Alan Alda at 89: Love, Legacy, and Laughs Through the Ages
So here's something that really stuck with me this week—a profile on the great Alan Alda that went beyond the surface of stardom and dug deep into what makes a life well-lived. You might know Alda as “Hawkeye” from M A S H*, a character etched into the history of television. But there's so much more to this 89-year-old icon than just that unforgettable role.
He’s back in the spotlight thanks to a Tina Fey-led revival of his 1981 film The Four Seasons , now adapted as a hit Netflix series. And here’s the incredible part—he’s not just passively observing its success; Alda is a producer, makes a cameo, and remains as sharp, witty, and warm as ever. What’s even more inspiring is how candid he is about living with Parkinson’s disease. He was diagnosed in 2015, went public in 2018, and today? He still jokes about it, still finds joy in the little victories—like figuring out how to button a shirt. “It’s a little victory,” he says, “and I feel like a million bucks.” That perspective? That’s gold.
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But the story that really moved me was about his marriage. Alan Alda has been married to his wife Arlene for 68 years. In Hollywood, that’s practically mythological. When asked about their secret, she simply says, “a short memory.” That kind of humor and honesty is so refreshing. Alda’s love for her is still so palpable, so joyful. You can feel it in the way he lights up when talking about her daily piano practice or the sacrifices they made to stay close during his M A S H* years.
He’s lived through a lot. A childhood marked by a mother with schizophrenia, a battle with polio at age seven, and an acting career that didn’t really skyrocket until his mid-30s. And through it all, he’s remained deeply empathetic, curious, and devoted—to his craft, his family, and the art of meaningful communication. That’s a rare mix.
Even now, Alda runs the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and hosts a podcast called Clear + Vivid , where he’s had conversations with people from Paul McCartney to Michael J. Fox. Over 350 episodes in, and he still ends each one with seven thoughtful questions, always trying to understand others a little better. That’s who he is—a seeker of connection, someone who believes that talking, really talking, still matters.
Honestly, if you ever need a reminder that aging doesn’t mean fading away, Alda’s your guy. He’s not slowing down; he’s simply evolving, and doing it with grace, humor, and a heart full of wisdom.
Alan Alda isn’t just a legend. He’s a masterclass in how to live a life of meaning.
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