Veteran Alan Alda actor reminisces about MAS*H’s 50th anniversary – and his legacy
Veteran actor Alan Alda hasn’t given up since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015.
For this week’s news, the 86-year-old actor returns to power in MAS*H, a comedy-drama series that follows a team of American doctors and paramedics stationed in South Korea during the Korean War. When the last episode of the series ventilated after eleven seasons, more than 100 million viewers watched, making it the most watched TV finale of all time.
In an email interview, Alda told readers about her health and the post-MAS*H world – she is now the host of the Clear + Vivid podcast – and how she hopes to be remembered too.
how are you feeling healthy? I felt good and I rushed forward. I am accomplishing everything in my power to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, which work can really slow down.
What has been the biggest challenge since your diagnosis?
Tying shoelaces can be a challenge when you have stiff toes. Consider playing the violin while wearing gloves. The good food is that I become more and more confident that I can always find a solution.
What is a characteristic day like for you now? Exercising, preparing my podcast, driving geese out of my yard, playing chess with Arlene [his 65 year old wife] and enjoying Scandinavian TV series. Pretty much everyone does.
What makes you the happiest? Laughing with my wife.
How do you hope to be remembered? We can’t control how we remember, so I don’t think much of it. If I leave something that someone finds useful, that’s fine.