Loretta Swit, a true champion of the animal kingdom, is an animal activist, artist, and award-winning actress, known for her iconic starring role on TV's most honored series, M*A*S*H, for which she won two EMMYs and worldwide acclaim.
Few actresses can capture the imagination of generations of television viewers with the certainty and charm of Loretta Swit. As quick-witted, impassioned Major Margaret Houlihan of M*A*S*H, Ms. Swit became an American icon. And with its popularity now in worldwide syndication, new fans continue to enjoy her lavish portrayal of the sensuous, sensitive, comedic Major Houlihan.
Ms. Swit has been honored with such recognition as two Emmy Awards, the People's Choice Award, The Genie Award, The Silver Satellite Award, The Jean Golden Halo Award, and the Pacific Broadcasters Award. With ten Emmy nominations and four nominations for the Golden Globe, she most recently has received her third Career Achievement Award. Loretta has a star on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame.
She has been teamed with some of the most memorable names in the world of television, film, and theater. Her television career boasts over 25 movies, including the original Cagney and Lacey, in which she created the role of Chris Cagney (obligations to M*A*S*H prevented her from shooting the series). Her films include Stand Up and Be Counted with Jacqueline Bisset, Freebie and the Bean with James Caan and Alan Arkin, Race With the Devil with Peter Fonda, Beer opposite Rip Torn, S.O.B. with Julie Andrews and William Holden, Whoops Apocalypse with Peter Cook and Herbert Lom, Forrest Warrior with Chuck Norris, and BoardHeads with Bronson Pinchot.
Ms. Swit's wildlife series, Those Incredible Animals, was shown twice weekly on the Discovery Channel for an amazing five-year run, as well as being aired in over 30 countries. Throughout her career, Ms. Swit has graced the stage in numerous plays including The Vagina Monologues in New York, Chicago, and the West End in London. She is currently performing in regional theaters or on tour in plays including 'Eleanor-Her Secret Journey', 'Me and Jezebel', and 'Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks'.
She has devoted decades to animal-related causes and is a prominent advocate for animals and animal rights. What many fans may not know about the multi-talented thespian is that Ms. Swit has been an artist from age six. A new book by Mies Hora SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, documents Loretta's lifelong compassion through her soulful animal portraits as well as anecdotes about them and her extensive philanthropic work.
SwitHeart includes 65 full-color paintings and drawings, and 22 photographs. Proceeds from the book will be donated to charities and programs that are as dedicated, as Ms. Swit is, to ending animal suffering and cruelty.
"I'm thrilled to see my passion for animals and my passion for art merge in a book that will help benefit and protect the animals on our planet." - Loretta Swit
Loretta has worked relentlessly and tirelessly through donations, live appearances, endorsements, interviews, and documentary footage to support a wide variety of the best and most effective animal support groups and programs including The Humane Society, Bide-a-Wee, The Farm Sanctuary, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare, among many others.