Alan Alda on career, new focus on expanding the field of communication in science

Fifty years ago, the television series M*A*S*H premiered on CBS. Leading the cast was Alan Alda, who played Dr. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce. In addition to being an actor, writer and director, Alda is also a bestselling author and fierce advocate for science communication. Jeff Glor spoke with Alda.
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[@morrislorris4798]

Alan Alda is a national treasure. Jeff Gloria is a fantastic interviewer.

[@touchofgrey5372]

In the dark, aren't you!

[@LoneLee2022]

Jeff Glor.................

[@urbannomad8126]

International treasure. I watched every episode in the late 80s and early 90s here in the middle east. Rewatching it all on Disney plus. Season 4 now. The shiw is better than 99% of TV today.

[@zoecunningham3019]

Incredibly amazingly wonderful, he's such an exemplary man.

[@touchofgrey5372]

in the dark, aren't you!

[@jillsalkin7389]

I had the delight of meeting Alan Alda many years ago at a private party I was singing at. I could tell by his profile that it was him. I politely went over to his table to tell him how much I had enjoyed his work. He shook my hand, and gave me that smile that shows up in his eyes more than his mouth. It was a thrill and honor to meet him.

[@tracybosworth1033]

Perfect description of his smilie! ❤❤❤❤

[@raywalsh9152]

Lucky you. Great memory. Thanks for sharing!

[@lorireed5291]

Alan Alda is a classic 👌 Mad respect for a man who is still going at eighty six!!

[@danabartlett-carolinacorra3640]

It was great to see him and hear his special voice.

[@brianmiller1077]

I read an interview with him and it was impossible not to hear itr in my head with his voice/inflections/pauses. One of the few people where the inner voice is not myself.

[@LoneLee2022]

M*A*S*H is brilliant comedy. I based my life on Hawkeye's Character. Got me in a lot of trouble growing up. 😗

[@gilly_axolotl]

Grew up with my parents playing it on DVD. Am realizing now in my mid-twenties that I'm probably more like him than even my parents would've expected 😅

[@gaylewestcott4254]

What a wonderful man! Love his kindness, his intelligence and his zest for life.

[@andreim.5324]

I was born in 1986 and for me M.A.S.H. deserves no explanation. I watch it ever year about 2 or 3 times. Yes, it is that good and I'm that addicted to it. M.A.S.H. is the only show I've seen which makes me want to cuddle in my chair and just be happy. It's the only show that makes me feel warm inside when I'm watching it. It's very hard to describe this feeling. The extreme positive effect it has on my mental state is tremendous. As a TV show, it is simply in the top 3 TV series ever created. The humor in this show, which leans on and challenges constantly a vast number of cultural and historic events, is one of the things that makes this show equal to none and way ahead of it's time. Considering the enormous amount of subtle jokes referencing historic and cultural events, not to mention scientific and political ones, if any viewer of this show catches and understands all of them, that person can consider himself a very well educated individual.

[@TheHusslenflow]

In 1983 I was an 11 year old kid that would hear the soundtrack at the beginning of the show and just changed the channel. At 31 this familiar sound came on during some dark days in my life. In the last 20 years I couldn't tell you how many times Ive watched this show from beginning to end. Mash saved my life.

[@raywalsh9152]

They only did the meatball surgery and sent you on to the field hospital. You did the rest. I'm sure Alan would tell you "don't sell yourself short". Glad you're feeling better.

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

Can't believe it's been half a century. He has already done a great job of communicating about science topics. I loved his "Scientific American Frontiers" show on PBS. He was always as excited and curious as a kid in finding out about things and brought you right along with him, asking intelligent questions. That was television in the public interest and one of my favorite PBS shows after Nova, wish it had lasted longer.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

I loved him for his enthusiasm in that show too. The only person I watch regularly who is on par with Alda is Tony Robinson doing British history/archeology shows. Like Alda, he is a well read enthusiast, not a historian (or scientist), and his enthusiasm keeps the viewer interested.

[@toddsalkowski448]

I still watch M*A*S*H reruns nearly every night. Incredible program with great writing and acting. It saddens me to see Alda age considering we have had to say goodbye to a majority of the cast in the last few years.

