Hollywood is mourning the loss of a television icon. Loretta Swit, best known for her unforgettable role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, left behind not just a legendary legacy on screen — but a trail of deep, personal connections with her co-stars. One of the most touching tributes came from Jamie Farr, who played the quirky and beloved Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger.
“I dearly loved Loretta!” Farr shared in an emotional statement to Entertainment Weekly. “She was my adopted sister. As close as family can get.”
Farr recalled their very first meeting on the MASH* set — a moment that sparked a lifelong friendship. What was meant to be a brief, one-day appearance turned into something far more meaningful.
“From the first time I met her, on what was supposed to be a one-day appearance on MASH*, we embraced each other, and that became a lifetime friendship,” Farr said.
The bond between the two actors transcended the screen, enduring long after the final episode aired. “I can’t begin to express how much she will be missed,” he added, his voice heavy with emotion.
Swit’s death marks the end of an era for fans of MASH* — but also for those who knew her best. Her warmth, wit, and unforgettable presence will live on not only through her iconic performances, but also in the hearts of those she touched.