Loretta Swit, the actress and animal activist forever known for her pioneering turn as the disciplined Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the acclaimed CBS sitcom M*A*S*H, has died. She was 87.

The recent passing of Loretta Swit—who portrayed the strong-willed and compassionate Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan—reminds us just how vital M*A*S*H was ...