At a college party in 1956, fate arrived in the form of a fallen rum cake. While everyone else stepped back, two young students stepped forward—Alan Alda and Arlene Weiss. That spontaneous moment of laughter and connection sparked a bond that would endure for nearly 70 years. As Alda’s acting career soared—most notably through his iconic role as Hawkeye in MASH*—Arlene remained his steady anchor, carving her own creative path as a professional photographer and musician. Their marriage, built on humor, respect, and shared values, has weathered everything from fame to the challenges of chronic illness.

In 2015, Alda received a diagnosis that would change his life: Parkinson’s disease. But the early warning came years prior, in the form of a vivid dream. During sleep, Alda threw a pillow at Arlene while dreaming of being attacked—something he would later learn was a potential early symptom of the neurological disorder. Choosing to act quickly, he brought the information to his doctor and began making lifestyle changes that could slow the disease’s progression. That proactive spirit, along with his relentless curiosity, helped him remain physically and mentally active, taking on Parkinson’s as another challenge to creatively solve.

Rather than retreat from the public eye, Alda leaned into life with determination. He adopted a rigorous routine involving boxing, tai chi, and other exercises to keep symptoms at bay, while continuing his podcast, acting in new projects, and staying socially engaged. Though Parkinson’s has affected his motor skills and brought face blindness into his life, Alda embraces each hurdle with characteristic humor. “It’s like playing violin in mittens,” he once said about tying his shoelaces—but each adaptation feels like a small victory. And through it all, Arlene is beside him, supporting without fanfare, lifting in quiet moments.

Now in their late 80s and early 90s, Alan and Arlene Alda remain a portrait of enduring love. Their daily life in New York is a blend of routine, laughter, and mutual care. Whether playing chess, recording interviews, or just enjoying each other’s company, their partnership continues to flourish. “Laughing with my wife—that’s what makes me happiest,” Alda has said. In a world that often idolizes short-term passion, their story stands as a testament to lasting commitment, lived one rum cake, one joke, and one challenge at a time.