Loretta Swit – 83

Despite her inability to sit through the 1970 feature film version of M*A*S*H, Loretta Swit worked tirelessly to land the role of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the television adaptation of the series. As a result, the rigid and patriotic Houlihan became the most memorable role in her long career, which included numerous guest appearances in TV movies and game shows.

Swit attempted to separate herself from her position on M*A*S*H after 11 years on the show. She appeared in made-for-television films such as Games Mother Never Taught You and The Execution. She also landed the role of Chris Cagney in the pilot episode of Cagney & Lacey, appeared on Win, Lose or Draw, and hosted Those Incredible Animals. Swit has stepped away from the spotlight in recent years. She prefers to focus on her jewelry investments and raised funds for animal rights organizations. While she has faded from view in the new decade, Swit’s legacy lives on in repeats of M*A*S*H, which has regularly presented her to new audiences.