Alan Alda, an iconic figure in American entertainment, has enjoyed a dynamic career spanning over six decades. As of 2025, Alan Alda’s net worth is estimated at $50 million, earned through his work as an actor, director, writer, and advocate. Widely recognized for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Hawkeye Pierce on MASH*, Alda is also celebrated for his contributions to Broadway, film, science communication, and philanthropy.
Early Life and Education
Born Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo on January 28, 1936, in New York City, Alan Alda was the son of performer Robert Alda and homemaker Joan Browne. His father was a seasoned entertainer who created the stage surname “Alda” by combining the first two letters of his first and last names. As a child, Alan battled polio at age seven and endured a difficult six-month treatment regimen. He spent much of his early life traveling with his father due to the demands of show business.
Alda attended Archbishop Stepinac High School and later studied at Fordham University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in English. During college, he joined the ROTC, which led to a six-month deployment in Korea with the U.S. Army Reserve. These early experiences shaped his resilience, versatility, and eventual approach to performance and storytelling.
Television Fame: The MAS*H Years
Alan Alda’s defining role came in 1972 when he was cast as Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce in MASH*, a CBS medical dramedy set during the Korean War. Alda played the role for all 256 episodes of the show’s eleven-season run, becoming the series’ creative force by writing and directing many episodes.
His compensation reflected his influence. By 1980, Alda was earning $300,000 per episode, which was unprecedented at the time. Adjusted for inflation, this equates to $20 million per season in today’s dollars. He won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and Directors Guild Awards for his work on the show. The series finale, which he wrote and directed, became the most-watched TV episode in American history.
Film and Stage Career
Alda’s creative talents extended beyond television. He wrote, directed, and starred in a series of successful films such as The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979), The Four Seasons (1981), Sweet Liberty (1986), A New Life (1988), and Betsy’s Wedding (1990). His stage career was equally impressive, with major Broadway roles in The Apple Tree, Jake’s Women, and Glengarry Glen Ross. He received multiple Tony nominations and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Alda continued acting in films including Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), Canadian Bacon (1995), and What Women Want (2000). His portrayal of Senator Owen Brewster in The Aviator (2004) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Continued Television Success
After MASH*, Alda remained a regular presence on television. He guest-starred in ER (1999), earning another Emmy nomination, and took on a recurring role as Senator Arnold Vinick in The West Wing (2004–2006), for which he won an Emmy.
He also appeared in 30 Rock, The Big C, The Blacklist, Broad City, The Good Fight, and Ray Donovan. His role in Noah Baumbach’s 2019 film Marriage Story drew critical praise and further cemented his reputation as a versatile, enduring performer.
Personal Life and Family
Now 89 years old, Alda has been married to Arlene Weiss since 1957. The couple has three daughters: Eve, Elizabeth, and Beatrice. Alda revealed in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years earlier. Despite his diagnosis, he continues to stay active in public life, often speaking on issues close to his heart.
Real Estate and Investments
Over the years, Alda and his wife have made strategic real estate investments. In 2000, they purchased two adjoining apartments in Manhattan’s Park Millennium building for $4.9 million. In 2008, they added a third unit for $3 million. They’ve also owned homes in Los Angeles and Watermill, New York. Notably, they sold their Bel Air property for $1 million in 2003 and a Brentwood home for $1.395 million in 2005.
Science Advocacy and Teaching
Alan Alda is not just an entertainer but also a passionate advocate for science and communication. From 1993 to 2005, he hosted Scientific American Frontiers, helping to make science accessible to mainstream audiences. In 2009, he founded the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, where he later served as a visiting professor.
His efforts earned him accolades like the National Academy of Sciences Public Welfare Medal (2016) and the Distinguished Kavli Science Communicator Award (2021). He also serves on the boards of the World Science Festival and the Future of Life Institute.
Philanthropy and Social Causes
Together with his wife, Alda launched the Jenjo Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education, youth development, and violence prevention. He has supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Feeding America, and HELP USA, among many other organizations. Alda is also a vocal supporter of women’s rights and once co-chaired the Equal Rights Amendment Countdown campaign with First Lady Betty Ford.
Books and Legacy
Alan Alda is a prolific writer, having authored three acclaimed books: Never Have Your Dog Stuffed, Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself, and If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?. His reflections combine humor, wisdom, and insight into his storied life and career.
His legacy is defined not only by his artistic contributions but also by his ability to bridge worlds—between entertainment and science, fame and humility, storytelling and truth.