[@lisaharrington6488]

Great interview with a great man. I have always loved M*A*S*H and can't believe its been 50 years already. Thank you Mr. Alda for bring such joy and laughter into our lives. 😊❤

[@ann-mariebarmby1228]

Great man ..much loved as is MASH❤xx

[@JoeyVol]

My dad liked the show - never saw it on TV because I was born in the 90’s, but my brother and I watched the entire series over a year around 2013 and it was really great art. The first two seasons are my favorite.

[@icarus_falling]

Me and my grandad used to watch mash. First dvds I actually purchased. He was the same age as alda is now. I'm a 90's child and mash holds a special place in my heart.

[@AlmostReady504]

This man had been an absolute treasure. One of the most genuine believable actors of any generation

[@jae6506]

What a charismatic man😌

[@moniquemckenzie5357]

I loved MASH and always always will have love in my heart for Alan Alda an amazing actor and human being!!!

[@bluewave7120]

Quite a few fans chose a career in the medical field because of being inspired by that show ❤

[@yasminhelenendangeredspecies]

This is a Nice news story about a True Acting Legend. He is such a Classic Actor and I'm so sorry to hear Alan Alda has Parkinson's. My Grandfather had Parkinson's and he used to walk laps in our house all day when he came to visit. He lived a VERY Long time. I know it's NOT easy though. It just is Not! Brave Onward Alan Alda! Keep on Keepin On! Wild Irish Blessings to you 🍀💖🌞📽 ~

[@marcellemcghee]

Clear and Vivid s one of my favorite podcasts. MASH is my husband's all-time favorite TV show, consequently our kids joke about seeing every single episode ten times! Yes, Alan is a national treasure and I hope he continues to live his life to the fullest.

[@Nicksonian]

Alda’s dedication to science is perhaps his greatest achievement. No coincidence that a progressive mind is dedicated to discovery and science. Pick up one of his books, he’s an amazing writer who’s funny as heck. And yes, I was among the 121 million who watched the MASH finale. MASH was unusual in being a stellar TV show that came from a mediocre film.

[@ublade82]

It came from a novel bubba

[@Nicksonian]

@@ublade82 Um, duh. But the reason MASH the TV show ever existed was because there was first a movie MASH.

[@spudbencer7179]

I am in my 20s and I watched Mash multiple times since my 16th birthday lmao. The show was released 40 years before that. This show is timeless.

[@cefcat5733]

Don't underestimate a 16 year old. It is a highly- tuned time of creativity. Blessings to and admiration for Mr. Alda. Thanks to all who are resposible for the interview/visit.

[@susannjarvis5587]

Have always respected him as an actor. Now I have also come to respect him as a teacher of communication, not just in science but n everyday life. I have his book ("If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?") because of hearing him speak on the subject of communication. He was so clear with his explanations and suggestions that I bought the book on audio because he narrates it. His voice, his inflections, even his pauses are their own lessons in communication. Listen and watch how he speaks. He is a master communicator. And because he is, he can teach the rest of us how to get better at communicating with each other.

[@sgarrita2561]

Have always adored him since MASH… and his career since is an inspiration!!!

[@gbuddah]

Absolutely adore this amazing man! It was hard to watch this and see the Parkinsons. Man, I hope we find a cure or treatment soon.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you so so much for this actor!!!!!Mr. Alan Alda has been so nice!!!! I saw MASH for so many years and the ending of that show was so so nice. Alan was in the WEST WING Show as well. So nice...

[@Steph_ADOCpara]

I was 12 when it ended, and I can always remember watching it. Love the show to today! Alan Alda is awesome!✌️

[@MrKeys57]

You cannot mistake that smile!!

[@ellencoelho16]

I love Alan Alda, He should watch an episode of MASH ! I am still watching the same episodes over and over again! I try not to miss it! I think he would get a big kick out of remembering it all again! God bless you Mr, Ada!

[@kathleenregan1151]

Love Alan Alda! Even more so because of this interview. But what is up with the interviewer constantly looking away and to the side??

[@LoneLee2022]

I think he was nervous................

[@bubbamartin7053]

Hawkeye stills looks good. Thank you for the memories.

