Quotes
Around the second or third year I decided to try to play her as a real person, in an intelligent fashion, even if it meant hurting the jokes,
Swit told Suzy Kalter, author of "The Complete Book of 'M.A.S.H.'"
Loretta Swit's portrayal of Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan was groundbreaking — bringing heart, humor, and strength to one of television comedy's most enduring roles. Her talent extended well beyond that iconic character, with acclaimed work on both stage and screen that showcased her intelligence, versatility, and passion,
National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson said in a statementI am a feminist, from the top of my head to the bottom of my toenail, and I favour playing strong women,
she told the American magazine Closer Weekly in 2022
A lot of her experiences are universal – her ambition and desire, her lust for life and feelings of frustration at not fulfilling certain aspects of her own potential. I had kinship with her the moment I read the script.”
Swit said of the characterActors are always identified with certain parts,
she saidI try to use … my visibility to good purpose, not because it gets me into some party, but because it gets me a platform.”
She had limited interest in the glamour of showbusiness
I was consumed with writing that. And I still get letters from women all over the world who became nurses because of Margaret Houlihan. To have contributed to someone’s life like that is remarkable,
she told Yahoo Entertainment
I didn’t think that was correct for my Margaret,
Swit didn’t personally agree that ... she told Yahoo Entertainment in 2023One of the things I liked, with Loretta’s prodding, was every time I had a chance to write for her character, we’d get away from the Hot Lips angle and find out more about who Margaret was. She became more of a real person,
Alda told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018.It’s been an honor and privilege to have worked with you. And I’m very, very proud to have known you.”
But the actor did get to write the speech that Houlihan delivers to her fellow nurses on their final night together, in which she saysIts blend of madcap comedy and pitch-dark drama – the laughs amplifying the serious stakes, and vice versa – is recognizable in today’s dramedies, from ‘Better Things’ to ‘Barry,’ that work in the DMZ between laughter and sadness.”
In 2022, James Poniewozik, The New York Times’s chief television critic, looked back on the show and said it held up wellYou can’t help but get better as an actor working with scripts like that,
she saidIt was the greatest time in my career,
Ms. Swit told the British newspaper The Guardian in 2001.
I think my perseverance probably became very annoying,
she chuckled
I worked for a long time with World War II vets and got to know them really well,
she explainedI didn’t want those women to be disrespected,
Swit reflectedIt has been a privilege, an honor, to meet so many of these wonderful heroes – they’re still my heroes,
she explainedThis was a woman who had rank, who worked hard and wanted to be good at her job,
Swit sharedI understand nicknames come with great love and admiration for a character,
the star explained at the timeI often quote this wonderful thing that I read,
she continued