Alan Alda’s Wit Shines Through Parkinson’s Challenges and 68-Year Marriage

At 89, Alan Alda, the beloved M*A*S*H star, is facing Parkinson’s disease with his signature wit and resilience. Diagnosed in 2015, Alda also contends with prosopagnosia, a condition that complicates recognizing faces. Managing his health has become almost a full-time job, as he shared with a major outlet, requiring constant ingenuity to tackle daily challenges. Yet, he finds joy in the process, treating each obstacle like a puzzle to solve with a smile.

Acting remains a lifeline for Alda. He recently appeared in a cameo role in Tina Fey’s Netflix adaptation of his 1981 film, The Four Seasons, a series already greenlit for a second season. His character, dispensing wisdom from his wife, mirrors his real-life marriage to Arlene, his partner of 68 years. Their love story began in 1956 at a college party in New York City, cemented by a shared moment eating rum cake off the floor—a quirky testament to their bond. Arlene, now 92, remains his steadfast supporter, helping with tasks like opening packages as his dexterity wanes.

Alda’s humor shines through his challenges. He credits Arlene’s advice—a short memory—for their enduring marriage, a philosophy that keeps them grounded. Reflecting on his M*A*S*H days, Alda recalled directing the iconic finale, Goodbye, Farewell and Amen, watched by over 106 million viewers in 1983. Despite a fire destroying the Malibu set, he rewrote the script to incorporate the blaze, showcasing his knack for turning adversity into opportunity.

Alda’s story is one of perseverance, love, and finding humor in hardship, proving that even in the face of Parkinson’s, he’s still writing his own script.