Alda's father robert alda and half-brother antony alda appeared together in the 20th episode of season eight of m*a*s*h, lend a hand. Robert had previously appeared in the consultant in season three. Alan alda (born under the name alphonso joseph d'abruzzo) is an american actor, comedian, film director and screenwriter from new york city.

Alda was born alphonso joseph d’abruzzo in new york city in 1936. He was the only child of the actor robert alda and his wife joan, a former beauty pageant winner. First wife joan brown was a miss new york beauty contest winner. She gave birth to their son alan alda, but shortly after began suffering from severe mental illness (undiagnosed schizophrenia).