Alan Alda talks 'M*A*S*H' and 'West Wing'

[@ajo3085]

Alan will always be remembered for MASH, but if you haven't seen him in the West Wing then you've missed his greatest role in my humble opinion. He, Martin Sheen and Jimmy Smits actually made you believe that there might possibly still be politicians who believe in the greater good and President Kennedy's "ask not what your country can do for you..." line. All three were incredible, but Alan was simply stunning as Arnie Vinick.

[@DavidNurbin]

You nailed it!

[@cdjhyoung]

My favorite scenes were President Bartlett and Senator Vinick in the White House kitchen, eating ice cream, discussing religious theory. Not politics.

[@swise63]

TWW had an incredible knack for brilliant performances from actors generally known for other acting genres. I completely agree with you about Arnie Vinick; just brilliant. (Another example of my comment being John Goodman's Glenn Walken).

[@cdjhyoung]

@@swise63 Absolutely agree with you about John Goodman's acting. The actor I gained huge respect for is John Amos. He may have only had a five word line in a scene, but he owned every scene he was in. Do you think there was a line of quality actors begging to get a guest spot on TWW when it was filming?

[@swise63]

@@cdjhyoung Amen on Amos! "I'm an admiral in the U.S. Navy and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff... Beat that with a stick."

[@greyeyed123]

Looking at his hands, I immediately recognize Parkinson's. I had forgotten his diagnosis. I've spent the last 10 years taking care of my mother with Parkinson's. This f---ing disease.

[@MatsThyWit]

I was wondering about that watching this. He suddenly looked much older and more frail than I'd ever seen him before. I didn't know about his Parkinson's diagnosis. That explains it. Godspeed to him.

[@donaldcampbell3043]

@@MatsThyWit yeah my thought too when I noticed the shake in his hand, I had an older friend and workmate that died of Parkinson's, love his humour, I only have 20 or 30 years left to live...

[@greyeyed123]

@Amy Sternheim Indeed. He's doing very well in the clip. He is probably doing similarly throughout his day, but Parkinson's can have massive fluctuations throughout the day...depending on the stage the person is in, the effectiveness of the meds, and even how much protein they have recently eaten (too much protein can cancel out the medication...and as the disease gets worse, this sensitivity can get worse). My mom is getting Deep Brain Stimulation at the end of this month. As part of her testing beforehand, they wanted to see her without her meds. She couldn't stand or walk, could not open her eyes, and could barely move her limbs. An hour and a half after taking the meds, she could walk, talk, etc., and was very close to normal--which doubly confirms Parkinson's and that Deep Brain Stimulation will likely work. The problem with the meds is that over time, they work less and less well. After ten years, mom fluctuates from barely being able to walk, to so much moving and running around the house that you cannot stop her (she takes six doses during the day and two at night, and can fluctuate between every dose, but not always). In between she is completely "normal", with no involuntary movements, and no slowing down to an almost halt. Deep Brain Stimulation is supposed to help get her to that 10-15% of the day where she is basically "normal". 5% of the time you wouldn't be able to tell there was any problem at all (the tremor Alda has is not a symptom mom has had over the ten years, except recently she can have a very mild tremor when the meds are not working well). Most people are unaware of these aspects of Parkinson's.

[@abigaildeeks8328]

@@greyeyed123 Thank goodness the meds exist at all..... it’s terrible when the body gets used to them and they don’t work as well. Peace this season to your family...

[@pfranco3029]

Lost my father to Parkinson's and it was very hard watching the decline......But hey we 15 different treatments for ED....tells you where Pharma's priority is.

[@davidp7037]

MASH...the show of my childhood. My school friends and I emulated “Hawkeye”. I remember Donald Sutherland talking about how he met Alan Alda and how Alan said to him “thank you for my life”. A class act.

[@Transterra55]

So nice to see Alan Alda still going strong. Happy 83rd birthday tomorrow ( January 28, 2019)...

[@Pupkin02]

Happy birthday Hawkeye 😎😉

[@drunkenwhiskeyeu]

Breaks my heart to see his hands shaking the way they do. I first noticed it in the last season of Homeland. Gosh, thanks for MASH and the West Wing, he's always be remembered by these.. A very well deserved award.

