Alan Alda: Health, Career, Marriage, and Net Worth

For decades, Alan Alda has been a familiar face in American living rooms, first as the wisecracking Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H and later as a thoughtful science communicator. But behind the public persona, fans have wondered about his health, his marriage, and the man behind the TV icon. Here’s a clear-eyed look at the facts, separating what’s confirmed from what’s still open to question.

Born: January 28, 1936 ·
Age: 88 ·
Active years: 1958–present ·
Known for: Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H ·
Spouse: Arlene Alda (m. 1957) ·
Net worth: $30 million (estimated)

Nine key facts, one pattern: Alan Alda’s life is remarkably consistent — a single marriage, a long career, and a recent health challenge met with openness.

The table below captures the defining biographical details of Alan Alda’s life, from his birth name to his current net worth.

What has Alan Alda been diagnosed with?

Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

In 2015, Alan Alda was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and coordination. He disclosed the diagnosis publicly in July 2018 during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, saying he wanted to encourage others to stay active and keep moving (BBC News).

• He was 82 years old at the time of disclosure (BBC News).
• Alda said he decided to go public “to encourage others to take action and keep moving” (AARP).

Symptoms and public disclosure

Since going public, Alda has been open about the challenges. In 2025, he told the Stanford Parkinson’s Community Blog that managing the disease is “almost a full-time job.” Despite this, he continues to act and host his podcast Clear+Vivid (Science Friday).

What actor did Alan Alda not get along with on MASH?

Conflict with Gary Burghoff

Reports indicate Alda had tensions with Gary Burghoff, who played Radar O’Reilly on M*A*S*H. Burghoff left the show earlier than other cast members, citing creative differences. The exact nature of the rift remains private and is not publicly confirmed.

The pattern: While on-screen tensions occasionally surface in cast memoirs, most M*A*S*H actors, including Loretta Swit and David Ogden Stiers, have spoken warmly of working with Alda.

Was Alan Alda a ladies man?

On-screen versus off-screen persona

His character Hawkeye Pierce was a womanizer, but Alda himself has been married to Arlene Alda since 1957. Alda has described himself as “not a ladies man” in real life. He is also known for his advocacy of women’s rights and gender equality.

The paradox: Fans often ask about this contrast — the fictional skirt-chaser versus the real-life one-woman man.

What ethnicity is Alan Alda?

Family background

Alda’s father, actor Robert Alda, was of Italian descent (born Alfonso Giuseppe Giovanni Roberto D’Abruzzo). His mother was of Irish and French-Canadian descent. His stage surname “Alda” is a portmanteau of his first two given names.

The implication: Alda’s diverse ethnic heritage has enriched his work, but he has said he considers himself simply “American.”

How many wives did Alan Alda have?

One marriage: Arlene Alda

Alan Alda has been married to Arlene Weiss since March 15, 1957 — a span of more than 67 years. The couple met early in 1957 and married the same year (IMDb, an industry database). They have three daughters: Eve, Elizabeth, and Beatrice (People).

• No previous marriages or divorces.
• Arlene Alda is a photographer and author in her own right.

What this means: In an industry known for short relationships, Alda’s long marriage is a rare constant. He often credits Arlene for his stability.

How old is Alan Alda’s wife now?

Arlene Alda’s age and career

Arlene Alda was born on March 12, 1936; as of 2024, she is 88 years old. She is a photographer and author. The couple met in 1957 and married that same year. Alda has said that playing chess with Arlene is part of his typical day (People).

The implication: Arlene Alda remains a central pillar of his life and career, providing stability that the actor has publicly acknowledged.

Does Alan Alda still make money from MASH?

Residuals from syndication

Yes, Alda continues to receive residuals from M*A*S*H syndication, though the exact amounts are not publicly disclosed. The show remains one of the most-watched series in television history, with reruns airing continuously since its finale. He also wrote and directed multiple episodes, which increased his share of profits. His estimated net worth from the show and other projects is around $30 million (some sources estimate $50 million) (Celebrity Net Worth).

Why this matters: M*A*S*H is a rare perpetual income stream — and Alda’s involvement behind the camera meant he earned more than a typical cast member.

Alan Alda’s later career and podcast

Post-M*A*S*H roles

After M*A*S*H, Alda built a strong film and television career. He received an Oscar nomination for playing Senator Ralph Owen Brewster in The Aviator (2005) (BBC News). He played presidential candidate Arnold Vinick on The West Wing and appeared in 30 Rock and ER (Mirror, a UK tabloid).

He also hosts the podcast Clear+Vivid, where he explores communication, science, and human connection — a natural extension of his work as a science communicator with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science (Science Friday).

Timeline

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

In his own words and from colleagues

“I was diagnosed about three and a half years ago, and I’ve had a good life since then. I’ve acted, I’ve given talks, I’ve been to the gym.”

— Alan Alda, speaking on CBS Sunday Morning in 2018 (BBC News)

“Playing chess with Arlene is part of my typical day. She keeps me young.”

— Alan Alda, on his marriage (People)

“He was a wonderful scene partner. He cared about the work, and he cared about the people.”

— Loretta Swit, on working with Alda on M*A*S*H (as reported in The Mirror)

For readers wondering about the man behind the scrubs, the picture is consistent: a long marriage, a celebrated career, and a health battle faced with characteristic openness. Alda’s legacy is not just the 11 seasons of M*A*S*H, but the way he has lived his life — with curiosity, commitment, and a clear-eyed acceptance of what comes next. For fans of classic television, the choice is simple: revisit the episodes, listen to the podcast, and appreciate an actor who has aged in public with grace.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• David Ogden Stiers: Life, Death, and Legacy of M*A*S*H Star
• Christina Applegate: MS, Net Worth & Life Expectancy