The Life of Legendary MASH* Actor Alan Alda

In 1956, he graduated from Fordham University after participating in ROTC. Soon afterward, he entered the U.S. Army Reserve, beginning a period that briefly moved his life away from classrooms and stages.

His military experience came before his breakthrough as an actor, but it gave him direct exposure to Army structure and discipline. Years later, that background would add an interesting layer when he became famous playing a military doctor in Korea.