Alan Alda Reflects on Life, Career, and Parkinson’s

Alan Alda, the celebrated actor known for his role as ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce in M*A*S*H, has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and his viewers. Renowned for his work on CBS, Alda is often approached by individuals inspired to become doctors after watching his portrayal of a sarcastic Korean War surgeon.

Alda’s journey into the limelight wasn’t without challenges. At the age of seven, before the polio vaccine was available, he contracted the disease. His mother and father, who was then starring as George Gershwin in a movie, had to administer painful hot wool treatment daily. This early life hardship influenced not only his persistence but his unique view of life.

Acting was a significant part of his upbringing. His father, Robert Alda, performed vaudeville and starred in Guys and Dolls. Growing up backstage, Alan observed and absorbed the intricacies of performance.

Alan’s family life was complex. His mother, Joan, battled schizophrenia, which sometimes resulted in paranoid delusions. These experiences honed Alda’s observational skills and curiosity about reality, which he credits for shaping his acting skills and deep interest in human connection.

On the set of M*A*S*H, Alda prioritized connection with his co-stars. Rather than retreating to dressing rooms, cast members would stay together between takes, sharing laughs and strengthening their bonds. This camaraderie was evident to the show’s substantial audience, making its final episode one of the most-watched in television history.

In 2009, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science was founded at Stony Brook University. Alda promotes clarity in scientific communication, using techniques from his acting experience, such as improvisation, to help bridge the gap between scientists and the public.

Recently, Alda has tackled personal challenges with openness, including his battle with Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed after a dream-related symptom at 79, Alda believes in confronting reality head-on. Despite the disease, he maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing that humor is crucial in dealing with adversity.

Alda shares light-hearted moments brought on by Parkinson’s, such as disruptions while typing emails, demonstrating that humor can be found even in tough situations. Remaining optimistic and creative, he continues to find innovative solutions to daily challenges.

He and his wife, Arlene, who first connected over shared laughter, have been married nearly 70 years. The couple has three daughters and eight grandchildren. Despite occasional frustrations facilitated by Parkinson’s, Alda looks for untried methods to resolve them, finding cause for celebration in small victories such as putting on socks unaided.

Web Exclusive: Discover more about Alan Alda’s journey in an extended interview.