Alan Alda of M*A*S*H* Turns 75

Actor Alan Alda turned 75 years old on Friday January 28. Best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H*, Alda also starred in several movies and is a noted screenwriter and director.

According to a report from Hispanic Business, M*A*S*H* was a long running comedy portraying a parody of doctors behind the front lines during the Korean War. M*A*S*H* stands for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Alda played one of its doctors. In addition, he directed the show's series finale in 1983. Called Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen, it is still known today as the single most watched episode of any TV series in history.

Alan Alda was born Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo in the Bronx. He still holds residency to this day in Leonia, New Jersey, although his career has taken him far and wide. He has starred in movies including Crimes and Misdemeanors, The Four Seasons, and Same Time Next Year. He is the recipient of many awards for his acting, including five Emmy Awards and six Golden Globes.

Aside from the world of acting, Alan Alda forayed into the literary world. He wrote two collections of memoirs. The first, titled Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: and Other Things I've Learned touched upon his upbringing, from the time his dad actually had his dead dog stuffed to dealing with his mother's schizophrenia. His second collection, titled Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself explored many speeches he gave throughout the years, as well as many personal life reflections.

Not much has been said in the media regarding how Alan Alda celebrated turning 75 years old, but hopefully it was in the company of loved ones and dear friends. Perhaps he spent it resting, since much of life has been spent exercising his many creative abilities.

Regardless of how Alda spent his birthday, he will always be revered as a brilliant man, talented actor, director, and screenwriter, and a very introspective author. He has already left his mark on the arts world and will undoubtedly provide even more for his fans in the years to come.