Alan Alda was born Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo on January 28, 1936, in The Bronx, New York City. He is the son of actor Robert Alda (born Alphonso Giuseppe Giovanni Roberto D’Abruzzo) and Joan Browne, a former beauty pageant winner and homemaker.
Growing up in an entertainment family, Alda was exposed to acting from an early age. He attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York, and later went on to study English at Fordham University, graduating in 1956.
Military Service
After college, Alda served in the United States Army Reserve for six months. During his service, he was stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia and later in France.
Acting Career
Early Career
Alda’s early acting career involved various stage roles. He made his Broadway debut in “The Apple Tree” and appeared in several other plays. His film debut came in 1963 with “Gone Are the Days!” followed by a role in the 1964 film “The Moonshine War.”
Breakthrough with MAS*H
Alda’s breakthrough role came in 1972 when he was cast as Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce in the television series “MAS*H.”
The show, set during the Korean War, became a critical and commercial success. Alda’s portrayal of the witty and compassionate surgeon earned him five Emmy Awards and established him as a household name.
Post-MAS*H Career
After “MAS*H” ended in 1983, Alda continued to have a successful career in television and film. He appeared in movies such as “Crimes and Misdemeanors” (1989) and “The Aviator” (2004). He also had recurring roles in TV series like “The West Wing” and “30 Rock,” earning additional Emmy nominations.
Personal Life
Alan Alda married Arlene Weiss, a clarinetist and photographer, in 1957. The couple has three daughters: Eve, Elizabeth, and Beatrice.
Alda has been open about his battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2015. Despite his health challenges, he continues to be active in the entertainment industry and in advocating for science communication.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Alda has received numerous awards, including six Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. In 2004, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.
In 2019, he was honored with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award for his contributions to the entertainment industry and his humanitarian efforts.
Legacy
Alan Alda is celebrated not only for his diverse talents as an actor, writer, and director but also for his dedication to science communication and education. His ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
