When Sally Kellerman first read for the part of Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” O’Houlihan in the 1970 film MASH*, she quickly realized the character was written to be objectified and dismissed — a walking punchline rather than a woman with depth.
She was incensed.
Not just because the role was shallow, but because after 14 years in Hollywood, she wasn’t about to settle for being a background character in her own career.
In a fiery meeting with director Robert Altman, she let it all out:
“Why does she leave halfway through the film?”
“Why can’t she have more power? More voice? More story?”
She wasn’t just defending a character — she was defending herself.
And instead of shutting her down, Altman leaned back in his chair and said calmly:
“Why couldn’t she? You could end up with something or nothing. Why not take a chance?”
That moment changed everything.
Sally took the role.
She became Hot Lips — not the caricature, but the force, the woman, the contradiction, the complexity.
And ironically, the very scenes she once feared would reduce her became some of the most memorable in movie history — sparking countless imitations and forever cementing her place in film.
The woman who nearly walked away?
She walked right into a performance that would earn her an Oscar nomination and become a cultural icon.
Sometimes the “best” role doesn’t start that way.
Sometimes, you have to fight to make it more.
And sometimes, the fight is exactly what makes it great.
Credit: IMDb / Original Owner (Respect 🫡)