More than four decades after the hit TV series M*A*S*H aired its legendary finale, star Loretta Swit still reflects on the lasting impact of the show and the iconic character she portrayed. Known for playing Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, Swit’s insights into the series finale and her relationship with the nickname “Hot Lips” offer a unique perspective on her time in the legendary series.
The Unbeatable Legacy of M*A*S*H
Margaret Houlihan, famously nicknamed “Hot Lips” in the early seasons of M*A*S*H, gradually outgrew the moniker as her character evolved. Loretta Swit, who portrayed Margaret, eventually pushed back against the nickname, believing it reduced her to a one-dimensional figure and failed to capture the depth of her character.
Initially tied to her affair with the married Frank Burns, whose loyalty to his wife contradicted his devotion to Margaret, the nickname “Hot Lips” symbolized a more superficial version of the character. As Margaret matured, the nickname faded, marking her growth and independence, which ultimately led to her breakup with the fumbling, mumbling Frank.
The series finale of M*A*S*H — “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” — remains one of the most monumental television events of all time. Premiering on February 28, 1983, over 105 million viewers tuned in to bid farewell to the staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital after an unforgettable 11 seasons and 256 episodes. This feature-length episode holds the record as the most-watched scripted TV episode in history, a record that, according to Swit, will never be beaten.
“We will forever hold that title,” Swit declared, citing the fragmented nature of modern TV viewership as a reason why no single episode will ever command the same audience again. “With the countless shows available today, and the evolving ways we track viewership, it’s impossible for anything to top that.”
Swit’s Disagreement with Margaret’s Ending
As much as Swit has fond memories of the finale, there is one aspect of it that she still questions. In the episode, Margaret contemplates where her next posting should be, ultimately deciding to return to the United States to work in a hospital. Swit, however, believes that her character would have pursued a more military-driven path, likely heading off to the Vietnam War.
“For me, Margaret was military through and through,” Swit explained. “I thought she was going to the next war, not returning to the U.S. But the creators had other ideas.” Swit speculated that her character’s stateside return might have been intended to set up a potential spin-off, although that never came to fruition.
The Death of “Hot Lips”
While Margaret Houlihan lasted for all 11 seasons, the moniker “Hot Lips” slowly disappeared throughout the series. The nickname originated from the book and movie that inspired the TV show, but Swit never liked it, feeling that it reduced her character to nothing more than a sexualized stereotype.
“She was so much more than a piece of anatomy,” Swit remarked. Over the course of the series, Margaret’s character evolved, with her leadership and military discipline taking center stage. The infamous nickname faded as Margaret found love, married (and divorced), and proved herself to be much more than the seductive nurse she was initially portrayed as.
Saying Goodbye to the 4077th
Though the final episode centered around the conclusion of the Korean War, the show had actually been preparing for its end nearly two years prior. Swit and her co-stars felt that it was time to wrap things up before the show began repeating itself.
In the final moments of M*A*S*H, Margaret leaves the 4077th in a jeep, bidding farewell to her colleagues with a heartfelt goodbye. One particularly poignant moment between her and David Ogden Stiers’ character, Charles Winchester, encapsulated the real-life camaraderie between the actors. After a gift exchange, Swit opened a book given to her by Winchester, revealing that Stiers had written his personal phone number inside — a personal joke between the two actors.
“There was so much of all of us in our characters,” Swit shared. “That moment was real — both as Margaret and as myself.”
A Lasting Legacy and Continuing Activism
Today, Loretta Swit continues to make a difference as an animal rights advocate. She stays in touch with her former cast members, including Alan Alda, who she shares a special bond with, both on-screen and off. Her involvement with M*A*S*H continues to resonate with audiences around the world, particularly with those inspired by her portrayal of Margaret Houlihan.
“People still tell me that they became nurses because of Margaret,” Swit reflects proudly. Her contribution to the show, and the character’s evolution from “Hot Lips” to a respected military leader, remains one of the many reasons M*A*S*H has solidified its place in television history.
Conclusion
In the end, Margaret Houlihan’s transformation on M*A*S*H was a testament to the show’s ability to evolve its characters beyond initial stereotypes. What began as a one-dimensional portrayal marked by the “Hot Lips” nickname blossomed into a multifaceted, empowered character with strength, intelligence, and depth. Loretta Swit’s insistence on challenging the limitations of the nickname played a crucial role in this evolution, allowing Margaret to stand out as more than just a romantic interest, but as a respected, independent figure. Her journey mirrored the growth of the show itself, cementing her role as an unforgettable part of television history.
