Loretta Swit's Net Worth In 2025: The Fortune & Legacy Of An Icon.
Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress forever remembered for her portrayal of Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the landmark television series MASH*, passed away in May 2025 at the age of 87. Her death marked the end of an extraordinary life, spanning decades of acclaim in Hollywood and devotion to humanitarian causes. At the time of her passing, Swit had amassed both wealth and goodwill, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, talent, and compassion.
Loretta Swit's Early Life and Education
Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Swit was the daughter of Polish immigrants Lester and Nellie Szwed. She graduated from Pope Pius XII High School in 1955 and later attended Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair, New Jersey. Swit further honed her acting skills at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, laying the foundation for her future in the performing arts.
Loretta Swit's Career Journey
Swit's acting career began in the theater, with early roles in productions such as An Enemy of the People and The Balcony. She transitioned to television in the late 1960s, appearing in series like Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, and Mission: Impossible. Her breakthrough came in 1972 when she was cast as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in MASH*, a role she would inhabit for the show's entire 11-season run.
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Swit's portrayal of Houlihan evolved over time, transforming from a one-dimensional character into a complex, multifaceted woman. Her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, in 1980 and 1982.
Beyond MASH*, Swit appeared in various television films and stage productions, including Same Time, Next Year and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She also made guest appearances on game shows like Pyramid and Match Game, further showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
Loretta Swit's Personal Life and Advocacy
In 1983, Swit married actor Dennis Holahan, whom she met on the set of MASH*. The couple divorced in 1995.
A dedicated animal rights activist, Swit was a vegetarian who became a vegan in 1981. She supported organizations such as the Humane Society and Actors and Others for Animals, using her platform to advocate for animal welfare.
Loretta Swit's Real Estate and Financial Assets
While specific details about Swit's real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is known that she resided in New York City at the time of her passing. Her financial assets likely included earnings from her acting career, residuals from MASH*, and income from her advocacy work and product endorsements.
How Rich Was Loretta Swit When She Died?
Loretta Swit's net worth at the time of her death in May 2025 was estimated to be approximately $4 million, according to sources including CelebrityNetWorth and ActualNetWorth.
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This figure includes decades of earnings from her long-running role on MASH*, other television appearances, theater work, and product endorsements. It also likely encompasses investment income and residual payments still flowing from syndicated reruns of MASH*, which remains globally syndicated.
How Did We Calculate Loretta Swit's Net Worth?
Swit's net worth calculation takes into account:
- Her MASH* salary and raises over 11 seasons.
- Guest roles and television appearances from the 1970s to the 2000s.
- Residuals from syndication, estimated at around $20,000 to $30,000 annually in later years.
- Revenue from theater performances and speaking engagements.
- Real estate holdings and royalties from commercial work.
All financial figures are based on publicly available estimates and media reports, including salary breakdowns published in entertainment sources such as ABTC and CelebrityNetWorth.
How Much Did Loretta Swit Make from MASH*?
Loretta Swit earned significant income from her starring role in MASH* (1972–1983). Early in the series, she was reportedly paid about $12,500 per episode, a number that rose to $80,000 per episode by the final season. With 256 episodes under her belt, her total earnings from the show are estimated to be over $6 million before taxes and fees.
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Residual income from syndication has also added up. While less lucrative than original earnings, Swit likely earned tens of thousands of dollars per year from reruns well into her later life.
How Much Did Loretta Swit Make a Year at Her Peak?
At the height of her fame in the early 1980s, Swit's annual income peaked at around $1.8 million when including her MASH* salary and additional work in television films, stage performances, and appearances. Adjusted for inflation, this equates to over $5 million per year in today’s dollars.
She also supplemented her income with appearances on game shows such as Pyramid and Match Game, stage productions, and brand partnerships.
Did Loretta Swit Own Any Businesses or Investments?
While Swit was not publicly associated with owning any major businesses, she was an active philanthropist and had likely diversified her wealth through investments. Given her long-running Hollywood income and commitment to longevity, she almost certainly maintained a financial portfolio including real estate, retirement assets, and royalties.
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She also authored "SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit," the sales of which contributed to her income and supported animal causes.
Who Will Inherit Loretta Swit's Fortune?
As of now, Swit's will or estate plan has not been made public. However, it is expected that a portion of her estate will go to animal welfare organizations and charities that she passionately supported throughout her life. Swit was a dedicated advocate for animal rights and often donated her time and resources to causes like the Humane Society and Actors and Others for Animals.
She did not have children and had been divorced from actor Dennis Holahan since 1995. Close friends, family members, or charitable foundations are likely to inherit portions of her $4 million estate.
Conclusion - Her Light Will Live On
Loretta Swit leaves behind a powerful legacy that extends far beyond her earnings. A trailblazer on television and a tireless advocate for animals, she combined celebrity with compassion in rare measure. From the set of MASH* to the pages of her advocacy books, Swit never stopped giving. Her career was defined by dedication and transformation, and her life was filled with purpose. As we remember her talent and generosity, we celebrate a woman who made both the screen and the world a better place.
