Alan Alda, 89, Gives a Sad Update About His Health as Former M*A*S*H* Star Battles Parkinson’s Disease

At 89 years old, legendary actor Alan Alda continues to approach life with wit, resilience, and an unwavering spirit.

Best known for his iconic role as Hawkeye Pierce on MASH*, Alda has shared a heartfelt and humorous update on his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease—a diagnosis he received in 2015.

Despite the challenges the disease presents, Alda hasn’t lost his sense of humor. In a recent interview with People magazine, the six-time Emmy winner gave a characteristically clever response when asked how he’s doing.

January 28 1936

Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda/B-Day) is
89!

If you’re my age (OLD, but not as old as Alan Alda!),
You watched M*A*S*H on TV from
1972-1983.

Trapper
Frank Burns
Col. Blake
Fr. Mullaney
Col. Potter &
Winchester,

Are All Gone. pic.twitter.com/oVTElricsy

— Sean Mcdowell (@dvesean) January 28, 2025

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“Making progress,” he said with a smile, before pausing and adding, “I didn’t say in which direction.”

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Alda’s ability to find light even in darkness has become a hallmark of how he manages Parkinson’s.

“Almost every day I’m finding a new way to do something,” he explained.

“It’s a little like a game. I’ve found whatever the little problem is, if I keep at it, I can eventually solve it, and then I feel like a million bucks. It’s a way to have a good time under poor circumstances.”

Since his diagnosis, Alda has faced what he calls “a never-ending series of puzzles.”

Congratulations on your Four Seasons series on Netflix, Tina. It’s wonderful. I knew it would be, coming from Tina Fey. Can you squeeze in some time to come back on my podcast, Clear+Vivid? We can have some fun. I’m really happy for you. pic.twitter.com/YsQ87t6T1Q

— Alan Alda (@alanalda) May 11, 2025

Over time, managing his illness has become more than just a daily routine—it’s grown into something far more consuming.

“It’s gone from a part-time job to almost a full-time job keeping track of all these little solutions,” he shared. “But it keeps me always looking for the funny side.”

Even as Parkinson’s causes full-body tremors and limits his dexterity, Alda has not stepped away from the spotlight.

He recently made a cameo in Tina Fey’s Netflix series adaptation of his 1981 film The Four Seasons, a project that is clearly close to his heart.

Alan and Arlene Alda celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this past March.

They married in 1957, when Alan was 21 and Arlene was 24, and they are still going at 88 and 91, respectively. They have three daughters and 8 grandchildren. pic.twitter.com/gX89Q9aPk9

— Tyler K. Stroud 🇮🇪 🇪🇺 (@Stroudarian) July 8, 2024

“I’m so happy for Tina,” Alda said. “The movie meant a lot to me, and people are reacting to her work very much as they did to mine.”

In the scene, Alda’s tremors were visible, yet he remained unbothered by it, refusing to let the condition keep him from participating in something meaningful.

His determination and joy for acting still shine through—an inspiring sight for fans old and new.

As Alda continues to adjust to the physical realities of Parkinson’s, one constant in his life has been the loving support of his wife, Arlene, to whom he’s been married for an astonishing 68 years.

“She always says, ‘The secret to marriage is a short memory,’” Alda remarked.

happy valentine’s day to alan and arlene alda only pic.twitter.com/ODJepmnjen

— Leah Williams (@leahgwilliams) February 14, 2021

“We both try to practice being there when we’re there: listening, answering, taking an interest. You can get used to somebody no matter who it is. I’ve always thought if the Pope and Mother Teresa were a couple, after a few years, they’d have to work it out.”

The couple’s love story began at a party in New York City in 1956, where they bonded over a rum cake that had been dropped on the floor.

“[I knew she was the one] when we ate the cake off the floor,” Alda recalled.

“There’s something about flirting over food, and that she laughed at my jokes meant a lot. We still laugh at each other’s jokes a lot, and she’s getting funnier every day.”

Now more than ever, Alda leans on Arlene for daily support, a role she fulfills with tenderness and grace.

“I don’t have dexterity with my fingers the way I used to, so sometimes she has to tear a package open for me,” he shared. “She’s so good-natured about it. I’m always saying, ‘Thank you.’”

Despite a career spanning decades and accolades that include six Emmys, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar nomination, Alda remains grounded.

Happy birthday, Alan Alda, M*A*S*H’s Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce! #ClassicMASH @alanalda @alda pic.twitter.com/Z4JyK2x6xe

— The M*A*S*H Historian (@MASHhistorian) January 28, 2025

“I don’t get proud. I get glad that I can do something,” he said. “Proud seems like a waste of time.”

In a world often dominated by ego and spotlight, Alan Alda continues to be a rare and refreshing voice—one of humility, perseverance, and grace under pressure.

As he courageously faces the daily battles of Parkinson’s, he does so with laughter, love, and the same authenticity that has always defined him.

Let’s keep Alan Alda in our thoughts and prayers as he continues his journey with Parkinson’s disease, reminding us all of the power of humor, partnership, and perseverance.

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