[@markjefferies5096]

A man of depth, good grace and emotional intelligence. It’s all on the screen. The world is a better place with him in it.

[@paulzammataro7185]

My best episode of MASH is the one Christmas episode, where they were trying to keep a soldier alive so he didn't die on Christmas Day. He doesn't make it, and Hawkeye turns the clock past Midnight for the time of death, for the soldier's children. Second best is when Charles destroyed his phonograph.

[@rino655]

Thanks for spoiling the ending! Jk I've seen all the episodes at least 30 times

[@Livingtheinvisiblelife]

That was such a sad and good episode all wrapped up into one.

[@damianlynch5977]

How about the Captain Tuttle episode .

[@Livingtheinvisiblelife]

@@damianlynch5977 that was such a great episode too.

[@paulzammataro7185]

@@rino655 😳....oh! I didn't even think of that..... LOL

[@ftswarbill]

Alan Alda is like the nicest greatest guy in the world. I cannot get enough of him both on screen and off. He has Moxie.

[@aurorabarrera1272]

We still watch mash. It doesn’t get old. Brilliant show and cast.

[@cn2187]

A legend, gotta thank my dad for introducing me to MASH

[@user-yf6hb8oj7w]

Beylar same with me, i’m only 18 but mash is one of my favorite shows ever

[@jamesharris30096]

My dad used to love Mash too. He was a Vietnam Veteran and I think part of him related to Hawkeye. Anyway thanks for your comment and reminded me of my dad.

[@BrowncoatInABox]

i have multiple times

[@terradisiena]

I owe him a lot, watching MASH was a transforming experience. Thank you, you wonderful man.

[@andrewphippsphillips1455]

Alan's timeless voice takes me back to late 1970s/early 1980s Friday nights on BBC2, episodes of M.A.S.H. played regularly every week, the sound of knitting needles clacking, my Mum making a scarf or jumper, smell of ciggie fumes in the front room, but it meant I could watch television until 10.30pm. Plus that familiar theme tune playing at each end. The earlier episodes were genius, esp with Henry, Trapper and Frank Burns

[@shaywestlake9709]

I loved him on MASH and West Wing. West Wing is my all time favorite television show of all time. Martin Sheen, and all the actors and actresses they were great at the top of their game.

[@abigaildeeks8328]

Agreed-watched both east and west feed of that debate episode. Also Santos reaching across parties to give Vinnick a Secretary position. Won’t see that anymore......

[@tiashiraz8430]

Thoughtful, classy and intelligent. Never gave a bad performance.

[@kenhoward3512]

His intelligence was really on display in his hosting of the television show (linked to the magazine), Scientific American Frontiers. As he was regularly introduced to new technology, it was always the questions Alan Alda asked that surprised me most, showing a quick understanding of what he was being shown.

[@pcbacklash_3261]

As I recall, MASH essentially invented the "dramedy" -- a new genre that combined (as the name implies) comedy and drama in the same episode, sometimes in the same scene. It's taken for granted now, but it was something amazing and new back then!

[@grundlefairy]

Watching him getting old makes me sad but what he has done has effected me in the best possible ways.

[@Ma_Ba]

I also appreciate him for all his work on explaining scientific innovations on the series on public television for over a decade.

[@filipporeutener9975]

I really adore him. He's not only a great actor but also seems to be very down to earth.

[@danmorrison8194]

Have you listened to his podcast? It’s really good.

[@adnantariq3346]

Could I please PLEASE give this man a hug, before it's too late? Life Bucket challenge.

[@EAFSQ9]

For those wondering: 3:31 - Hawkeye complains about the limited variety of foods offered at the mess tent in Episode 11, Season 3's "Adam's Ribs".

[@Slopmaster]

“Sorry warden, I cracked under the pressure”

[@bluejay4214]

Glad to see Alan still has such a following even to this day. Such a wonderful man.

[@stevenbennett3922]

Here's hoping he does have 20 or 30 years. A wonderful man and actor.

[@themetacrisis]

He's a phenomenal actor and seems like such a warm person. I'm glad he's still acting despite his diagnosis.

[@loeschzone6876]

I used to watch MASH with my dad and grandpa. Love that show, but he has been amazing in so many other shows and movies. Such a classy and wonderful actor.

