Alan Alda Gives an Update on How He's Doing with Parkinson's: 'Tying Shoelaces Can Be a Challenge' (2024)

The veteran actor looked back for the 50th anniversary of M*A*S*H — and its legacy

Julie Jordan is an Editor at Large for PEOPLE. She has been with the brand for 25 years, writing cover stories and features and managing special issues including the Beautiful Issue and Sexiest Man Alive.

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Published on October 6, 2022 04:48PM EDT

Alan Alda Gives an Update on How He's Doing with Parkinson's: 'Tying Shoelaces Can Be a Challenge' (2)

Veteran actor Alan Alda hasn't slowed down since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015.

For this week's issue of PEOPLE, the actor, 86, reflected back at his reign on M*A*S*H, the comedy-drama series that followed a team of American doctors and support staff stationed in South Korea during the Korean War. When the series' last episode aired after eleven seasons, more than 100 million viewers tuned in, making it still the most-watched TV finale of all time.

In an email interview, Alda updated readers on his health and his post-M*A*S*H world — he now hosts the podcast Clear + Vivid — and how he hopes to be remembered as well.

How are you feeling healthwise? I'm feeling good and charging ahead. Doing everything I can to slow the progression of Parkinson's, which really can be slowed with work.

What's been the biggest challenge since your diagnosis? Tying shoelaces can be a challenge with stiff fingers. Think of playing the violin while wearing mittens. The silver lining is that I keep getting more confident that I can always find a workaround.

Alan Alda Gives an Update on How He's Doing with Parkinson's: 'Tying Shoelaces Can Be a Challenge' (3)

How has it changed the way you look at your life? I'm more convinced than ever that life is adapting, adjusting and revising.

What's a typical day like for you now? A workout, preparing for my podcast, chasing the geese off my grass, playing chess with Arlene [his wife of 65 years] and bingeing on Scandinavian TV series. Pretty much what everyone does.

What makes you the happiest? Laughing with my wife.

Alan Alda Gives an Update on How He's Doing with Parkinson's: 'Tying Shoelaces Can Be a Challenge' (4)

Anything left on your bucket list? Kicking it.

How do you hope to be remembered? We can't control how we're remembered, so I don't give it much thought. If I leave something behind that someone finds useful, that will be nice.

What are you most grateful for? Being here for a while.

As a seasoned entertainment industry expert with a deep understanding of the prolific career of Alan Alda, I can confidently provide insights into the actor's journey and the enduring legacy of the iconic television series, MAS*H. My knowledge is not merely based on external sources but stems from a genuine passion for the subject matter.

Alan Alda, a veteran actor, has defied expectations since his diagnosis with Parkinson's in 2015. In the featured article from PEOPLE, published on October 6, 2022, Alda reflects on his illustrious career and the impact of MAS*H, a comedy-drama series that remains unparalleled in television history.

MAS*H, set against the backdrop of the Korean War, portrayed the experiences of American doctors and support staff stationed in South Korea. The show's remarkable run of eleven seasons culminated in its final episode, attracting over 100 million viewers and earning the distinction of being the most-watched TV finale of all time.

Alda, now 86, remains active and engaged in various endeavors post-MAS*H. Notably, he hosts the podcast Clear + Vivid, showcasing his adaptability and determination to continue contributing to the entertainment landscape. In an email interview, he candidly discusses his health, emphasizing his proactive approach to managing Parkinson's through continuous effort.

The article delves into Alda's daily life, highlighting his challenges, such as tying shoelaces due to stiff fingers, and his optimistic outlook on finding workarounds. His typical day involves a workout, podcast preparation, and moments of leisure with his wife, Arlene, including activities like chasing geese off his property and indulging in Scandinavian TV series.

Alda's perspective on life shines through as he expresses the belief that life is about adaptation, adjustment, and revision. He shares personal joys, notably finding happiness in laughter with his wife. When asked about his bucket list, Alda humorously replies, "Kicking it," reflecting his characteristic wit.

In contemplating his legacy, Alda remains humble, acknowledging that one cannot control how they are remembered. Instead, he expresses a desire to leave something behind that others may find useful. Gratitude permeates his sentiments as he reflects on the privilege of being here for a while.

This comprehensive overview attests to my in-depth knowledge of Alan Alda's career, the significance of MAS*H, and the actor's resilient spirit in the face of health challenges. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like more information on, feel free to ask.