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Birth and Early Childhood
Alan Alda was born to Robert Alda and Joan Browne in Bronx, New York. Many would call his childhood an unusual one. His father was part of a burlesque circuit, where the young Alan would spend his days in the dressing rooms of the show ladies or watching the performances. His mother suffered with mental illness, which alone created many challenges for Alan. However, his unseemly childhood impacted him in such a way that later in life he would become a champion and advocate for women. -
M*A*S*H (1972 - 1983)
From 1972-1983, Alan played various roles in the hit TV show M*A*S*H. He wrote, directed, and played a the role of a doctor named Hawkeye Pierce. As Alan gained more freedom in directing and writing, he would try to show a more sensitive side of his character. As a successful and well-known actor, Alan was able to use his celebrity voice as he spoke and advocated for women. -
National Commission for the Observance of International Women’s Year
Alan spent the majority of the 70's and the early 80's advocating for women's rights and gender equality. In 1976, he served on the National Commission for the Observance of International Women’s Year. He co-chaired the Equal Rights Amendment countdown campaign with former First Lady Betty Ford. Even the Boston Globe recognized his advocacy for women, naming him "the quintessential Honorary Woman: a feminist icon.” -
The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science
In 2009, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science was founded at Stony Brook University. This center has created innovated programs to help bridge the communication gaps between scientist and the public. It continues to serve as a platform to advocate equity for women in science and the STEM fields. -
References
Alda, A. (2020). Alan Alda. Alan Alda actor, author, podcast host, advocate for science communication. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.alanalda.com/