"Wherever I could get work, I worked…I thought I would be a stage actor. It never occurred to me that I'd have some big success on television."

    About This Interview

    In his three-hour interview, Alan Alda describes his M*A*S*H character "Benjamin Franklin 'Hawkeye' Pierce," as "… a sharp wit, a little bit of a smart aleck, competitive about his surgery, liked to laugh, could make a little fun of himself, probably liked making fun of other people more, really liked women a lot and had an old fashioned idea about women, hated war and hated people dying if he could do something about it." He recalls being a recipient of multiple Emmys during the long run of M*A*S*H, as its star, as well as a writer and director. He speaks about his early years that included a serious bout with polio as a child. He acknowledges his improvisational performance background with Second City and Compass in Hyannis Port. He describes his early appearances on television, as a regular on the satirical That Was the Week That Was and the syndicated version of the erudite guess-the-occupation quiz show What's My Line? For M*A*S*H, Alda comments on the series' production, including the creative contributions of writer/creator Larry Gelbart and producer Gene Reynolds, gives his impressions of the ensemble, and discusses memorable episodes. He reveals his feelings about filming the show's last scene, which was both emotional and chaotic due to the extensive media presence. Finally, he talks about hosting the series Scientific American Frontiers, as well as guest-starring on ER, for which he received his 29th Emmy nomination. Michael Rosen conducted the interview on November 17, 2000 in New York, NY.

    All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.
    People Talking About ...
    Thumbnail of Alan Alda

    Alan Alda on his M*A*S*H character, "Hawkeye" Pierce

    03:05
    Thumbnail of Alan Alda

    Alan Alda on winning an Emmy, and how some of your best writing work can come as a surprise

    01:30
    Thumbnail of Alan Alda

    Alan Alda on the M*A*S*H episode "Sometimes You Hear the Bullet"-- its dramatic significance and Alda's critique of a scene in which he cries on camera

    01:23
    Thumbnail of Alan Alda

    Alan Alda on the last episode and the shooting of the last scene shot of M*A*S*H

    05:10
    Thumbnail of Alan Alda

    Alan Alda on his career: "Wherever I could get work, I worked... I thought I would be a stage actor. It never occurred to me that I'd have some big success on television"

    00:18
    Thumbnail of Alan Alda

    Alan Alda on his fidelity to Larry Gelbart's scripts to the extent that he spoke a typo on M*A*S*H

    01:26
    Play Full Interview

    Chapter 1

    On his name change, childhood, parents; on seeing Vaudeville and burlesque acts

    05:09

    On the influence of Vaudeville and burlesque on later television comedy

    02:25

    On his father (actor Robert Alda) and other early influences; on performing with his father

    01:43

    On wanting to be a writer and writing his first sketch

    03:55

    On his mother

    01:07

    On early hobbies, wanting to be a writer, and his first job

    01:13

    On his early interest in making movies, performing, and directing

    02:44

    On having polio as a child; on developing an interest in reading

    03:53

    On listening to early radio shows starring Arthur Godfrey and Jack Benny and their influence on him

    05:42

    Chapter 2

    On Phil Silvers and Red Buttons bringing him onstage as a baby

    02:29

    On performing in Summer Stock as a teenager and wanting to be a writer

    02:12

    On enjoying early television; on his interest in magic

    04:30

    On his father performing on experimental television in the 1930s; on appearing on the television program Secret File, USA in Europe with his father in the 1950s; on other early television roles

    06:15

    On appearing on The Phil Silvers Show and having trouble memorizing his lines

    05:51

    On being shy and getting to know his fellow actors

    02:15

    On the relationship between the writers and the actors on M*A*S*H, facilitated by director Gene Reynolds

    03:50

    Chapter 3

    On his fidelity to the written word to the extent that he spoke a typo on M*A*S*H; on well-rehearsed spontaneity

    02:50

    On the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"

    01:37

    On his improvisational training

    02:36

    On Phil Silvers

    01:14

    On working as a stage actor and learning from theater actors; on honing his acting skills; on his work on the theatrical production of "Pearly Victorious" with Ossie Davis

    07:53

    On working at Naked City and learning from other actors; on tricks of the trade when working with shorter actors

    02:44

    On the challenges of acting on camera and how this sometimes sacrifices the ability of an actor to be spontaneous

    07:12

    On appearing briefly on various television episodes in the 1950s and 1960s

    02:56

    Chapter 4

    On appearing on That Was the Week That Was

    01:50

    On TVQ ratings, game shows, how it may have helped him get cast on M*A*S*H

    02:44

    On his knowledge about the Vietnam War, and on reading the script for M*A*S*H

    08:47

    On M*A*S*H going on the air in 1972, and on the social climate of the time; on censorship on the show

