Alan Alda on fighting Parkinson's with laughter

Key Points:

• Alan Alda, renowned for his roles such as Hawkeye Pierce on "M*A*S*H," has won six Emmy Awards for acting, writing, and directing, with "M*A*S*H" influencing many viewers, including doctors inspired by his character.
• Alda overcame childhood polio and a challenging family life, including a mother with schizophrenia, which he credits for developing his observational skills and curiosity that benefited his acting career.
• He fostered strong human connections on the "M*A*S*H" set, contributing to the show's massive popularity, with the finale watched by over 100 million viewers.
• Concerned about communication in science, Alda founded the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science in 2009, using his acting experience to teach scientists how to connect with the public.
• Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at 79, Alda openly discusses his condition with humor and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of laughter and maintaining a positive outlook despite the challenges.