What was the name of the character played by Loretta Swit in M*A*S*H?

Loretta Swit played Major Margaret Houlihan in the television series M*A*S*H. Houlihan was the 4077th’s head nurse, a Regular Army officer whose military professionalism initially put her at odds with the unit’s irreverent surgeons.

Margaret was introduced as a capable, patriotic, and strictly disciplined nurse. Early episodes emphasized her relationship with Major Frank Burns and her nickname, “Hot Lips,” but the character developed considerably over the show’s eleven seasons. She became more empathetic, formed stronger friendships with the camp’s doctors and nurses, and remained an important voice for the medical staff.

Swit inherited the television role from Sally Kellerman, who played Houlihan in the 1970 film. Swit was one of the series’ central cast members and appeared throughout its entire run, from 1972 to 1983. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for the performance, in 1980 and 1982.

A common mix-up is treating “Hot Lips” as her name rather than her nickname. Margaret Houlihan is the character’s canonical name; “Hot Lips” is the familiar label associated with her early portrayal and the character’s romantic storylines.