Alan Alda discusses growing up in Burlesque theaters, working with his father, sudden fame, and on-set dynamics. Stories of Buster Keaton, Mickey Rooney, Sarah Silverman, M*A*S*H colleagues, and famous vaudeville performers. Remembering Mae West, Red Buttons, and more in the entertainment industry.
Alan Alda emphasizes living in the moment and handling fame gracefully.
Collaboration with Larry Gelbart influenced success through teamwork and improv.
Alda's adaptability and on-the-spot learning showcase his evolution as an actor.
Deep dives
The Experience of Fame and Improvisation
Alan Alda reflects on the experiences of fame and improvisation in his career. He highlights how fame altered his interactions with fans, leading to both positive and challenging encounters. Alda emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and engaging with reality, rather than dwelling on past successes or failures. He also discusses how his strong improvisational skills have guided him through unexpected situations, showcasing flexibility and empathy.
Collaboration with Larry Gelbart
Alan Alda shares insights into his collaboration with Larry Gelbart, the renowned writer and creator of 'M*A*S*H.' He mentions Gelbart's admiration for his ability to find solutions when disagreements arose, highlighting their productive teamwork. Alda elaborates on how Gelbart's genius and ability to create meaningful puns significantly influenced the show's success and their working dynamic.
Learning and Growth in Acting
Alan Alda reminisces about his early days in acting with iconic actors like Phil Silvers and his experiences in improvisation. He recounts a moment of on-the-spot learning when faced with filming a scene without prior preparation, showcasing his ability to adapt and deliver under pressure. Alda's willingness to learn and evolve as an actor is evident through reflections on past performances and the impact of improvisation on his craft.
Journey into Podcasting and Communication
Alan Alda discusses his venture into podcasting and its purpose of supporting the Center for Communicating Science. He expresses his joy in hosting conversations with diverse guests ranging from hostage negotiators to comedians like Sarah Silverman and Tina Fey. Alda's podcast serves as a platform for meaningful discussions aimed at enhancing communication skills and fostering empathy in various fields.
The Power of Empathy in Communication and Understanding
Interacting with others based on empathy can lead to significant changes and connections. An example highlighted in the podcast showcases how Sarah Silverman's empathetic response to a Twitter troll, understanding his pain and directing him to therapy, transformed their relationship positively. This emphasizes the importance of connecting on a deeper level beyond initial conflicts and embracing understanding.
The Impact of Relationships on Performance and Creativity
The podcast delves into the significance of strong relationships within acting and performance. Alan Alda shares experiences from the 'M*A*S*H' set where the close-knit cast formed a deep bond, enhancing the authenticity of their interactions on-camera. This connection extended to active engagement even off-camera, emphasizing how fostering strong relationships can elevate creativity and performance outcomes.
Gilbert and Frank welcome a sought-after guest, writer-director-actor Alan Alda, who discusses (among other topics) growing up in Burlesque theaters, working with his father Robert Alda, coping with the pressures of sudden fame and learning to live life "in the moment." Also, Buster Keaton does a backflip, Mickey Rooney "hails a cab," Sarah Silverman forms an unlikely friendship and Alan remembers M*A*S*H colleagues Harry Morgan, Wayne Rogers and McLean Stevenson. PLUS: The Great Blackstone! "The Beast with Five Fingers"! Revisiting "Crimes and Misdemeanors"! Beetlepuss rescues Bela Lugosi! And Alan shares the stage with Red Buttons, Phil Silvers and Mae West!
