Alda, Alan (1936-…), is an American actor, motion-picture director, and screenwriter known for his genial but sarcastic style. Alda gained fame as a star of the popular television series “M*A*S*H” (1972-1983). In the series, he played Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce, a wisecracking Army doctor stationed in Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953). Alda won several acting awards for the role.
Alda was born in New York City on Jan. 28, 1936. His real name was Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo. His father was Robert Alda, a well-known stage and movie actor. Alan earned a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University in 1956 and decided to enter show business. He appeared in several off-Broadway plays before attracting attention on Broadway in the satirical comedy Purlie Victorious (1961).
Alda made his motion-picture debut in Gone Are the Days (1963). His other films as an actor include Same Time Next Year (1978), Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), Whispers in the Dark (1992), Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993), The Aviator (2004), Resurrecting the Champ (2007), Flash of Genius (2008), Tower Heist (2011), Wanderlust (2012), and The Longest Ride (2015). He acted in, wrote, and directed the films The Four Seasons (1981), Sweet Liberty (1986), A New Life (1988), and Betsy’s Wedding (1990). He also starred in several television movies. On Broadway, Alda appeared in the musical The Apple Tree (1966) and the comedies The Owl and the Pussycat (1964), Jake’s Women (1992), and Art (1998). Alda also wrote a memoir, Never Have Your Dog Stuffed (2005).
