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Life Behind the Fame

Alan Alda Reveals What Truly Keeps Him Going Despite Battling Parkinson’s

by Ruth A

Published September 5, 2025

Alan Alda has never let challenges slow him down. At nearly 90 years old, the beloved star of M*A*S*H continues to inspire fans with his humor, creativity, and passion for life. Despite his health struggles, he remains active, hosting his podcast Clear + Vivid and even making a cameo in Netflix’s remake of The Four Seasons, a film he originally directed and starred in back in 1981.

Since his 2015 diagnosis, Alan Alda’s Parkinson’s journey has been one of resilience and optimism. In a recent conversation with financier and novelist Ken Miller, published by People and shared via Yahoo! Entertainment, Alda reflected on the importance of laughter, creativity, and passion in sustaining his energy. “I think the main thing that keeps me alive is laughing,” he revealed.

Related:

  1. Alan Alda Reveals That He Has Been Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease
  2. Alan Alda Shares How He’s Dealing With Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Alan Alda Finds Humor In His Parkinson’s Battle

REMEMBERING GENE WILDER, Alan Alda, 2023. © Health Point Productions / Courtesy Everett Collection

Alda explained that humor has become a vital part of his outlook. “Take my Parkinson’s. (Please.) The night I accidentally fell into the dishwasher, I reassured our dinner guests by telling them, ‘I’m fine. It was only on rinse cycle.’” His lighthearted take shows how his Parkinson’s battle is met with wit rather than despair.

Alan alda health
Alan Alda/X

He also shared that living with the disease has turned daily challenges into puzzles he works to solve. Whether it’s adjusting to face blindness, another condition he experiences, or figuring out new ways to complete simple tasks, Alda approaches each problem with determination. “It’s a little like a game,” he explained, adding that solving these puzzles makes him “feel like a million bucks.”

Staying Creative Keeps Him Moving Forward

MASH, (aka M*A*S*H*), Alan Alda, (19721983). ph: Gene Trindl/TV Guide/TM & Copyright © 20th Century Fox Television. All Rights reserved. /Courtesy Everett Collection

For Alda, creativity is more than a pastime—it’s a lifeline. He admitted that managing his Parkinson’s has “gone from a part-time job to almost a full-time job,” but he still finds ways to remain productive. His ongoing work on Clear + Vivid allows him to explore human communication, a passion that continues to fuel his days.

MASH, (aka M*A*S*H), from left: Sally Kellerman, Robert Duvall, 1970. ©20th Century-Fox Film Corpora
MASH, (aka M*A*S*H), clockwise from bottom center: Alan Alda, Mike Farrell, William Christopher, Jamie Farr, David Ogden Stiers, Loretta Swit, 1972-1983. ph: TV Guide / ©20th Century Fox Television / courtesy Everett Collection

Reflecting on his career, which spans Emmy-winning work on M*A*S*H and The West Wing, Alda insisted that passion and curiosity are what sustain him now. “As long as we can stay creative, life goes on,” he said. With laughter, ingenuity, and persistence, Alan Alda continues to turn adversity into inspiration for millions.

Next up: Charlie Sheen Reflects On His Sobriety, His Wild Past, And Forgiving Himself As He Turns 60

Previous article: Italian Fashion Legend Giorgio Armani Dies At 91
Next Post: Sharon Osbourne Finally Breaks Her Silence After Ozzy’s Passing

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