She Is the Wife of a Hollywood Star & Has Been by His Side for 68 Years, Supporting Him as He Battles Parkinson’s Disease

At a 1956 college party, a rum cake fell, and only Alan and Arlene Alda dared to eat it, sparking a 68-year marriage defined by humor and resilience. Alan, famed for “MAS*H,” was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015 after noticing he acted out dreams, a symptom he read about in a Jane Brody column. Proactive, he pursued early testing, revealing the neurological disorder affecting movement and cognition. Despite tremors and stiffness, Alan stays active with boxing, tennis, and tai chi, refusing to let Parkinson’s define him. He encourages

others, saying a diagnosis isn’t the end but a call to adapt. Arlene, a photographer and musician, supports him quietly, helping with tasks like opening packages while sharing laughter and chess games. Their bond, rooted in mutual respect and a “short memory” for conflicts, anchors them. At 89, Alan continues acting and advocating, with Arlene’s unwavering presence. Their story, from a fallen cake to facing Parkinson’s together, shows love and determination can transform challenges into enduring strength.