M*A*S*H favourite Alan has Parkinson’s but ‘lives full life’
M*A*S*H star Alan Alda has revealed he has Parkinson’s disease.
The 82-year-old actor, who played Dr Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce in the military comedy, was diagnosed three years ago but lives a “full life”.
And he said he is speaking out now to urge other sufferers to be positive about the disease.
Alan said: “I decided to let people know I have Parkinson’s to encourage others to take action. My life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving. “I take boxing lessons, play tennis and take a mild pill. I even juggle. And I’m not entering dementia. I’m no more demented than before. I’m good.” M*A*S*H became one of the most successful sitcoms ever written. It ran on the BBC from 1984 to 1995. Alan appeared in a host of later shows, including ER and The West Wing.