[@jakebp]

I love Alan Alda for his brilliance in acting, writing, directing, etc....but yet he has really influenced me with his work (and podcast) about just how we should try and work on how we communicate with each other better. Lessen the judgment, work on listening and understanding. That is where he really has become the hero. We all need to think about that every second of every day.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

That cut-away... when he was singing to Goldie Hawn while playing piano... said it was from CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS (1989) but it was *actually* from EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU (1996). 🌹

[@Ma_Ba]

Thanks for that sourcing astuteness!!! Crimes and Misdemeanors is on my all time favorites list for figuring out philosophy. I did a double take when I saw Goldie Hawn in that clip! I didn't give Everyone Says I Love You a fair shot when it came out, but just this week I heard more about Umbrellas of Cherbourg because of a memoriam and it reminded me of Woody Allen's use of the musical in his film. Thought it was time to revisit it and I hadn't remembered the title without your help either. Double thanks.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

My pleasure! 😊 I enjoyed EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU (1996) quite a bit... and a friend had a bit part in it. 🌈 And I absolutely *loved* THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (1964)! I got to see it on the big screen during a cinematic revival a few years back. ☂️

[@Ma_Ba]

@@auntvesuvi3872 This is a tangent, not to do with Alan Alda, but your emoji use just reminded me of Carrie Fisher and I was just seeing this kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqencqiYftGMhdU which is a rare find albeit an imperfect copy you might appreciate - Ma to Aunt.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

What a lovely old tune... hadn't heard that one in ages. ⚘

[@Ma_Ba]

@@auntvesuvi3872 And young Carrie Fisher appeared in it. Also, the video was technically innovative for that time period and expanded video as visual arts. Later, Carrie Fisher collected framed videos as a modern evolution of the painter's canvas. Now, I really am guilty of being inattentive to the subject of this site - I could say more about Alda too.

[@rickerson81]

Such a beautiful soul. I've always love his work

[@joebloggs7300]

I used to watch MASH with my grandfather. It really was a watershed moment for television.

[@davidvannatta4750]

Very interesting interview. I love both MASH and West Wing.

[@davidcarter2720]

It has been enjoyable to watch the arc of this great actor/comedian over the decades. From the Marx brotherish antics of Hawkeye through the highly varied and rich roles of the movies and tv shows that he graced, his evolution has been marked. The constant is the complexity he is able to give his characters with his presence, the non-verbals, ... and the intellectual spark that always shines behind those languid eyes. His closing statements - "20 to 30 years" and "my life has been an improvisation" - surprisingly jerked a few sobs and tears from me. I'm far from a crier - but I was overwhelmed by his words. He somehow captured the contentment that a lucky/willful/?? few manage to attain as they carry themselves through the often rocky final chapters of life with the same sense of wonder and balance that served them so well earlier in their lives.

[@abigaildeeks8328]

As a watercolour artist-his words about art left me breathless

[@7karlheinz]

I wished that when Alda did his stint on ER that they would have cast him as Hawkeye maybe they could have even had Allen Arbis reprising his role as Sidney Freedman, they could have still used the same storyline.

[@loriburnip]

I adore this man so much. 💖💖💖

[@Reavix1]

Alan Alda is by far the best actor of our time, the most heart wrenching moments of TV series are all found in the finale of MASH 4077.

[@bayareaartist999]

On of my favorite movies is "Same time next year."

[@pamelamonahan1776]

Mine too

[@MrScottishDork]

Love you Alan!! "We want something else!! WE want something else!!"

[@SuperRocketProoYEAH9]

Alan Alda, I love you

[@Android480]

I really, really appreciate this man. Just a heart of powerful gold. I don't even care about the acting, he's just someone you want on your side.

[@anndownsouth5070]

I know we all age, but seeing how much he has aged breaks my heart. Loved him in M.A.S.H. Have you guys all watched the final episode? I watched it more than one and always ball my eyes out.

[@Dirk-van-den-Berg]

I have seen each MASH-episode at least ten times. With one exception: where Hawkeye has the jeep-accident and rambles on for the rest of the episode to the Korean family. Didn't find that one interesting for the sake of no countering actor being present.

[@flem1064]

This guy is such a giant, I'm honored to leave a comment here and thank him for all his years of entertainment.

