Alan Alda Can’t Tie Shoelaces & Has Visible Tremor — Acting Out Dream Forced Him to Get Checked

• Alan Alda is an award-winning actor, comedian, writer, and director.
• Besides excelling at his craft, he's a doting father and grandfather—a good enough reason to keep himself healthy.
• The "M*A*S*H" star has been battling Parkinson's for several years and said an unusual dream helped lead to his diagnosis.

Born on January 28, 1936, in New York City, Alan Alda is renowned for his versatile and captivating performances in both film and television. His career spans several decades, during which he has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

One of Alda's most notable roles is that of Captain Hawkeye Pierce in the hit television series "M*A*S*H," which aired from 1972 to 1983. His portrayal of the witty and compassionate Army surgeon amid the Korean War left a lasting impression on audiences and established him as a household name.

Alda's talents also extended to the big screen, where he delivered memorable performances in films like "The Aviator" (2004), "Crimes and Misdemeanors" (1989), and "The Four Seasons" (1981).

Despite having no other noticeable symptoms, Alda was determined to take charge of his health.

Beyond acting, Alda is also recognized for his passion for science communication. He hosted the award-winning PBS series "Scientific American Frontiers" from 1993 to 2005, showcasing his dedication to making complex scientific topics accessible to a broad audience.

At 87, Alda finds immense joy in spending quality time with his family, cherishing his role as a loving father and doting grandfather. He takes pride in his three children, Eve, Elizabeth, and Beatrice, and delights in being a grandfather to their eight children.

In a March 2020 interview during season seven of his podcast "Clear+Vivid," Alda revealed that laughter is a cherished activity they all share, and he appreciates the entertaining moments spent together.

Expressing his affection for his grandchildren, Alda doesn't shy away from buying them gifts as tokens of his love, believing that expressing care can never be too much and doesn't spoil them.

Some of his grandchildren have already ventured into their careers, with one pursuing acting and another excelling in a PR firm. Alda willingly offers advice to his aspiring actor grandson, reflecting his willingness to support and guide the younger generation.

Having been married to his wife, Arlene, since 1957, Alda sets an example for his children and grandchildren by emphasizing the value of long-lasting relationships and the efforts required to be with the person you love.

Alan Alda's Unusual Dream That Forced Him to Get Checked

In August 2018, celebrated actor Alda disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's. In an interview, the Emmy-winning star shared that an unusual dream played a significant role in leading to his diagnosis. Approximately three and a half years before his revelation, Alda recognized an atypical early sign of Parkinson's and decided to take action.

After reading an article by Jane Brody in The New York Times that highlighted how physically acting out dreams could be an early indicator of the neurological disorder, Alda became concerned about his own health.

He recalled dreaming of being attacked and instinctively responding by throwing a sack of potatoes, which in reality was him throwing a pillow at his wife. Recognizing this symptom, he proactively approached his doctor, requesting a scan to test for Parkinson's.

Despite having no other noticeable symptoms, Alda was determined to take charge of his health. When the doctor questioned the necessity of the scan, given the absence of apparent symptoms, Alda expressed his desire to be proactive and explore any potential treatments or interventions available to him.

This proactive mindset led to his diagnosis, prompting him to seek ways to manage the condition and maintain his well-being as he faced the challenges posed by Parkinson's disease.

Alan Alda's Life Today & How He Keeps Himself Healthy

As a loving father and proud grandpa, Alda cherishes his family time and finds immense joy in the roles he holds in their lives. Despite living with Parkinson's, he remains determined to savor every moment with his loved ones and actively engages in activities that bring him happiness.

The "Tower Heist" alum's marriage of 65 years with his wife, Arlene, is a testament to their enduring love and commitment to each other. Alda often mentions that laughing with his wife is one of the things that brings him the greatest happiness.

As a devoted father, Alda takes pride in his three children and is equally proud of his eight grandchildren. Spending quality time with his grandkids is a priority, and they have become a source of delight in his life. Together, they share laughter and precious memories, reinforcing the strong bond that ties their family together.

To stay healthy and enjoy life to the fullest, Alda remains dedicated to caring for himself. He recognizes the importance of physical activity and keeps himself active with regular workouts. Additionally, he embraces a positive mindset, believing that his determination to slow the progression of Parkinson's through hard work and a proactive approach makes a significant difference in his overall well-being.

Despite facing challenges, such as tying shoelaces with stiff fingers due to Parkinson's, Alda maintains his resilience and creativity in finding solutions. He remains confident in his ability to adapt and find workarounds, reflecting his determination to live life to its fullest potential.

As an actor, Alda continues to pursue his passion for the craft, starring in films like "Marriage Story" and appearing in TV series like "Ray Donovan." He doesn't allow Parkinson's visible tremors to deter him, embracing his symptoms and using them to create authentic and powerful performances.

While living with Parkinson's, Alda remains actively engaged in his interests, including his enthusiasm for science communication. He is passionate about helping scientists improve their ability to engage with the public through improv exercises, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in scientific discourse.

Despite having only a basic understanding of scientific concepts, Alda finds fascination in various topics, such as the gene-editing tool CRISPR, which he views as a remarkable example of how discoveries from lowly bacteria can revolutionize medicine.

At his Long Island home, Alda enjoys cherished moments with his beloved wife, engaging in activities like chess and ladder ball, followed by relaxing evenings binge-watching Scandinavian family dramas. His resilient spirit and dedication to his passions inspire and uplift those around him.