Loretta Swit, the beloved actress who brought grit and heart to the Korean War drama M*A*S*H, has left us at 87, marking the end of an era for classic television fans, as Fox News reports.

Swit, best known as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan, passed away on Friday at her New York City home.

Her spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that natural causes are suspected.

Born Loretta Jane Szwed on Nov. 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish immigrants, she took to the stage at just 7 years old, setting the foundation for a storied career.

From humble start to Broadway stardom

Swit’s early talent blossomed into a Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year alongside Ted Bessell, and she later toured with legends like Susan Hayward and Celeste Holm.

She even tackled the titular role in Mame across New York and Pennsylvania, proving her versatility long before television made her a household name.

Her big break came with M*A*S*H, premiering on Sept. 7, 1972, a series based on Richard Hooker’s 1968 novel and the 1970 film, running until 1983 and capturing over 60% of U.S. homes for its finale.

'Hot Lips' Houlihan: A complex legacy

As Major Houlihan, Swit portrayed a tough, dedicated Army nurse during the Korean War, earning two Emmy Awards among 10 nominations and four Golden Globe nods.

Reflecting on her iconic nickname, she told Fox News Digital in 2023, "I understand nicknames come with great love."

But let’s be honest, calling a major by an anatomical quip isn’t respect -- it’s a cheap shot at a woman who earned her stripes.

Swit herself fought for depth, saying, "This was a woman who had rank." Her push against shallow writing honored real servicewomen, a reminder that character matters more than caricature in an era too quick to mock.

Career beyond small screen

Swit’s talent wasn’t confined to M*A*S*H -- she starred in over 25 TV movies, sharing the screen with talents like Sam Waterston, Barbara Eden, and Patty Duke in projects from Games Mother Never Taught You to A Killer Among Friends.

Her film roles ranged from Stand Up and Be Counted with Jacqueline Bisset to Race With the Devil alongside Peter Fonda, showing a range that Hollywood often undervalues in favor of fleeting trends.

Even Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy couldn’t resist her charm on The Muppet Show, a lighthearted nod to her universal appeal in a career that never bowed to fads.

Passion for animals, veterans endured

Beyond acting, Swit poured her heart into causes like the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, fighting cruelty and supporting wildlife preservation with initiatives like her art book and fragrance, both of which fund animal rescue.

Her dedication to veterans also shone bright, staying connected through appearances and sharing their stories, as she noted, "It has been the honor of my life."

In a culture often distracted by the latest hashtag, her commitment to those who sacrificed is a lesson in gratitude.

Swit’s recent years saw her at events like the 2018 Daytime Emmy Awards with Jamie Farr and the 2017 launch of her book at The Hollywood Museum, a testament to a legacy that never faded.