HONORING LORETTA SWIT
A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND COURAGE
On May 30, 2025, we lost Loretta Swit, an actress, activist, and force of nature who brought empathy to millions through both art and action. Best known for her role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, Swit was more than a television icon. She was a powerful advocate for animals, a woman of conviction, and a quiet revolutionary who helped redefine what strength and compassion could look like onscreen and off.
Her portrayal of Major Houlihan began as a caricature but evolved into one of the most respected and complex characters on primetime television. Through her talent and insistence on deeper humanity, Swit helped millions see women in uniform, and in leadership, in a new light. The performance earned her two Emmy Awards and a place in television history.
But her heart never stayed confined to the screen. Off camera, Loretta Swit channeled her influence into activism. She founded the SwitHeart Animal Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. Her voice for the voiceless was unrelenting, powerful, and filled with grace. She championed no-kill shelters, opposed animal testing, and personally rescued and fostered countless pets in need.
“Compassion means action,” she once said. “It means putting yourself out there for someone who has no one else.”
This poster is our tribute: bold, hopeful, and uncompromising—just like her. The design draws from vintage propaganda styles to reflect the era she helped define and transform. With sunburst rays, a nurse’s cap, and a loyal canine silhouette, it celebrates both the character she played and the cause she lived for.
Rest in power, Loretta Swit.
Your courage, kindness, and passion live on.
“Compassion means action. It means putting yourself out there for someone who has no one else.” — Loretta Swit
Call to action:
What’s one cause you care about that needs your voice today? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Source: Washington Post Obituary
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