Oscar-nominated actress Sally Kellerman who played U.S. Army Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in the film version of M*A*S*H has died.
The husky-voiced actress passed away at an assisted care home in California at the age of 84, he son Jack Krane said.
TMZ reports the star had been diagnosed with dementia back in 2017 and hadn't been well for a few years.
Her son said it was clear to him on Wednesday night that his mother wasn't well and he said his final goodbyes.
The star famously appeared in Robert Altman's 1970's M*A*S*H movie as well as the 1986 comedy Back to School, opposite Rodney Dangerfield.
She also appeared in a number of shows on the small screen, including The Outer Limits, 12 O’Clock High, That Girl and Mannix.
She was also involved in several animated movies and also completed voiceover work for Hidden Valley Ranch dressing.
Of her iconic “M*A*S*H” role, Kellerman said she eventually came to terms with being remembered for it.
In 2010, she said: "There were times in my life when I felt I had to go out and prove that I’m not just Hot Lips.
"But at this point, just call me anything you want."
M*A*S*H stood for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital and it went on to become one of the most successful sitcoms ever written seeing 256 episodes produced between 1972 and 1983.
The TV version of Kellerman's Hot Lips character was portrayed by Loretta Swit.
In its last show called Goodbye, Farewell and Amen television sets were placed in car parks, offices and public spaces while it was shown simultaneously around the world to troops stationed abroad.
At the time it became the most-watched and highest-rated single television episode in US television history, with a record-breaking 125 million viewers.
After its last show, the BBC bought the rights running it from 1984 to 1995 running it on BBC2.
Kellerman was married to Starsky & Hutch writer and director Rick Edelstein between 1970 and 1972, before marrying Face/Off producer Jonathan Krane in 1980.
Fans took to Twitter to share messages of condolence following the news of her death.
One user wrote: "R.I.P., Sally Kellerman. Yes, she was Hot Lips in M*A*S*H, but first she was Dr. Elizabeth Dehner on STAR TREK, and after that she was Dr. Diane Turner in BACK TO SCHOOL.
"Those are my favorite points of reference, and those are how I'll most fondly remember her"
Another penned: "RIP to a real one, the great Sally Kellerman."
And a third said: "RIP Sally Kellerman 1937-2022. She was terrific."
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