Alan Alda, best known as Hawkeye Pierce in the iconic TV series MASH*, is celebrated not only for his career as an actor, director, and writer but also for overcoming a difficult childhood and serious health challenges.

Born in 1936 in the Bronx to actor Robert Alda and homemaker Joan Browne, Alan’s early years were marked by instability and trauma, including his mother’s mental illness and his own battle with polio at age seven. Despite this, he excelled academically, studied English at Fordham University, and began his career on Broadway in 1959.

His breakout role came in MASH* (1972–1983), where his performance as Hawkeye earned him six Golden Globes and international recognition. Alda went on to appear in films like The Four Seasons (which he also directed), Same Time, Next Year, and The Aviator (earning an Oscar nomination). He also starred in TV hits such as The West Wing and 30 Rock.

In 1957, he married musician and writer Arlene Weiss. Their marriage, still strong after more than six decades, is often cited as a key part of his happiness. They raised three daughters—Eve, Elizabeth, and Beatrice—who pursued paths in psychology, education, and film.

In 2015, Alda revealed he had Parkinson’s disease. He has managed the condition with exercise, including boxing and tennis, while continuing to work and inspire. Through it all, he credits Arlene’s constant support as a cornerstone of his resilience and success.