    02:58

    On network censorship at the beginning of M*A*S*H's run; on the "virgin" Islands episode

    11:17

    Chapter 5

    On his character, "Hawkeye" Pierce, on M*A*S*H

    03:04

    On Gene Reynolds; on becoming interested in directing

    08:32

    On Larry Gelbart and Burt Metcalfe; on members of the cast of M*A*S*H

    07:40

    On working with Harry Morgan, and on his sense of humor

    02:31

    On specific episodes of M*A*S*H

    03:48

    On the M*A*S*H episode "Inga" and doing a handspring on his way down the aisle to accept the Emmy award for that episode

    01:09

    Chapter 6

    On the last episode and the shooting of the last scene shot of M*A*S*H

    10:46

    On Scientific American Frontiers

    04:29

    On ER and being his own critic

    01:32

    On how fame has more negatives than positives, in his view

    03:50

    On his proudest achievement, his family

    01:22

    Dragnet

    Alan Alda on a story Harry Morgan told him about how serious Jack Webb was on the set of Dragnet

    01:01

    M*A*S*H

    Alan Alda on the process of learning lines with the ensemble cast of M*A*S*H and the importance of laughter with fellow actors

    05:11

    Alan Alda on the relationship between the writers and the actors on M*A*S*H, as facilitated by director Gene Reynolds

    03:45

    Alan Alda on his fidelity to Larry Gelbart's scripts to the extent that he spoke a typo on M*A*S*H: "Larry wrote it, so I said it"

    02:50

    Alan Alda on the way improvisation was incorporated into the classic M*A*S*H episode, "The Interview"

    01:37

    Alan Alda on the approach of making a comedy show about war in developing M*A*S*H

    04:42

    Alan Alda on the way Larry Gelbart got around the censors to use the word "virgin" in an episode of M*A*S*H

    01:15

    Alan Alda on the research done on M*A*S*H

    00:31

    Alan Alda on the network's objection to the sight of a jock strap on an episode of M*A*S*H

    01:48

    Alan Alda on his M*A*S*H character, "Hawkeye" Pierce

    03:05

    Alan Alda on getting shots just as the sun set while directing M*A*S*H

    01:50

    Alan Alda on his impressions of M*A*S*H producer Gene Reynolds

    02:28

    Alan Alda on M*A*S*H show creator/writer Larry Gelbart

    01:47

    Alan Alda on the philosophy behind adding new characters to M*A*S*H

    00:40

    Alan Alda on M*A*S*H executive producer Burt Metcalfe

    01:10

    Alan Alda on working out a scene with Wayne Rogers on M*A*S*H, after shooting for the satisfaction of getting it right

    01:43

    Alan Alda on Loretta Swit's contribution to making her M*A*S*H character three-dimensional

    01:37

    Alan Alda on working with Harry Morgan on M*A*S*H, and Morgan's sense of humor

    01:29

    Alan Alda on the M*A*S*H episode "Sometimes You Hear the Bullet"-- its dramatic significance and Alda's critique of a scene in which he cries on camera

    01:23

    Alan Alda on writing the M*A*S*H episode "Dear Sigmund" and the performance of Allan Arbus as "Major Sidney Freedman"

    02:13

    Alan Alda on the M*A*S*H episode "Inga"

    01:13

    Alan Alda on the content and the shooting of the last scene shot of M*A*S*H

    05:10

    Alan Alda on the M*A*S*H finale

    02:14

    Alan Alda on how CBS believed in M*A*S*H despite initial low ratings

    01:00

    Alan Alda on why M*A*S*H was a successful television show

    02:04

    M*A*S*H: "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen"

    Alan Alda on the M*A*S*H finale

    02:14

    M*A*S*H: "The Interview"

    Alan Alda on the way improvisation was incorporated into the classic M*A*S*H episode, "The Interview"

    01:37

    Naked City

    Alan Alda on working with and being influenced by actor Burgess Meredith on Naked City and having to accommodate Mr. Meredith's height

    02:09

    Phil Silvers Show, The aka You'll Never Get Rich aka Sergeant Bilko

    Alan Alda on appearing on The Phil Silvers Show very early in his career

    00:48

    Scientific American Frontiers

    Alan Alda on Scientific American Frontiers

    04:24

    Alan Alda on the approach to the series Scientific American Frontiers, for which he serves as host

    04:42

    Secret File, U.S.A.

