‘M*A*S*H’ Film Star and Oscar Nominee Sally Kellerman Has Died at 84

• Sally Kellerman has died of heart failure at 84 years old at an assisted-living facility in California.

• The actress is best known for her role as Maj. Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan in the 1970 movie M*A*S*H.

• Friends and colleagues, including William Shatner and Marc Maron, posted their condolences on social media.

Sally Kellerman, an iconic film star and Oscar nominee, passed away midday Thursday. Recognized for portraying Maj. Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan in the 1970 movie M*A*S*H, Kellerman died at 84-years-old due to heart failure at her assisted-living facility in Los Angeles, according to The New York Times. Her son, Jack Krane, told The Hollywood Reporter her death was related to her dementia diagnosis.

Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump blood and oxygen correctly throughout the body, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Heart failure is often associated with heart disease, which is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Though heart failure alone does not mean immediate death, it progresses gradually and eventually leads to heart failure symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty doing everyday activities. This condition can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes, but over time heart failure can cause serious medical issues, according to the AHA.

Kellerman played the famous army nurse at a Korean War field hospital in the 1970 dark comedy M*A*S*H directed by Robert Altman. The movie also starred Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, and Tom Skerritt. Her performance in the film snagged her a nomination for an Academy Award for best actress in a supporting role and a Golden Globe for best-supporting actress in a motion picture. Kellerman later won a Kansas City Film Critics Circle Award for best-supporting actress and a Golden Lauren for best comedy performance, female, for her role in the film.

Kellerman was also loved for her performances as Sissy Wanamaker in the 1994 film Ready to Wear, Dorothy in the 2011 movie Night Club, Dr. Diane Turner in the 1986 film Back to School, and many more.

Friends, colleagues, and fans took to social media after the announcement of the star’s passing, to share memories and send condolences to Kellerman’s family. Comedian Marc Maron posted several Tweets about Kellerman’s death including one where he wrote, “Sally Kellerman was radiant and beautiful, and fun, and so great to work with. She played my mom on my series Maron. My real mom was very flattered and a bit jealous. I’m sad she’s gone. RIP.”

Additionally, actor William Shatner posted to his Twitter account, “Sending condolences to the family of Sally Kellerman,” and actress Loretta Swit, who played Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the M*A*S*H television series that came after the movie, posted a tribute to her Twitter account.

Kellerman will continue to bring her gifts to the big screen even after her death. She is listed as a cast member for two yet-to-be screened movies in pre-production, including Flycatcher and Underwater Upside Down.

We send our condolences to Kellerman’s family, friends, and fans who loved her and her work over the years.

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