Before MASH* became the beloved television series known worldwide, Alan Alda’s casting as Hawkeye Pierce was already decided — not by a long audition process, but by a firm belief from creator Gene Reynolds. Reynolds had known Alda through their theater work in New York, and when the time came to cast the iconic surgeon, he never even considered holding an audition.
Reynolds recalled, “He was attractive, a leading man, and wonderfully comedic, yet he could handle the serious, sober moments. There aren’t many actors who can do both with such ease.”
At the time, Alda was far from Hollywood. He was filming a movie inside the Utah State Prison, an unusual place for any actor to be working. When the MASH* script arrived, Alda was instantly captivated. “It was by far the best script I’d ever read in prison,” he said. However, he hesitated. He told his wife, Arlene, “I can’t do it because it’s going to be made in California, and we live in New Jersey. Who knows — this thing could run for a whole year.”
Despite his doubts, Alda was reassured by the show’s intentions and the creative vision of Larry Gelbart, who imagined Hawkeye as an endearing jokester, someone who uses humor to fight the madness of war. Alda’s interpretation of Hawkeye deepened the character, blending comedy with empathy and vulnerability.
Co-star Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, described Alda’s approach: “Alan’s Hawkeye was like a large child — always seeking companionship, a hug, a squeeze. His flirting was all talk, never anything predatory.”
Reynolds added that from early on, Alda made it clear that the show wouldn’t depict male doctors as “billy goats,” where women were always at their beck and call. “The guys could be fresh, but they never used their authority sexually,” Reynolds explained.
The authenticity Alda brought to the role was rooted in careful research. Medical consultant Walter Dishell remembered how Alda wanted to understand the emotional weight of the character’s work. “He asked how you feel when you have to tell someone they’re going to lose a leg or die. He wanted to know what’s going through your mind if you can’t stop the bleeding.”
On set, Alda was also known for his subtle, masterful acting choices. Co-star Mike Farrell, who played B.J. Hunnicutt, once said Alda was brilliant at being present without dominating a scene. “If he had an exposition scene in the mess tent, he’d spend the entire time studying his food — picking up a fork, sniffing it, then putting it down — all while participating in the conversation.”
Gary Burghoff, the actor behind Radar O’Reilly, praised Alda’s dedication: “I never worked with anyone so completely committed to a project. His creative energy was endless.”
Even guest star Jeff Maxwell, who played Igor Stravinsky, recalled a memorable moment when Alda improvised an unforgettable performance. “During the ‘River of Liver’ speech, I never expected him to start dancing on the table. Afterward, I asked if he’d planned it, and he said he hadn’t. No one else could pull that off.”
Through these moments, it became clear that Alan Alda wasn’t just playing Hawkeye — he was shaping a character who would resonate deeply with audiences for decades. His balance of humor, heart, and humanity brought the role to life in a way that transformed MASH* from a simple TV show into a cultural touchstone.
