Alan Alda: Childhood, Marriage & 60 Years of Fame
- Alan Alda, 89, is experiencing an unexpected resurgence with his 1981 film, The Four seasons.
- Now, Tina Fey has adapted the film into a TV series for Netflix, with Alda serving as a producer.
- Alda makes a cameo in the new series as Don, a character with Parkinson’s disease.
Alan Alda’s classic film, “The Four Seasons,” finds a fresh audience as a Netflix series, proving the enduring appeal of this comedy-drama. At 89, Alda reflects on the film’s lasting legacy and the joy it brings to a new generation, while also discussing his life with Parkinson’s disease and active career. this includes a cameo in the new series and continuous work at the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. The star of MAS*H, and husband of 68 years, continues to captivate with his wit and wisdom. News Directory 3 has the story. Discover what’s next for this legend.
alan Alda’s ‘The Four Seasons’ finds New Life on Netflix
Updated May 26, 2025
Alan Alda, 89, is experiencing an unexpected resurgence with his 1981 film, The Four seasons. The movie, which Alda wrote, directed, and starred in, chronicles the lives of three couples whose quarterly vacations are upended by divorce and jealousy.
Now, Tina Fey has adapted the film into a TV series for Netflix, with Alda serving as a producer. The show is currently a popular offering on the streaming platform. Alda expressed his delight in a recent video call, noting how his work resonates with a new generation of writers. He also enjoyed watching the original movie with an audience, observing that the humor still lands after more than four decades.
Alda makes a cameo in the new series as Don, a character with Parkinson’s disease. Alda,who went public with his own Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2018,said,”At the moment,I can play anyone with Parkinson’s.” while his physical appearance reflects his age and condition, his familiar grin still evokes the youthful charm of his earlier roles.
Before The Four Seasons, Alda rose to fame as Captain Benjamin “hawkeye” Pierce in the TV series M*A*S*H, a war comedy-drama set during the Korean War. While Hawkeye was known for his irreverent behavior, Alda himself is celebrated as an advocate for women’s rights and a devoted husband.He and his wife, Arlene, have been married for 68 years.In the early 1990s, a poll even placed him among the most admired men by American women.
Despite his age, Alda remains active. In addition to acting and producing, he runs the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and hosts the podcast Clear + Vivid, where he has interviewed figures ranging from Paul McCartney to Michael J. Fox.
Dialogue and empathy are central themes in Alda’s work.He consistently chooses projects that explore relationships and emphasize dialogue as a means of resolving conflict.
Born Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo in New York, Alda’s father, Robert Alda, was a film star. His mother,Joan,struggled with schizophrenia.Alda recalls a childhood spent traveling with his family as his father pursued his career.
alda reflected on his mother’s condition and its impact on his life. He noted the need to constantly observe her and discern her reality, which taught him improvisation skills that have been valuable throughout his life.
He also shared that he contracted polio at age seven and underwent a rigorous swimming therapy, which he believes contributed to his stamina.
despite a career spanning decades, Alda’s wit remains sharp. When asked if he always wanted to be an actor, he quipped, “I wanted to be a writer when I was eight, and it was only later in life, when I was nine, that I wanted to be an actor.”
Addressing his Parkinson’s, Alda said, “A little shaky!” He explained that it mainly requires him to plan for tasks taking longer and to carefully review his communications.
What’s next
Alda plans to continue his work with the alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and his podcast, Clear + Vivid, while navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.