    Alan Alda on his father's appearance on Secret File, U.S.A.

    01:44

    That Was the Week that Was

    Alan Alda on appearing on That Was the Week That Was and rehearsing with David Frost minutes before they went live through a closed door

    01:09

    Alan Alda on how the format of That Was the Week That Was compares to the British version

    01:47

    Tonight

    Alan Alda on his adoration for comedian Steve Allen and the spontaneity of the "Man in the Street" routines on Steve Allen's Tonight

    04:19

    Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The

    Alan Alda on the network's objection to his showing a clip from his movie "The Four Seasons" on The Tonight Show

    02:12

    Censorship / Standards & Practices

    Alan Alda on about Standards & Practices' objection to the use the word "virgin" in an episode of M*A*S*H

    01:15

    Alan Alda on the "family hour" concept of the 1970s

    01:38

    Alan Alda on the network's objection to the sight of a jock strap on an episode of M*A*S*H

    01:47

    Characters & Catchphrases

    Alan Alda on his M*A*S*H character, "Hawkeye" Pierce

    03:05

    Creative Influences and Inspiration

    Alan Alda on his adoration for the early radio comedians and talk show hosts such as Arthur Godfrey and Steve Allen

    04:21

    Alan Alda on how the burlesque comics and Vaudeville influenced him at an early age

    02:47

    Alan Alda on his father, Robert Alda's, early TV roles

    01:18

    Alan Alda on working with and being influenced by actor Burgess Meredith with Naked City

    04:14

    Alan Alda on writing the M*A*S*H episode "Dear Sigmund"

    01:35

    Alan Alda on the craft of writing

    00:42

    Emmy Awards

    Alan Alda on doing a handspring down the aisle to accept the Emmy for writing

    00:42

    Fame and Celebrity

    Alan Alda on the downsides of fame

    03:49

    Historic Events and Social Change

    Alan Alda on the connection between the Korean War setting of M*A*S*H and the then-contemporary conflict in Vietnam

    01:23

    Alan Alda on Loretta Swit's contribution to making her M*A*S*H character three-dimensional

    01:37

    Korean War

    Alan Alda on the connection between the Korean War setting of M*A*S*H and the then-contemporary conflict in Vietnam

    01:23

    Memorable Moments on Television

    Alan Alda on the M*A*S*H episode "Sometimes You Hear the Bullet"-- its dramatic significance and Alda's critique of a scene in which he cries on camera

    01:23

    Pivotal Career Moments

    Alan Alda on his adoration for the early radio comedians and talk show hosts such as Arthur Godfrey and Steve Allen

    04:21

    Alan Alda on how the burlesque comics and Vaudeville influenced him at an early age

    02:47

    Alan Alda on his father, Robert Alda's, early TV roles

    01:18

    Alan Alda on working with and being influenced by actor Burgess Meredith on Naked City

    04:14

    Alan Alda on writing the M*A*S*H episode "Dear Sigmund"

    01:35

    Alan Alda on the craft of writing

    00:42

    Pop Culture

    Alan Alda on his M*A*S*H character, "Hawkeye" Pierce

    03:05

    Alan Alda on the downsides of fame

    03:49

    Representation on Television

    Alan Alda on Loretta Swit's contribution to making her M*A*S*H character three-dimensional

    01:37

    Television Industry

    Alan Alda on about Standards & Practices' objection to the use the word "virgin" in an episode of M*A*S*H

    01:15

    Alan Alda on the "family hour" concept of the 1970s

    01:38

    Alan Alda on the network's objection to the sight of a jock strap on an episode of M*A*S*H

    01:47

    Vietnam War

    Alan Alda on the connection between the Korean War setting of M*A*S*H and the then-contemporary conflict in Vietnam

    01:23

    War

    Alan Alda on the connection between the Korean War setting of M*A*S*H and the then-contemporary conflict in Vietnam

    01:23

    We Cried

    Alan Alda on the M*A*S*H episode "Sometimes You Hear the Bullet"-- its dramatic significance and Alda's critique of a scene in which he cries on camera

    01:23

    Women

    Alan Alda on Loretta Swit's contribution to making her M*A*S*H character three-dimensional

    01:37

    Actor

    Alan Alda on his methodology for memorizing lines

    03:55

    Alan Alda on the importance of the relationship between the writers and the actors on M*A*S*H, as facilitated by director Gene Reynolds

    03:46

    Alan Alda on the role of improvisational training in his acting work, specifically work done at Second City

