“M*A*S*H” Star Alan Alda, 90, Reflects on Getting Polio at 7, Says His Parents Were ‘Practically Torturing’ Him for Treatment

Alan Alda Reflects on Early Challenges and Later Health Battle

Legendary actor Alan Alda, best known for his role as Captain Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce in the iconic television series M*A*S*H, has shared a poignant reflection on his early childhood experiences with polio and his subsequent battle with Parkinson’s disease. In a recent interview on CBS Sunday Morning with Dr. Jon LaPook, the now 90-year-old Alda recounted how polio affected his young life, keeping him separated from his peers and confining him indoors for several months.

Alda’s brush with polio occurred when he was just seven years old, shortly after his father, Robert Alda, began shooting a significant role as George Gershwin in a biopic about the famous composer. At the time, the polio vaccine had yet to be developed, leaving families like the Aldas with limited treatment options. Alda described how his parents were advised to use hot wool packs on his limbs, a treatment he later regarded as torturous. Understanding the emotional toll on his parents, he expressed, “There’s a little bit of empathy,” recognising the anguish they must have felt witnessing their child suffer.

The limitations imposed by the disease were profound, leaving Alda unable to walk. He recalled standing at his bedroom window, watching neighbourhood children playing outside, longing for the day he could join them. His memories of that time remain vivid; “My memory is months,” he said, indicating the length of his recovery process. This period of confinement and helplessness left a lasting impression on him, shaping his understanding of resilience and adversity.

Fast forward several decades, Alda faced yet another health challenge when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. He made the announcement public in 2018, acknowledging the symptoms that led to his diagnosis. One such symptom involved physically acting out dreams. “I had a dream that somebody was attacking me. And I picked up a sack of potatoes and threw it at him,” Alda recalled, adding with a chuckle that what he was actually doing was throwing a pillow at his wife, Arlene.

Since receiving his diagnosis, Alda has approached his condition with a pragmatic yet optimistic mindset. He has adapted his daily life, viewing each challenge as a puzzle to be solved. In an interview published in 2025, he remarked, “Almost every day I’m finding a new way to do something. It’s a little like a game.” Alda emphasised the importance of persistence, stating, “If I keep at it, I can eventually solve it, and then I feel like a million bucks. It’s a way to have a good time under poor circumstances.”

Despite the challenges posed by Parkinson’s and the early struggle with polio, Alda’s legacy continues to shine brightly, thanks in large part to his career-defining role on M*A*S*H. The show, which aired from 1972 to 1983, remains a staple of American television history. Alda’s portrayal of Hawkeye garnered him 21 Emmy nominations, reflecting his talents not only as an actor but also as a director and writer, culminating in five Emmy wins.

Alda’s journey offers insight into the resilience of the human spirit. His candour about his childhood ailments and adult health issues serves as a reminder of the universal challenges faced by many, while also highlighting the power of determination and the importance of maintaining a sense of humour.

As health concerns arise in many people’s lives, Alda’s story stands as a beacon of hope. His ability to adapt, coupled with a positive outlook, inspires countless individuals facing their own obstacles, be they health-related or otherwise. Alda’s life and career reflect a commitment to overcoming adversity, reminding us all that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, there is always room for growth, understanding, and triumph.