Charleen Swansea is an American actress best known for her roles in the hit television series M*A*S*H and its spin-off AfterMASH. She was born in New York City in 1945 and raised in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn.
Swansea began her acting career in the mid-1960s, appearing in several Off-Broadway productions. During this time, she also took a part-time job as a phone operator in order to support her career. In 1972, she landed a role as Nurse Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in M*A*S*H, which ran for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983. Her performance earned her numerous awards, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
Swansea continued to take roles in film and television after M*A*S*H, including the spin-off AfterMASH (1983-1984). She also appeared in several Broadway productions, including a revival of The Music Man (1984) and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1993).
In addition to her acting career, Swansea is an active philanthropist and political activist. In 1989, she founded a charity organization called The Swan Foundation, which works to provide educational and vocational training to disadvantaged youths. She is also a passionate political activist, supporting numerous causes, including environmental protection and gun control.
Swansea has been nominated for numerous awards throughout her career, including two Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. She has also been nominated for several Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards. Despite having a successful career, Swansea remains humble and is known for her generosity and kindness. She continues to act and is currently filming a new television series.