[@patriciamorgan6545]

So great to see Alan Alda again, and see his focus on science communication highlighted. We really need that more than ever right now. I was in grad school at Stony Brook when the final episode of M*A*S*H aired. We had a small, quiet party to celebrate, complete with martinis. First and last time having them.

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

I watched so many episodes of MASH . It's a heartwarming part of my life. Thank Alan Alda and every cast member and production member for that love you gave all of us.✌❤🙏✌❤

[@Xanderviceory]

Alan Alda is my all time most favorite human, we all have a LOT to learn from him. I would do anything, spend everything I have for those boots!!!

[@rosierose1167]

Loved that show & Alan Alda!

[@mostguitarswins]

Nice to see Alan Alda keepin on; really grateful for MASH and his many other contributions.

[@nb7466]

I am watching mash from start to finish right now. Great show. A good combination of comedy and serious issues.

[@robineast6446]

I just LOVE Alan Alda!!!❤❤❤

[@JP-lu9ed]

I have a full set of dvd’s of all of the seasons including the reunion show. What seems to e left off of the descriptions nowadays was how important this show was for the time. It was officially about Korea but was really about the war in Vietnam that we were all living through and trying to make sense of.

[@kathleenmiller516]

Love. Love. Love...Alan Alda! The voice even!

[@christinetucci9227]

Brilliant man, so engaging and engaged, philosophical, kind, funny, talented...

[@cpt.dr.hawkeye1740]

Thank you Mr. Alda, you're a lifelong friend.

[@LoneLee2022]

Does Alda still hold the record for most Emmy wins as an actor, Director & writer in a comedy series?

[@dp92492]

Moderation in all things, including moderation. Thats such good advice from someone who is a "grandfather" figure to many. Also, this interviewer is great. I dont watch network...anything, anymore but i hope he is succeeding

[@dp92492]

"I hear its very good" what a legend...

[@DJ-bj8ku]

He looks and sounds great.

[@BillPritchard]

Alan Alda is my *favorite* actor!

[@rhyancoleman6462]

Nothing is ever gonna beat the finale of MASH. Ratings wise.

[@ekop1778]

I REMEMBER THAT SHOW IN 1983 THE RATINGS WENT DOWN AFTER HENRY LEFT COL POTTER MADE THE SHOW KINDA DISMAL THEN FRANK LEFT AND RADAR IT WAS MORE OR A DRAMA THAN A COMEDY

[@touchofgrey5372]

@@ekop1778 Alan Alda; the Academy Award winner for the most narcissistic, egotistic person on TV! Wayne Rogers, Mike Farrell and even McLean Stevenson all quit the show BECAUSE of his incessant self idolization! He even had the gull to get his own father to be on the show! Shame on you CBS and Jeff Glor ; you're no better than Alda!

[@LoneLee2022]

@@ekop1778 Henry left in 75. The show went downhill after Frank left.

[@LoneLee2022]

I cried like a baby in 83. Tears pouring down my face. They were saying GOODBYE to the fans too.😪

[@ekop1778]

@@LoneLee2022 WHEN CHARLES CAME ALONG IT WAS MORE LIKE A DRAMA COL POTTER TOO- RADAR LEFT IT REALLY CHANGED

[@FleetwoodPatch]

I miss the brilliance, comedy, and humanity this show produced. This was the height of quality television.

[@TheCatseyepub]

He's slowed down verbally however I adore him because he's really never let his political beliefs bleed through his acting.

[@raymondmcmenamin9028]

I watched MASH on Sunday nights during the seventies when I was growing up in Scotland. My parents, my sister and I loved it. Interestingly, there was no canned laughter on the British editions which made it all the more poignant...and naturally funny. Alan Alda was brilliant throughout. During the nineties I was in a hotel in Vermont and learned that it featured in the Four Seasons movie. That made me happy. Great respect to Mr Alda, a legend.

[@jillfromatlanta427]

There is what I call the acid test for comedies on TV over the years...the MASH test. One episode (in the States) was filmed without a laugh track at all! To see if it was still funny without the audience being 'trained' to laugh because that is when the laugh track "laughed". There are not a lot of so-called comedies on TV that can pass that test - they are either not THAT funny...or not funny at all. MASH is/was exceptional.

