Alan's New Autobiography...Art imitates life - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Dr. Thong · 09-28-2005, 07:55 PM

Just saw Alan Alda's new autobiography, Never Have Your Dog Stuffed : And Other Things I've Learned and there was an interesting bit about the episode where Alan's father, Robert Alda reprised the role of Dr. Borelli in the episode where he and Hawkeye go to help out at an aid station.

Apparently, Dr. Borelli being so controlling and driving Hawkeye crazy wasn't fiction: It was based on Alan's real-life relationship with his Dad. This is why a character played Alan's brother Antony had to yell at the two in a scene to stop them from fighting - art imitating life.

Robert Alda suggested that Borelli and Hawkeye each have a hand injured so they'd have to work in unison as one complete set of hands. Alan thought the idea was corny at first, but as a writer, he found a way to make it work.

Interesting stuff.

Heidi Dawn · 09-29-2005, 03:30 PM

I saw the book at Indigo bookstore, both in-store and on-line. The price is $33.95 Canadian. Canadians can order the book at http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

TJL · 09-29-2005, 04:28 PM

I do find it interesting that they developed Hawkeye's backstory to imitate Alda's - absent mother, close relationship with his Dad; it's rare that a TV chracter mimics an actors life so closely.

09-28-2005, 07:55 PM	#1
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	Alan's New Autobiography...Art imitates life Just saw Alan Alda's new autobiography, Never Have Your Dog Stuffed : And Other Things I've Learned and there was an interesting bit about the episode where Alan's father, Robert Alda reprised the role of Dr. Borelli in the episode where he and Hawkeye go to help out at an aid station. Apparently, Dr. Borelli being so controlling and driving Hawkeye crazy wasn't fiction: It was based on Alan's real-life relationship with his Dad. This is why a character played Alan's brother Antony had to yell at the two in a scene to stop them from fighting - art imitating life. Robert Alda suggested that Borelli and Hawkeye each have a hand injured so they'd have to work in unison as one complete set of hands. Alan thought the idea was corny at first, but as a writer, he found a way to make it work. Interesting stuff.
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09-29-2005, 03:30 PM	#2
Heidi Dawn Muppets Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 01, 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 883	I saw the book at Indigo bookstore, both in-store and on-line. The price is $33.95 Canadian. Canadians can order the book at http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/
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09-29-2005, 04:28 PM	#3
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	I do find it interesting that they developed Hawkeye's backstory to imitate Alda's - absent mother, close relationship with his Dad; it's rare that a TV chracter mimics an actors life so closely.
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