Source: MediaPunch/Getty Images
Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for playing “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, was a talented actress whose personal life remained mostly private. This article explores Who Was Loretta Swit Married To, and gives a clear look at her husband, relationships, family background, and personal life.
Quick Information on Late American Actress, Loretta Swit
| Full Name | Loretta Jane Swit (née Szwed) |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | Passaic, New Jersey, USA |
| Date of Death | May 30, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 87 years old |
| Known For | Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH* |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Dennis Holahan (m. 1983; div. 1988) |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Lester Szwed (father), Nellie Szwed (mother) |
| Siblings | One brother, Robert Szwed |
| Profession | Actress (Television and Stage) |
Who Was Loretta Swit Married To?
Loretta Swit was married to actor Dennis Holahan. They got married in 1983 after meeting on the set of MASH*, where Holahan played a guest role as a Swedish diplomat who briefly interacted with Swit’s character, Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan.
Their marriage lasted for about five years before they got divorced in 1988. After her divorce, Loretta Swit did not marry again.
Who Was Loretta Swit’s Husband?
Source: Getty Images
Loretta Swit’s husband was actor Dennis Holahan. He appeared on MASH* as Per Johannsen, a Swedish diplomat who was briefly involved with Major Margaret Houlihan, the character played by Swit. Their on-screen connection eventually turned into a real-life relationship.
Holahan had other notable roles in his acting career. He appeared in the 1983 film Scarface as a banker, and also acted in Halloween II and the television series General Hospital. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Holahan also pursued a career in law.
Swit and Holahan were married in 1983. The couple divorced in 1988 after five years of marriage.
Must Read: Michelle Trachtenberg Liver Transplant: American Actress Dead at 39
Loretta Swit’s Relationships over the years and Why She Never Remarried
After divorcing Dennis Holahan in 1988, Loretta Swit never remarried. Although she was once linked to musician Bill Hudson, that relationship did not lead to marriage. Swit herself addressed the topic of marriage in a 1973 interview with The Toledo Blade, saying:
“I’ve never married, but I’m not against the institution of marriage. I don’t see it for myself at the moment, but that could change any second.”
At that time, she had not yet been married. She later did marry, but after her divorce, she chose not to enter another marital relationship. Swit focused heavily on her acting career and kept her personal affairs out of the spotlight.
Throughout her life, Loretta Swit’s relationships remained private. Apart from her marriage to Holahan and the brief mention of Hudson, there were no widely reported romances or public partnerships. Swit appeared to value her independence and professional commitments.
Did Loretta Swit Have Any Children?
Loretta Swit did not have any children. During her marriage to Dennis Holahan, the couple did not have any kids, and she never had children at any other point in her life.
While Swit never publicly discussed her reasons for not having children, she often spoke about the importance of her family and upbringing. However, her own family life did not include raising children.
You Might Like: Who Was Late American Actor Val Kilmer Married to? Meet His Wife & Children
Meet Loretta Swit Parents: Nellie Szwed and Lester
Source: Loretta Swit’s Facebook
Loretta Swit was born to Lester and Nellie Szwed in Passaic, New Jersey. Both of her parents were of Polish descent. Her father, Lester, worked as a salesman and upholsterer. Swit grew up in a traditional Catholic household, which played a significant role in shaping her values and personality.
She often spoke with affection about her parents. In an interview, she once said she still called her mother and father “like a little kid whenever I need some chicken soup.” This quote highlights the close bond she maintained with her family throughout her life.
Swit’s background and family values remained important to her, even after she found fame in Hollywood.
Recent News: Loretta Swit, Emmy-Winning MAS*H Actress, Dies at 87
Loretta Swit passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 87. She died of natural causes at her home in New York City. Her death marked the end of a long and celebrated career in television and stage acting.
Swit was most famously known for playing Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the iconic series MASH*. The role earned her two Emmy Awards and cemented her legacy in television history. In addition to her television work, she had a respected career in theater.
You Might Like: Who was Quincy Jones married to? American Record Producer’s Wife and Children over the Years.
Beyond her acting, Swit was also an advocate for animal rights. She became a vegan in 1981 and dedicated much of her later life to animal welfare causes.
Following her passing, Journey Gunderson, the executive director of the National Comedy Center, paid tribute to Swit by saying her portrayal of Margaret Houlihan was groundbreaking and showcased her intelligence, versatility, and passion.
Loretta Swit will always be remembered for her remarkable talent, compassion, and dedication. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her bereaved family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
FAQs About Loretta Swit’s Husband and Family
1. Who was Loretta Swit married to?
Loretta Swit was married to actor Dennis Holahan from 1983 until their divorce in 1988.
2. Did Loretta Swit remarry after her divorce?
No, she did not remarry after her divorce from Dennis Holahan.
3. Who is Dennis Holahan?
Dennis Holahan is an actor and lawyer who appeared on MASH* as a Swedish diplomat and also had roles in films like Scarface.
4. Did Loretta Swit have any children?
No, Loretta Swit did not have any children.
5. Was Loretta Swit in a relationship after her divorce?
Reports from 1989 linked her to musician Bill Hudson, but no long-term public relationship was confirmed after her divorce.
6. Who were Loretta Swit’s parents?
Her parents were Lester Szwed, a salesman and upholsterer, and Nellie Szwed. They were of Polish descent.
7. Did Loretta Swit have siblings?
Yes, Loretta Swit had one brother named Robert, who was six years older than her.
8. What was Loretta Swit’s most famous role?
She is best known for playing Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the television show MASH*.
Also Read: Alain Delon Family: Discover Late French Actor Wife and Children
Manoj Ghimire is a skillful content writer with more than two years of experience in this field, who can cover the celebrity news and lifestyle.
For contact email: [email protected]
