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How did Sally Kellerman die? 'M*A*S*H' star who played iconic 'Hot Lips' Houlihan dies at 84

Sally Kellerman also played the role of Prof Diane Turner in the classic 1986 comedy 'Back To School', starring opposite Rodney Dangerfield

Hollywood actress Sally Kellerman, best known for her Oscar-nominated role of US Army Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in 'M*A*S*H' has reportedly died at the age of 84. The actress, who also played the character of Dr Elizabeth Dehner on 'Star Trek', was well-known for her husky voice and singing skills. In fact, she had a Grand Funk Railroad tune specially written for her. 

Kellerman died on the morning of Thursday, February 24, 2022, at an assisted care facility in Woodland Hills in Los Angeles. The news of her tragic death was confirmed by her son Jack Krane. She was married twice in her life, the first time to Rick Edelstein and the second time to Jonathan D Krane. The veteran actress's death was mourned by the whos who of Hollywood as well as hundreds of her fans on social media. 

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Aside from her roles in 'M*A*S*H' and 'Stark Trek', Kellerman played the role of Prof Diane Turner in the classic 1986 comedy 'Back To School' starring opposite Rodney Dangerfield. In a 2016 podcast, Kellerman recalled how her fans often hollered "Hey, Hot Lips!" when they encountered her in public, in reference to her character from 'M*A*S*H'.

Kellerman starred in several movies by M*A*S*H director Robert Altman, namely 'Brewster McCloud', 'The Player' and 'Pret-a-Porter'. She also guest-starred in several 1960s TV shows like 'The Outer Limits', '12 O'Clock High', 'That Girl', 'Ben Casey' and 'Mannix'. She also starred in a 1966 stage production of the all-time classic 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', alongside Mary Tyler Moore and Richard Chamberlain. 

The exact cause of Kellerman's death is yet to be revealed, though it has been found that the actress was battling dementia. Comic Marc Maron led the tributes for the timeless star, as he recalled working with her on the series 'Maron'. "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," Maron tweeted. 

Commentator Rex Chapman noted, "Rest In Peace, Sally Kellerman. Thanks…" Writer Jay Stobie tweeted, "We've lost one of the very first members of our #StarTrek family. My thoughts go out to Sally Kellerman's friends and loved ones."

TV writer Gennefer Gross recalled her role in 'Back To School', tweeting, "Sally Kellerman was 49 in BACK TO SCHOOL and one of the most effortlessly sexy women to ever exist. Her voice, her impeccable comedic timing, her ability to shift between silly and smoldering and hold her own in barracks full of Army men. She was one of a kind. RIP."