[@brianmiller1077]

MASH had some of the worst canned laughter in all of TV. This of course made the laugh track-less episode even more stark.

[@katherinecarpenter4677]

He is truly a treasure!!

[@nassermj7671]

@2:30 his shaking hand (Parkinsons) I don't want to think about it. He lit up my teen years

[@marcyfan]

this is a remarkable program, week after week, you have people on that i know and care about.

[@Lupton2000]

Glad to see that he's doing okay. Been praying for him.

[@hinthegroove9740]

He’s getting many new subs, that I know.

[@juangomez-mo6wl]

Great interview 😊

[@silviaoino2648]

Currently watching Mash . . . Again. Crushed on Hawk eye big time.

[@tracydutton7577]

I love him so much

[@buckeyescratcher6130]

This man is a national treasure. MASH is still my go to show

[@fred6059]

I am so in love with this man.

[@privateprivate1865]

Ive always like alan alda

[@GalaxyTheCrazyQuilt]

I just watched alan on Carol Burnett as Larry and his change is so different 😢

[@jacobkrause4305]

Love Mash and i’m so excited to add his podcast to my list.

[@bradyfry8031]

He may be a little older now, but he still has the same voice and personality as he did years ago.

[@jerryblake4088]

I love Alan ❤️, your awesome 👌 👏

[@markw4263]

His podcast is great, perceptive and just wise!

[@jonathanmiller8131]

What i like about Alan part in mash was that he was an army surgeon a DR but he was more then that he did what he did to save lives even the enemy wonded he didnt look at them like the enemy but a life to save as a Dr he surely took an oath for duty and humanity no one gets lefy behind

[@willyjilly9684]

If you read this I hope you are having a wonderful weekend 💙✌

[@warrencanonigo]

Amazing... this iconic!

[@liamariamarchenafuenmayor1547]

LEGEND.

[@Dahc99]

Class act. ❤️

[@carolgranger9916]

He is my favorite actor. Live him in MASH.

[@stacystoltz8722]

Ilovethis Show acool Show[

[@kc0lif]

alan alda great in m.a.s.h. and that movie with carol burnette.

[@dianewinters8628]

Moderation in all things especially moderation.

[@sydneylove0084]

Oh Hawkeye ❤

[@AnthonyTrendl]

A great presentation, but the interviewer seems nervous.

[@johnd4129]

thankyou

[@yakovpetrovich7682]

A lovely brilliant man. I've appreciated and admired him for 50 years.

[@rosierose1167]

Movie Industry Bring it back!

[@frankrizzo6186]

A beautiful man! A treasure

[@gmbowdle]

Love MASH

[@gilly_axolotl]

Love him

[@JeffreyGillespie]

It’s wild how old he got. I guess I got old too 😂

[@TheREALHoodedSeDi]

is that swaggersouls?

[@Mr.Skylight]

Class.

[@JoeDurp]

My grandpa supposedly bullied him in high school but his favorite show was MASH….I’ve got proof they were in the same school and grade

[@11Bravo19D]

I was 10 in 1972!!!

[@Anth230]

Congratulations...

[@mgarcia8878]

Alan Alda to the rescue.

[@AlphaAngelsOmega]

Hey Mr. Alda, how are we doing getting them used to it? They cut off Rand Paul to have you reassure me, about the time Carson Daily cried.

[@sedgwickmcalaster7785]

📺 Mash taught me THAT lines were meant to be Drawn outside🧬

[@44032]

If MASH debuted 50 yards ago and Alan Alda is 86 than I must not be 19 anymore. :(

[@Malcolmdeeb]

I attribute part of the reason I’m funny to watching MASH as a kid.

[@crushing3614]

narcisist..

[@markbataitis4851]

I really miss Jeff Glore, he was really good at the news desk, instead of that hack woman that sits there now.

[@thehaughtcorner]

Distracting and irritating how many times Glor looks away from Alda as he's asking questions.

[@stacystoltz8722]

Mash Wasacool Show

[@tallojushivashankar4144]

00:

[@barbarajoseph5897]

Salvation is a free gift but you have to accept it.Any ? Call a Baptist Preacher

[@scottlowman.1044]

Irreplaceable