Joy Behar Gives Update On Alan Alda’s Parkinson’s Battle

Alan Alda, widely celebrated for portraying the witty and compassionate Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce in the iconic television series M*A*S*H, has been battling Parkinson’s diagnosis since 2018. Though the neurological disease is progressive, the 88-year-old has faced the challenges with remarkable courage and determination as he continued engaging with his passions and pursuing his artistic endeavors, inspiring admiration and respect from his peers and admirers.

Recently, during an episode of The View’s Behind the Table podcast, Joy Behar, the co-host, revealed to her audience’s surprise that she and Alda were longtime friends. The TV host also shared a thrilling update about the actor’s battle with Parkinson’s.

Alan Alda’s Parkinson’s battle

Behar explained that she and Alan had maintained a friendship that extended to their families since they starred alongside each other in the movie Manhattan Murder Mystery in the ‘90s. “I know this is name-dropping, but I’m going to do it anyway,” she stated. “One of my friends, and this is not an acquaintance; he’s a friend, Alan Alda, and his wife, Arlene Alda. We go out to dinner all the time.”

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The 81-year-old added that whenever she and her husband, Steve Janowitz, spend time together, they thoroughly enjoy delighting her former costar and his wife, Arlene. “He is the best laugher, and so is she,” Behar added. “The two of them and my husband, Steve, can be very funny. He gets them laughing all the time, and so do I. It’s a great feeling.”

The media personality expressed admiration and commendation for the six-time Emmy Award winner, highlighting his resilience and grace in navigating life despite his health condition. Behar also observed that despite his health decline brought about by his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Alda has managed to maintain his cheerful disposition.

“First of all, I just adore Alan Alda,” she confessed. “You know he’s suffering right now with Parkinson’s disease, but even with that, he’s hysterical laughing and stuff.”