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Birth
Alan Alda was born Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo in New York City on January 28th, 1936. His father was also a performer. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000257/bio -
Beating Polio
Alan Alda contracted polio at the age of seven. The treatment that Sister Elizabeth Kenny developed was used by Alan’s parents. I think this event influenced Alan’s advocacy for gender equality by showing him the innovations of women. He feels it was Kenny's perseverance against sexism and confining ideas of what women could do in the medical field that allowed him to be cured. https://outsider.com/entertainment/mash-alan-alda-near-death-experience-polio-why-became-feminist/ -
Marriage
Alan married his college sweetheart Arlene Weiss Alda at age 21.
I think this event influenced Alan’s advocacy for gender equality by exposing him for more progressive beliefs from his wife. He credits her for helping him improve as person. https://groovyhistory.com/alan-alda-mash-feminist-sensitive/9 -
Becoming a father
Alan is the father of three daughters: Eve, Elizabeth, and Beatrice.
I think this event influenced Alan’s advocacy for gender equality by motivating him to work to champion for a better world for his daughters. https://outsider.com/entertainment/mash-alan-alda-near-death-experience-polio-why-became-feminist/
https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/alan-alda-kids-4630838/ -
Campaigning for the Equal Rights Amendment
Alan campaigned during the 1970's for the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment.
I think this event influenced Alan’s advocacy for gender equality by giving him the opportunity to use his star power in a positive way. Campaigning let him be outspoken about his pro-feminist views and continue to push for the change he wanted to see in the world. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1979/08/16/alan-alda-the-reluctant-campaigner/89f9890d-2c15-41b6-a275-29c1b3fbf809/