    02:06

    Alan Alda on the uncomfortable things actors must do to accommodate the camera

    03:02

    Alan Alda on working out a scene with Wayne Rogers on M*A*S*H, after shooting for the satisfaction of getting it right

    01:43

    Alan Alda on the M*A*S*H episode "Sometimes You Hear the Bullet"-- its dramatic significance and Alda's critique of a scene in which he cries on camera

    01:36

    Performers

    Alan Alda on his methodology for memorizing lines

    03:55

    Alan Alda on the importance of the relationship between the writers and the actors on M*A*S*H, as facilitated by director Gene Reynolds

    03:45

    Alan Alda on the role of improvisational training in his acting work, specifically work done at Second City

    02:06

    Alan Alda on the uncomfortable things actors must do to accommodate the camera

    03:02

    Alan Alda on working out a scene with Wayne Rogers on M*A*S*H, after shooting for the satisfaction of getting it right

    01:43

    Alan Alda on winning an Emmy, and how some of your best writing work can come as a surprise

    01:36

    Writers

    Alan Alda on writing the M*A*S*H episode "Dear Sigmund"

    01:34

    Comedy Series

    Alan Alda on seeing early Vaudeville acts and the comedy of George Burns and Gracie Allen; on how it relates to later television comedy

    02:27

    Alan Alda on his love for comedians Bob Hope, Jack Benny, and Steve Allen

    04:08

    Alan Alda on the importance of laughter with his fellow actors on M*A*S*H and in life

    03:45

    Alan Alda on learning from other performers and actors by standing in the wings

    02:35

    Alan Alda on playing "Hawkeye Pierce" on M*A*S*H

    18:57

    Alan Alda on playing "Hawkeye Pierce" on M*A*S*H

    28:34

    Game Shows

    Alan Alda on how his TVQ rating from game show appearances may have helped him get cast on M*A*S*H

    03:22

    News and Documentary

    Alan Alda on Scientific American Frontiers

    04:24

    Bud Abbott

    Alan Alda on watching early burlesque acts like Abbott & Costello's "Who's on First" routine, and performing at a very young age on the stage with his father, a Vaudevillian

    01:13

    Gracie Allen

    Alan Alda on seeing early Vaudeville acts and the comedy of George Burns and Gracie Allen; on how it relates to later television comedy

    02:26

    Steve Allen

    Alan Alda on his adoration for comedian Steve Allen and the spontaneity of the "Man in the Street" routines on Steve Allen's Tonight

    04:19

    Allan Arbus

    Alan Alda on writing the M*A*S*H episode "Dear Sigmund" and the performance of Allan Arbus as "Major Sidney Freedman"

    02:14

    George Burns

    Alan Alda on seeing early Vaudeville acts and the comedy of George Burns and Gracie Allen; on how it relates to later television comedy

    02:27

    Lou Costello

    Alan Alda on watching early burlesque acts like Abbott & Costello's "Who's on First" routine, and performing at a very young age on the stage with his father, a Vaudevillian

    01:13

    Ossie Davis

    Alan Alda on working with Ossie Davis in "Pearly Victorious" and how impressed he was with the actor

    01:44

    Larry Gelbart

    Alan Alda on his fidelity to Larry Gelbart's script to the extent that he spoke a typo on M*A*S*H

    02:16

    Alan Alda on M*A*S*H show creator/writer Larry Gelbart

    01:39

    Buster Keaton

    Alan Alda on watching from the wings when Buster Keaton performed on stage

    01:08

    Burgess Meredith

    Alan Alda on working with and being influenced by actor Burgess Meredith on Naked City and having to accommodate Mr. Meredith's height

    02:16

    Burt Metcalfe

    Alan Alda on M*A*S*H executive producer Burt Metcalfe

    01:10

    Harry Morgan

    Alan Alda on working with Harry Morgan on M*A*S*H, and Morgan's sense of humor

    01:29

    Gene Reynolds

    Alan Alda on the relationship between the writers and the actors on M*A*S*H, as facilitated by director Gene Reynolds

    01:54

    Alan Alda on M*A*S*H producer Gene Reynolds

    02:29

    Wayne Rogers

    Alan Alda on working out a scene with Wayne Rogers on M*A*S*H after shooting for the satisfaction of getting it right

    01:43

    Phil Silvers

    Alan Alda on Phil Silvers as a unique comedian who created a distinct character

    01:02

    Loretta Swit

    Alan Alda on Loretta Swit's contribution to making her M*A*S*H character three-dimensional

    01:37

    Jack Webb

    Alan Alda on a story Harry Morgan told him about how serious Jack Webb was on the set of Dragnet

    01:01

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