Alan Alda shares health update on battle with Parkinson's

Beloved TV icon Alan Alda has shared a candid and characteristically humorous update on his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2015.

“Making progress,” Alda, 89, quipped to People. “I didn’t say in which direction.”

The Emmy-winning actor, best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce on the long-running hit series MASH, continues to embrace his trademark wit and optimism, even as the neurological disease increasingly shapes his daily life.

Alda described the progression of Parkinson’s as turning what was once a “part-time job” into “almost a full-time job”, yet he remains determined to find joy and humour in each day. “It keeps me always looking for the funny side,” he said.

Living with Parkinson’s isn't Alda's only neurological challenge – he also has prosopagnosia, or face blindness, which prevents him from recognising even familiar faces. Despite this, Alda maintains a playful spirit, saying each day is about “finding a new way to do something”, likening it to a daily game.

Though his health has prompted some lifestyle adjustments, Alda hasn't stepped away from the screen entirely. He recently appeared in Netflix’s new series adaptation of The Four Seasons, a modern reimagining of the 1981 film he originally wrote, directed and starred in. The show, led by Tina Fey, has already been renewed for a second season. Alda appeared in a new role, playing the father of Anne, rather than reprising his original character, the high-strung lawyer Jack.

In a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Alda congratulated Fey on the show's success. “Last week her new series The Four Seasons was number one on Netflix worldwide,” he said. “Tina, I knew you'd take the movie that I wrote and directed all those years ago and do something wonderful with it – and you have.” 

Beyond his professional life, Alda continues to celebrate a remarkable personal journey with his wife of 68 years, Arlene, 92. It was Arlene who first noticed an early symptom of Parkinson’s – the absence of Alda’s usual arm swing while walking – a subtle sign of the disease’s characteristic muscle stiffness.

Despite the challenges, Alda remains a powerful example of strength, humour and creativity in the face of adversity – a role he seems to play as effortlessly off-screen as he has for decades on it.

Images: Instagram