Veteran actress Loretta Swit once said that aging makes her “feel ageless.” Take a look at how she transitioned from her early days in entertainment to her golden years.
Loretta Swit became widely recognized for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the popular sitcom “M*A*S*H,” which captivated audiences from 1972 to 1983. Beyond her unforgettable character, Swit, who turns 87 in November 2024, also charmed fans with her striking beauty.
Loretta Swit believes she ended up on the hit TV show “M*A*S*H” by luck coupled with talent. | Source: Getty Images
“M*A*S*H” catapulted the actress to international fame, with its finale drawing a record-breaking 121 million viewers. Decades on, the show remains beloved.
Known for her portrayal of the sharp, passionate, and witty “Hot Lips,” Swit brought a unique blend of sensuality and sensitivity to the role, winning two Emmy Awards for her performance on the history-making show.
Years later, the award-winning star shared how she landed the part, explaining that she was abroad when casting began. “I came in at the tail end and didn’t know they had seen 300 or 400 women for this role, or I would’ve been a lot more nervous,” she admitted.
With no script, reading, or test, the casting call was simply a chance to meet her and see if she fit the part. Her previous work with CBS and 20th Century Fox played to her advantage, as the producers saw her as a natural choice.
However, Swit, whose mother once said she could do anything, almost lost out on her big break when a film offer from Universal posed a conflict with the “M*A*S*H” pilot schedule.
Loretta Swift was deemed the perfect fit to play the iconic role of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan out of many other actresses, thanks to her previous works. | Source: Getty Images
Loretta Swift didn’t have to audition for the role on “M*A*S*H.” | Source: Getty Images
After her agent informed the show’s team, they responded urgently, saying, “No, no, no. We want her. Don’t give her away. We just decided we’re going with Loretta.” And with that, her journey on “M*A*S*H” began.
Swit reflects on this opportunity as “lucky,” believing that luck often aligns with talent. Though other enticing offers arose, she remained devoted to “M*A*S*H”—a decision she treasures. Being part of the series, she said, was one of the most “rewarding” experiences of her career.
Loretta Swift almost lost the opportunity to star in “M*A*S*H” because she had received another offer around the same time, but she easily became a natural choice for the producers. | Source: Getty Images
Loretta Swit considers her role in “M*A*S*H” as rewarding and cherishes her time on the show. | Source: Getty Images
The TV star’s experience on “M*A*S*H” extended into her personal life when she married actor Dennis Holahan, her on-screen love interest, in 1983. However, the actress later admitted, “I’m not sure I even wanted to get married.”
“I always wanted to be an actress, not a mother or housewife,” she shared, noting that marriage wasn’t necessary to “complete” a woman. After twelve years, she and Houlihan divorced in 1995.
When she wrote her memoirs, Swit confessed, “I don’t know if he will even be in the book,” adding that successful marriages “take two very special people to make that happen.”
Although settling down was never on the cards for Loretta Swit, she ended up marrying actor Dennis Holahan. | Source: Getty Images
However, Loretta Swit and Dennis Holahan, who played on-screen love interests, divorced after more than ten years of marriage. | Source: Getty Images
After the divorce, Loretta Swit mentioned that she was uncertain whether her ex-husband would be featured in her memoir. | Source: Getty Images
Since her first union ended in divorce, Loretta Swit never remarried. | Source: Getty Images
As she looked back on her life and career, the celebrity also opened up about her approach to aging and staying vibrant. The New Jersey native, who has always been distinct from her character on “M*A*S*H,” shared an interesting perspective on what keeps her feeling young.
Loretta Swift has also touched on the aging process and shared her bold perspective. | Source: Getty Images
Loretta Swit believes that not having kids does the trick. | Source: Getty Images
In her late 70s, the blonde-haired actress credited her youthfulness to never having children. “Not having grandchildren helps,” she explained, adding, “I imagine it is hard to have grandchildren and not think of oneself as a grandparent.”
Swit’s approach to aging remains refreshingly positive. As she neared 80, she reflected on her own journey, saying, “I feel ageless. I’m 78, but I don’t know what that means. You’re as young as you feel.”
This positive mindset extends to her views on style, as she champions women expressing themselves confidently at any age. She referenced Susan Sarandon’s bold appearance at the 2016 SAG Awards, which sparked conversations around “age-appropriate” fashion.
Swit, who became a vegetarian in the seventies and gave up dairy, dismissed the criticism. “If you’re 90 and look good in a mini-skirt, go for it,” she said. For the veteran star, whose mother lived to 106, age is just a number, “Seventy is the new 50,” she added.
Loretta Swit once expressed that despite growing older, she still feels much younger. | Source: Getty Images
Loretta Swit also supports women who express their confidence in any way shape or form. | Source: Getty Images
Swit’s embrace of timeless style and ageless confidence resonates with her fans, who continue to admire her vibrant spirit.
Loretta Swit once said that older women can choose to wear whatever they like as long they look good. | Source: Getty Images
Loretta Swit believes that age is just a number. | Source: Getty Images
In 2022, she delighted fans by sharing a throwback beach photo from her younger days, captioned, “Feelin’ flowery.” The post quickly drew admiration from followers who couldn’t resist expressing their awe.
“Loretta, you are breathtaking!!!!” one fan wrote, while another commented, “Such a hottie then and always.” Others chimed in with praise, calling her “Always the beauty.”
Swit’s fans have always admired her enduring beauty and youthful spirit, which she continues to showcase proudly. Fast forward to 2024, the actress shared a new photo at 86, celebrating the Fourth of July.
Her followers couldn’t help but express their amazement, with one exclaiming, “She looks 25 years old!! Beautiful!!” Another asked in disbelief, “Is that really you, Hot Lips?” while others simply admired, “Look at this beautiful lady!”
Loretta Swit waves as she attends Chiller Theatre Expo 30th Anniversary Fall 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Loretta Swit pictured smiling at the opening night of “Hannah Gadsby: WOOF!” | Source: Getty Images
Loretta Swit’s life and career reflect a commitment to confidence, authenticity, and living with purpose. From her unforgettable role on “M*A*S*H” to her empowering views on independence and aging, she remains an inspiration to fans of all ages.
At 86, Swit continues to embrace life wholeheartedly, showing us that age is just a number and that real beauty shines through a life well-lived.
