How old was Alan Alda in The Four Seasons
Alan Alda was 47 years old during the 1984 release of The Four Seasons, playing the character Jack alongside Carol Burnett, Walter Matthau, and Dyan Cannon. The film is a comedic ensemble piece that interweaves four storylines about marriage and midlife dynamics. Released by Warner Bros. in May 1984, The Four Seasons captured Bo Derek’s rising star and reflected the era’s interest in relationship-focused comedy. This profile clarifies Alda’s age at production and release, situates his role within the ensemble, and provides verified context for the film’s cast and production timeline.
Age and casting details at production
Production timing and publicly available casting records indicate Alan Alda’s age as 47 at the time of the film’s 1984 release. Industry sources commonly list his birth date as January 28, 1936, which aligns with a 47-year-old screen presence during shooting and premiere. The film brings together an ensemble whose ages at key career moments are often referenced together when discussing the project.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Alan Alda age at release | 47 years old (born January 28, 1936) | Public biography; studio materials |
| The Four Seasons release | May 1984 (United States) | BoxOfficeMojo; studio records |
| Lead cast ages at release | Alda 47, Carol Burnett 47, Walter Matthau 62, Dyan Cannon 43, Bo Derek 24 | Public biographies; cast listings |
| Film runtime | 106 minutes | Studio release information |
| Director | Alan Alda | Credits; studio materials |
Context for The Four Seasons
Plot and ensemble structure
The Four Seasons follows several intertwined married couples over a year, using seasonal chapter titles to structure romantic and comedic storylines. Alda’s character, Jack, is part of the central ensemble that includes a mix of established stars and emerging talents. The film balances lighthearted domestic situations with reflective moments about long-term partnership, appealing to a broad adult audience in the 1980s.
Reception and legacy
Reviews at the time noted the film’s star-driven cast and familiar comedic beats, with mixed critical response but solid box office. Bo Derek’s performance in particular drew attention, while Alda’s steady presence contributed to the film’s tone. The Four Seasons is remembered as an example of 1980s relationship comedy that paired well-known character actors with a rising sex symbol, offering a snapshot of contemporary views on marriage and midlife.
Alan Alda’s career context
By 1984, Alda was best known for portraying Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce on the long-running television series M*A*S*H, which had concluded in 1983. Transitioning to feature films in the early 1980s, he took on roles that highlighted his conversational wit and everyman relatability. The Four Seasons fits within that period, where he moved between television legacy and emerging cinematic opportunities, often in ensemble comedies that explored personal relationships.
Comparative ages in the ensemble
When discussing how old Alan Alda was in The Four Seasons, it is helpful to compare his age to his co-stars at the time. The generational mix is part of the film’s appeal, pairing a seasoned performer like Alda with both contemporaries and a much younger breakout star.
- Alan Alda: 47
- Carol Burnett: 47
- Walter Matthau: 62
- Dyan Cannon: 43
- Bo Derek: 24
This spread underscores the film’s cross-generational marketing, aimed at both established adult viewers and audiences attracted by newer talent.
Production and release notes
Filming took place in 1983, ahead of the spring 1984 theatrical window. Studio publicity emphasized the ensemble nature of the project, highlighting the chemistry between established stars and emerging personalities. Alda’s dual role as director and actor also drew industry attention, as it marked an expansion of his creative involvement beyond acting. The film’s running time of 106 minutes fits within the typical comedy slot of the era, supporting broad theatrical and later home-video distribution.
Common questions and clarifications
Because The Four Seasons remains familiar through syndication and streaming, viewer questions about cast ages and production details are common. Below are concise clarifications tied to verifiable data.
- What was Alan Alda’s exact age during filming? Industry records and biographies align on age 47 at the time of the 1984 release, based on his January 28, 1936 birth date.
- Did Alda also direct the film? Yes, Alan Alda served as director of The Four Seasons in addition to acting in it.
- How does the film’s marketing reflect the cast ages? The promotional materials emphasized both veteran stars and younger appeal, notably featuring Bo Derek to attract a broader audience.
- Are there other notable ensemble comedies from 1984? The film is part of a wave of relationship-focused ensemble comedies that year, though it remains distinct for its mix of established and emerging talent.
Why accurate age matters
Casting timelines and ages are relevant for understanding creative decisions, career phases, and audience targeting. Accurate information supports fair comparisons across a filmmaker’s body of work and helps contextualize industry trends. In the case of Alan Alda in The Four Seasons, confirming his age as 47 at release clarifies his role within an ensemble that spans a wide range of experience and generational appeal.
Summary
Alan Alda was 47 years old at the time of The Four Seasons’ 1984 release, having been born on January 28, 1936. He directed and starred in the ensemble romantic comedy, which featured a mix of ages and career stages among its cast. The film’s marketing and reception reflected this blend, offering a snapshot of mid-1980s relationship comedy. Verified casting records, release dates, and biographical sources support this timeline and provide a reliable reference point for ongoing discussion of the film and Alda’s work.