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 to television and pop culture.

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.