Alan Alda Career Retrospective | SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations

Alan shares stories from his performances in MASH, Marriage Story, The West Wing, The Four Seasons, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Purlie Victorious, Jake’s Women, Horace and Pete, Scientific American Frontiers, The Seduction of Joe Tynan, Sweet Liberty, The Owl and the Pussycat, and the Phil Silver Show in this interview on his acting career. He remembers working with Woody Allen and Neil Simon, his experience writing and directing, and gives advice on handling difficult jobs and playing villainous roles. This Q&A moderated by Brian Rose is part of the SAG-AFTRA Conversations series, an essential resource for actors, filmmakers and students of discussions with performers, exploring the process and profession of acting.
The views expressed in the presentation materials and films, and by the guests and moderators are solely those of the organization and/or individual providing them and do not reflect the opinions of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, its staff or Board of Directors.
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0:00 - Intro
1:35 - Early Career
3:38 - Phil Silver Show (1958)
8:12 - Purlie Victorious (1962)
9:29 - The Owl and the Pussycat and Improvising
18:30 - Writing, Directing, and M*A*S*H (1973)
24:46 - The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979) and The Four Seasons (1981)
28:22 - Sweet Liberty (1986)
29:36 - Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) and Woody Allen
32:47 - PBS’s Scientific American Frontiers (1990 - 2005)
34:05 - Jake’s Women (1992) and Neil Simon
35:56 - The West Wing (2004 - 2006)
37:21 - Horace and Pete (2016)
38:20 - Marriage Story (2019)
41:23 - Clear + Vivid
46:45 - Learning from Great Directors
50:53 - Thoughts on Politics
52:41 - Possible Acting roles
54:04 - How to Handle the Difficult Jobs
54:59 - Memories from Burlesque Travel Show
56:41 - Favorite Moments
59:32 - Playing Villainous Roles

[@pcbacklash_3261]

The question I wish someone would ask a TV icon like Alan regards how they deal with being typecast. After being identified with such a well-known character as Hawkeye for so long, it must have been tough for Alan to resume his career as before, playing a wider variety of roles, because everyone so naturally identified him as Hawkeye. The interviewer came close at the end, where he asked about Alan's 'darker' roles immediately following MASH, but never explored it. From what I can tell, Alan seems to be the only MASH alum that actually had a flourishing career after the show.

[@marisalombardi385]

Loving him more than I do would be impossible ❤

[@charrua4108]

I had to learn a few things the most important being that no matter how much you love these people it can not be reciprocated. I want to visit whats left of the outdoor mash set before it disapears forever but I'm afraid to do sofor the same reason I never watch goodbye farewell and amen or the episode where henry dies. The show is an allegory to life and transcends tv .God bless.

[@not.supermario]

I met Alan Alda and his wife at my job in 2019. He's a sweet, genuine guy. His wife was so nice as well. I told him how much I loved him as Hawkeye and we shook hands. Great guy.

[@dianemcclary5706]

I have never loved an actor more than Alan Alda. I loved to see you on the screen. You are a beautiful person, it made everyone who endured your talent feel as if it were a gift you shared with us over the years and we were blessed.

[@Sbannmarie]

Yes yes yes

[@aaronwatkins8899]

My admiration for Alan Alda is endless and with that in mind it was hard to view this knowing what Parkinsons has done to this marvelous gentleman. He handles it extraordinarily.

[@maureenmcghee2077]

Alan comes across beautifully, always admired him in acting but listening to him is insightful. X x

[@DusanPavlicek78]

This was delightful to watch. So much insight, wisdom, kindness and humor at the same time.

[@kurtbogle2973]

No one acts better than the MASH crew, especially Alan. Saturated with talent.

[@zenveg]

Outstanding interview and what an incredible talent and human on every level. I hope we have many more years with Mr. Alda.

[@AnneHayden-e6l]

Me too he is just magic but in MASH he was just so brilliant and I loved looking at him as he reminded me of my handsome husband my very own hawkeye 🎉❤

[@lovingmayberry307]

Alan Alda is a national treasure!!!

[@nickperkins8477]

Living legend.

[@Sbannmarie]

Yes he is

[@glenn-younger]

Thank you so much for sharing this interview. So many pearls of wisdom.

[@andythrush3341]

Love, love, love Alan Alda!

[@christinestanford3814]

Was good to listen too. Love Mash thank you Alan Alda.xx

[@journalist_warsawguide]

I am huge fan of "M*A*S*H". Thank you Mr. Alda! 🎬

[@tomaszstarzewski6459]

A sheer pleasure to listen to .........................................Thank you

[@AnneHayden-e6l]

Alan was a superb Hawkeye i think most women fell in love with him ❤

[@paulkitt2376]

A movie Alan made that never gets mentioned much same time next year with Ellen burstyn an old fashioned romance performed excellently by two actors at their peak very well made

[@dahliahanna2855]

Alan love and appreciate your work . Thank you .

[@beebop3734]

I was so hoping someone would bring a glass for Mr Alda

[@dianedevery3711]

Beautiful human being 💖

[@vasilikibeauregard8428]

Alan you are always a gentleman xxx

[@2010katesguy]

God bless you Alan, this is the greatest TV interview that I have ever seen. I have been a performer ever since I was 12 I have been a musician, radio announcer, TV anchor and actor. I wish that I had the benefit of listening to you as a role model. Oh how different it might have been, I will be 90 next month.

[@kurtbogle2973]

He did a great job in the Aviator!

[@CMBurnsderErste]

He said, a lang time ago, that He is not that smart, cool and spontaneously as Hawkeye is. But i think, that he has double that Level, Till to Day!

[@jennifersmith359]

A true gentleman