A number of people have commented about the Jackie Cooper autobiography. In that book he talks about directing early episodes of MASH and has very unkind things to say about Alan Alda, Larry Linville, and the cast in general. Readers have asked my thoughts on the matter.
Okay, so let me set the record straight.
NONE of the bad/diva behavior Cooper described in the book was ever evident in all the time I was on MASH. The writers who followed me will say the same thing.
The TV comedy writers’ grapevine is extensive and comprehensive. Believe me, when an actor has a meltdown on just about any set, word gets around. Quickly.
Nowhere besides Cooper’s book did those rumors surface. What I was told, during my tenure at MASH, was that Cooper did not get along with the cast. Jackie Cooper and MASH showrunner Gene Reynolds were longtime friends (they were both child actors together at MGM along with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney). And after those first few episodes, he was never asked back.
What’s more telling than Cooper’s account was this: Gene Reynolds and Larry Gelbart had nothing but effusive praise for Alan and the cast.
And that was my experience as well. As I’ve mentioned, Alan was always respectful, and on those occasions when he came up to the room to help us rewrite, he never lorded over us. He was the quintessential team player.
Finally, I say don’t just take my word for it. If you ask any of the writers or actors or directors or crew, they’ll tell you the same thing. Most people on the crew were there for the run of the series. Believe me, if the star or cast was a nightmare they’d be looking to go somewhere else.
Jackie Cooper was a bitter guy. If there were clashes with Alan, who’s to say it wasn’t Cooper who was the instigator? Same with Linville. I personally found Larry utterly professional and fun to deal with.
And that’s the God honest truth.