[@fredb4968]

Thank you for all that you have done. You are an treasure. Please remember you are the best.

[@billmuir4897]

Just sublime. Alan giving us wonderful insights. This man is an absolute gem. Took my Son to meet him at the Hay Festival years ago. What an impressive, modest and welcoming person. Truly wonderful. Love him to bits. 🌹

[@AndyG73]

Never known the man to give a poor performance in anything I've seen. One of the best character actors I've seen.

[@josecarbajal5028]

Thank you for your inspiring words Mr. Secretary

[@donga84]

Just finished watching all 11 seasons of M*A*S*H. The show is very much older than I am. Stumbled upon this show from random videos on KZbin. One of the greatest tv shows of all time. And certainly in my top 10 tv shows. Thank you Alan Alda and all the M*A*S*H cast.

[@BarginsGalore]

Its funny how on the west wing they portrayed him as the old candidate but the actor was younger then Biden and Trump are now

[@kg4wwn]

The character was also significantly younger. I think Vinick was 66 or 67 during the campaign. A decade younger than Biden.

[@cdjhyoung]

@@kg4wwn He had better speech writers too...

[@BarginsGalore]

@@kg4wwn I just checked Wikipedia and your right the character was born in 1940. Crazy how politics has changed

[@Its__Good]

The far crazier thing is imagining that the Republicans would nominate someone like Vinick.

[@lewiskazinsky7334]

@@Its__Good I remember when Vinick made a case against foreign aid, explaining how high some African countries tax their people to repay loans, effectively killing those economies. It was such an eloquent and heartfelt approach to the topic. That would be seen as a weakness nowadays. Trump would probably start snoring at the primaries and get huge laughs from the crowds. The anti-intellectualism in that party will laugh us all into hell.

[@hieronymusboschful]

He is the real deal, both as an actor and as a person. It has been a privilege to grow up watching him.

[@loneranger668]

Great interview! Thank you for sharing your talent with us for so many years Alan Alda.

[@peterlacey7420]

A truly wonderful actor. Yes fortunate to be in the two timeless and brilliant shows MASH and West Wing, but jeez what a performance in both. However, his body and consistent standard of work generally is amazing. Fully deserving of the kudos and recognition of this during his latter years.

[@jimandsniffers9408]

God bless him he's a awesome person I love m.a.s.h. and clear and vivid thank you Sir

[@pyeeye]

My favorite person in the world! Love him.

[@carcaridon]

I don't know him personally,but I love his works. However,he has been in my life and made me laugh more than my own family. Thanks Mr Alda

[@petertravaglini9691]

Thanks Mr. Alda for all you have done. Indeed, also, God Bless.

[@dutchking7293]

I hope you have 30 years more to live ... Thank you for your service. Dave.

[@Thuarez]

legend!!! All method actors look inspired by Alan Alda!! Kudos!

[@user-yf6hb8oj7w]

This man is a big inspiration

[@scottyeckert7620]

One of my favorite actors of all time!!

[@andrewdavis8137]

Is it impossible to dislike Alan Alda? I think so. I think he is the real deal. A genuine human being. And overwhelmingly charismatic.

[@YDNTK-ui4uc]

I would have voted for Arnie Vinick

[@MrMarkpark]

He’s always been one of my favorites

[@docadams7099]

He is so thorough, so he connects well with those who try to be thorough in their own work.

[@markofthenorth8918]

Love the west wing

[@davidllewis4075]

MASH best thing I ever saw him do, WW the 2nd best. WW best thing TV ever produced, MASH the 2nd best.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

I never watched MASH but I do appreciate the huge following he generated through his work on that show. However I fell in love with the guy in The West Wing. His acting was in every way as profoundly authoratitive as the character he played.

[@SomaCruz29]

I watched quite a bit of MASH during quarantine. This man is awesome.

[@dcrab93]

I liked when he did a few episodes of ER. He later a doctor who was Weaver’s mentor and he eventually had to leave because of the onset of dementia

[@thebatt6183]

legend

[@williamfurlan9176]

I love this sweet man.

[@ivannafernandag]

I love this man so much 🥺

[@keysersoze3987]

Alan Alda, a international treasure. I love you! : )

[@mtssman]

Such an elegant gentleman.

