The Unforgettable MASH Star Who Couldn't Escape: Inside the Series Drama

Margaret Houlihan from MASH almost left the show, but Loretta Swit was convinced to stay by the studio. Margaret had a significant character development throughout the series, starting with her affair with Frank Burns and later getting married to Donald Penobscott, which ended in heartbreak. Despite her personal life struggles, Margaret was known for her dedication and efficiency as the head nurse at the 4077.

When MASH ended with a record-breaking finale, Margaret and Hawkeye were the only characters who appeared in both the series pilot and the final episode. Swit originally wanted to leave the show to play Cagney in Cagney & Lacey, but ultimately stayed for the iconic series conclusion "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen." Read Swit's full quote about her decision in an interview with Yahoo! Entertainment below.

After filming that movie, I was really tempted to leave. I was so attached to the character I played, and I thought about having my own show instead of being part of a big group where the focus was on the show itself. However, my bosses at 20th Century Fox quickly shut down that idea. They refused to release me from my contract for MAS*H, so I couldn't continue playing the same role in the ongoing series.

When I tried to express my desire to leave, 20th Century Fox simply said, "No way, you're staying put." I was surprised and asked, "I can't leave?" They replied, "Nope, we're not going to allow it." Looking back, I realized I wasn't really ready to make that decision, so I was actually relieved that the studio and network made it for me. This way, I could always just blame them for the outcome!

Why MASH Needed Swit's Margaret Houlihan

Replacing Swit in Cagney & Lacey was Meg Foster, but she only played Cagney in the first six episodes before getting replaced by Sharon Gless for Season 2 and beyond.

loretta swit as hot lips in mash season 5 the nurses - Why MASH Needed Swit's Margaret Houlihan

Margaret was the only main female character in MASH, making her a crucial part of the show. Although the series is well-loved, it reflects the norms of its era, and some aspects have not aged well since it ended forty years ago. One significant problem, particularly in the early seasons, was the negative portrayal of female characters. The nurses were often treated as objects and sexual harassment was frequently joked about.

Margaret's nickname "Hot Lips" was a label Swit tried to distance her character from. Towards the end of MASH, Margaret's character development intensified, coinciding with Swit's desire to leave the show. Frank Burns' exit set the stage for her evolution, culminating in the series finale where the 4077 bid farewell. Despite her flaws, Margaret represented resilience in the face of personal and professional obstacles, a theme not always emphasized in MASH.

Swit now acknowledges that staying on MASH until the end was the right choice for her. While the outcome of transitioning to Cagney & Lacey remains uncertain, her performance in the movie pilot suggests she could excel in the role. However, success was not guaranteed. Ultimately, it was fitting for Swit to continue portraying Margaret until the show's conclusion, providing a satisfying conclusion to her character's journey as a key member of the 4077.

MASH is available to stream on Hulu.

Source: Yahoo! Entertainment

Editor's P/S:

The article sheds light on the pivotal role of Loretta Swit as Margaret Houlihan in the iconic TV series MASH. Despite initial aspirations to leave the show, Swit was persuaded by the studio to stay on, ultimately leading to a significant character development for Margaret. Her resilience and dedication as the head nurse at the 4077, coupled with her nuanced portrayal of a strong female character in a male-dominated environment, made her an indispensable part of the show's success.

While Swit's decision to remain on MASH may have been influenced by external factors, it ultimately proved to be a wise choice. Her presence in both the pilot and the series finale, alongside Hawkeye Pierce, underscored her importance to the show's narrative and emotional core. Margaret's journey from her tumultuous affair with Frank Burns to her poignant marriage to Donald Penobscott added depth and complexity to her character, showcasing her resilience and growth in the face of adversity. Swit's performance ultimately cemented Margaret Houlihan as one of the most memorable and beloved characters in television history.