When Star Trek Met MAS*H: The Shared Legacy of “Hot Lips” Houlihan

It’s hard to imagine MASH* without Loretta Swit’s unforgettable portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan. Her fierce loyalty, sharp tongue, and unexpected tenderness made her one of the most complex and beloved characters on the long-running wartime dramedy. But here’s a twist that even die-hard fans may not know: the role that made Swit a household name was originally played by a Star Trek legend.

Yes, before Loretta Swit donned the nurse’s uniform, the role of Major Houlihan had already come to life — and it was none other than Sally Kellerman, who would later be beamed into sci-fi fame for her own iconic turn in Star Trek.

The Original “Hot Lips” from the Big Screen

MASH* didn’t start on television. Before it became one of the most groundbreaking series in TV history, it was a 1970 film directed by Robert Altman. This big-screen adaptation of Richard Hooker’s novel starred Donald Sutherland as Hawkeye Pierce and Elliott Gould as Trapper John. And in the role of Major Margaret Houlihan? The commanding and charismatic Sally Kellerman.

Kellerman’s version of “Hot Lips” was sharp, straight-laced, and intensely by-the-book — the perfect contrast to the rebellious surgeons around her. While her character was often the butt of practical jokes, Kellerman gave Houlihan depth, vulnerability, and pride. Her performance even earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her place in Hollywood history.

But when CBS decided to adapt the film into a television series in 1972, a new face was needed for the role. That’s when Loretta Swit stepped in — and made it her own.

Passing the Baton: From Kellerman to Swit

Why didn’t Sally Kellerman reprise her role on TV? The answer is simple: she wasn’t interested in television at the time. Like many film actors of her generation, Kellerman was focused on cinematic roles and declined to commit to a series. That decision opened the door for Swit, an up-and-coming stage actress who had never imagined she’d step into such iconic shoes.

Swit approached the role with fresh eyes, carefully walking the line between comedy and sincerity. She maintained the rigid professionalism of the original character but added subtle layers — emotional vulnerability, personal growth, and even romantic hopefulness. Over the course of 11 seasons, Swit transformed Houlihan from a punchline into a poignant figure, one of the few characters to undergo real, lasting change.

And fans noticed. Swit earned two Emmy Awards and ten nominations for her portrayal. More importantly, she helped redefine what a female character could be in a male-dominated ensemble.

A Tale of Two Legends

It’s almost poetic that two powerhouse actresses brought Margaret Houlihan to life in such distinct yet complementary ways. Sally Kellerman’s portrayal was the spark — bold, biting, and unforgettable in the film. Loretta Swit’s version was the fire that burned for over a decade, reshaping the role and adding dimension episode after episode.

Interestingly, both women also left marks in the Star Trek universe. While Kellerman was best known to sci-fi fans for her role as Dr. Elizabeth Dehner in the Star Trek episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” Swit, while never appearing in the franchise herself, often drew fans from both camps. Their careers intersected not just through Houlihan, but through the broader pop culture galaxy.

The Legacy of Margaret Houlihan

Today, “Hot Lips” Houlihan stands as one of TV’s most compelling characters — a tough, intelligent woman navigating the chaos of war with heart and humor. That legacy owes itself to both Kellerman’s original spark and Swit’s long-burning flame.

It’s rare in Hollywood for a character to be reimagined successfully, much less improved upon. But in the case of Margaret Houlihan, two legends stepped into the role at just the right times, each leaving their own indelible mark.

So the next time you tune into a rerun of MASH* and see Loretta Swit command the screen with steely eyes and a compassionate soul, remember that her journey began with another icon — Sally Kellerman — who first gave voice to one of television’s greatest characters.