[@el7jake]

I've never forgotten his 1975 essay What Every Woman Should Know About Men in which he talked about testosterone poisoning. Absolutely hilarious, so very true and very nice to hear this point of view from a man.

[@ricks.1318]

Such an AMAZING actor..... and an AWESOME person !!!!!!!!!!!

[@jayneforster5677]

Love this guy ! Hawkeye xxxx

[@Maazzzo]

Bring him back! I want more!

[@camerkle]

I'm so grateful that my mother introduced me to M*A*S*H. It was always on in our house and I formed a love for it at a very young age. It's incredible the number of controversial topics they were willing to address during the series, such as homophobia, xenophobia, and much more, and always in a very sensitive and honest way. A true legend, the likes of which we rarely see.

[@autumnwinds8636]

God bless you, Alan Alda. :)

[@DouglasShane1]

What a miracle- Allen Alda is one of best 😀

[@fifthbusiness1678]

“I have played murderers and rapists many times.” - Alan Alda. WHAT?? I can’t imagine this kind, thoughtful and emotionally intelligent person/actor as a murderer. I love that he’s still active, doing a podcast at his age. One of my very favourite actors.

[@davidjones6076]

Beautiful man.

[@tobywiddop4817]

Big fan of this old guy. Fair play sir.

[@TrishBenedict]

He was in the two greatest series of all times. (Sorry, Gen Xers, Seinfeld and the Sopranos can’t ever touch M*A*SH and The West Wing.) M*A*S*H defined my generation and our attitude to Vietnam. And The West Wing likewise created an Administration rooted in honesty and compassion during a time when that was in short supply.

[@NortonsNestMonthly]

Alan Alda should be emulated and not only praised.

[@MC-cg2rr]

He is mind blowing on the West Wing

[@dxgypsyful]

What an inspirational guy.

[@stacyblue1980]

We love ya Mr. Alda.

[@vanessadmitri5340]

❤️❤️❤️ WE LOVE YOU, ALAN!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@marisalombardi385]

One of a kind... ❤❤❤

[@britneyspears1932]

GOD BLESS ALAN ALDAN!!!!!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@heiarornomarsson3492]

What a wonderful man Alan Alda is to watch :)

[@brandonlongbottom5747]

I love Secretary Arnold Vinnick

[@BrowncoatInABox]

i am young only 26 but i must say that i grew up on mash and it is so weird seeing alda act and not being at the 4077

[@MirusuMu]

Amazing actor 🤩😁

[@MauriceTituer]

I really love the scene between him and Martin Sheen in WW, discussing while eating ice cream. The religious democrat and the agnostic republican.

[@timothyflanigan1777]

hope he will be on ray donovan next season. the couple of episodes he was in this past season he was very convincing as a psychiatrist.

[@thefub101]

Legend!!

[@cab5917]

Someone who is Clear and Vivid!

[@darwin5275]

A minor correction. The movie clip where he sings to Goldie Hawn at 2:15 is from Woody Allen's "Everyone Says I Love You". Not "Crimes and Misdemeanors".

[@fredb4968]

Hawkeye you are an treasure

[@daviddemar8749]

I noticed the tremor in his right hand. I hope he doesn't have Parkinson's disease because that's what killed my father. Addendum two minutes later-somebody already answered my unasked question in the comment section. Now I'm just absolutely crushed. I shall pray for him and his family.😢🙏❤

[@abigaildeeks8328]

He does-about ten years ago. Terrible disease. May your father RIP

[@daviddemar8749]

@@abigaildeeks8328 God bless you. And thank you for your kind thoughts. My father Sumner Elliot DeMar passed away on 5 /25/2006 at the age of 82 from a combination of Parkinson's disease and non Alzheimer's dementia. After L-dopa stopped working to mitigate his symptoms I think my dad just gave up and he just kept getting worse and worse. God it was just awful to see how he suffered. In all seriousness if I had a " worst enemy " I wouldn't wish that on him or her ( I'd make an exception for Hitler or Stalin or other genocidal maniacs).

[@user-fz4ts6fv6o]

Hawkeye Pierce, Trapper, Radar, Father Malcahey,Henry,Klinger,Charles Emerson Winchester the third......MASH ,what a concept!