Loretta Swit has left an indelible mark on the entertainment business. Her name is synonymous with ability and style. Swit played Margaret Hot Lips Houlihan on MAS*H, a renowned TV sitcom. Her excellent acting and magnetic on-screen presence have captured viewers.
Swit’s job has been going on for over 50 years, and she has done a lot of great work in TV, movies, and theater. One of her most famous roles was as a strong-willed and caring nurse during the Korean War.
Even though her artistic contributions can’t be denied, it’s hard not to wonder how well she’s done financially with such a busy job.
In this post, WCNetworth will look into Loretta Swit net worth, how she became famous and what she did to make money.
What is Loretta Swit’s Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
Loretta Swit, best known for playing Major Margaret Hot Lips Houlihan in M*A*S*H, has had a remarkable career for over 50 years.
As of 2023, her net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, according to authoritative sources. This fortune comes from her acting career in television, film, and theater, her appearances in TV commercials and her published book.
Swit, one of television’s highest-paid actresses, received $80,000 for each episode on M*A*S*H.
Swit supports animal welfare organizations in addition to her acting career.
Loretta Swit’s Overview: Why is Loretta Swit Famous?
Early Life
Loretta Swit, born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, grew up in a Polish-American family. Her parents, Lester and Nellie Szwed (née Kassack), raised her alongside her older brother, Robert, who was six years and one day her senior.
As a child, Loretta was a member of the Holy Rosary Scouts, a Girl Scout troop sponsored by the Holy Rosary R.C. Church in Passaic.
She later pursued her passion for acting by studying drama with Gene Frankel in Manhattan, New York City, who she considered her acting coach.
In addition to acting, Swit also trained as a singer at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, showcasing her diverse talents from an early age.
Television Career
Swit’s television career began in 1970 when she arrived in Hollywood and appeared on various TV series, such as:
- Gunsmoke
- Mission: Impossible
- Hawaii Five-O
- Mannix
Her breakthrough role came in 1972 when she was cast as Hot Lips Houlihan in M*A*S*H, a role she played for all 11 show seasons.
Swit was Emmy-nominated every season the show was on the air (except the first) and won two Emmy Awards for her performance.
After M*A*S*H, Swit continued her television career with lead roles in TV movies like The Execution, Miracle at Moreaux, Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story, A Matter of Principal, and Hell Hath No Fury.
She also made guest appearances on popular series such as The Love Boat, Dolly, Murder, She Wrote, The New Burke’s Law, and Diagnosis Murder.
Film Career
The film Stand Up and Be Counted, starring Jacqueline Bisset and Stella Stevens, was Swit’s first major acting appearance. She then appeared in Deadhead Miles, a road comedy starring Alan Arkin, in which she had a bit part.
Swit had a much bigger role in the 1974 buddy cop action comedy Freebie and the Bean, also starring Arkin.
She then starred in the 1975 action horror thriller Race with the Devil, opposite Peter Fonda and Warren Oates. Swit came back to the big screen after an absence for the 1981 black comedy S.O.B. by Blake Edwards.
After that, she only appeared in a few films, including Beer, Whoops Apocalypse, and Forest Warrior.
Stage Career
Her first off-Broadway appearance was in the Actor’s Playhouse production of An Enemy of the People. In 1967, she toured with the national company of Any Wednesday, starring Gardner McKay.
She later performed as one of the Pigeon sisters opposite Don Rickles and Ernest Borgnine in a Los Angeles run of The Odd Couple.
Swit’s Broadway debut came in 1975 when she starred in Same Time, Next Year alongside Ted Bessell.
She also appeared in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and played Agnes Gooch in the Las Vegas version of Mame, starring Susan Hayward and Celeste Holm.
Over the years, Swit has continued to captivate audiences with her one-woman play, Shirley Valentine, performing in various locales and revivals from the 1990s into the 2010s.
Personal Life
She was once married to actor Dennis Holahan, whom she met on the set of M*A*S*H in 1983. They never had any children together and got a divorce in 1995.
Swit started the SwitHeart Animal Alliance because he cares deeply about animal rights. This non-profit group works to stop animal cruelty and end animal pain.
Swit is a talented artist in addition to being an actress. She has released a book of her watercolor paintings, which shows how much she cares about animal welfare.
FAQs about Loretta Swit
How old is Loretta Swit today?
Loretta Swit was born on November 4, 1937, making her 84 years old in 2022.
Was Loretta Swit married?
Loretta Swit was once married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 to 1995.
Why did Loretta Swit almost leave Mash?
Loretta Swit played Major Margaret Hot Lips Houlihan for the whole 11-year run of the show. But her time in office could have been much shorter. Swit got tired of how M*A*S*H presented her character. At first, most of the jokes on the show were about Houlihan.
Why was MASH cancelled?
The weekly satire about current events was first shown on BBC Two from 2017 to 2020. After four series, the BBC ended it because of low ratings.
Is Margaret Houlihan still living?
In 1970’s M*A*S*H, Margaret Hot Lips Houlihan died Thursday morning at age 84. Kellerman died of heart failure in her Woodland Hills home. Kellerman was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her M*A*S*H performance.
Conclusion
In sum, Loretta Swit’s net worth shows how talented she is and how successful she has been in the entertainment business. Swit has made a name for herself in Hollywood as a respected figure, thanks to her well-known part on MAS*H and her large body of work.
Her long and successful work is shown by how much money she has made. Swit’s influence as an actress and an inspiration goes far beyond her wealth. She has left a long mark on the entertainment world.
Read more: Top 10+ Richest Actors In The World In 2023
