1 / 10
Arlene Weiss was a clarinetist who had majored in music and had begun studying at Hunter College in 1956, while Alan Alda had received his Bachelor of Arts that same year. The two met at a mutual friend's party, according to various sources, and bonded thanks to a mishap.
2 / 10
Their love story was recently posted on Twitter, explaining that a rum cake had accidentally been dropped on the floor and “they were the only two guests who did not hesitate to eat it,” according to ‘Food & Wine.’ Alan Alda later added that they “were inseparable after that.”
3 / 10
Arlene told the ‘Times’ that the cake was not the only factor in their connection since they had “great chemistry.” She added a detail that let her know it was a special bond: “Boys from Manhattan didn't date girls from the Bronx. That was a given. It was too long of a trip. He took me home to the Bronx. Unheard of.”
4 / 10
Less than a year after dating, on March 15, 1957, the pair married in front of less than 20 guests. From then on, the pair worked their life together using laughs as their main weapon against the world.
5 / 10
Arlene’s life had a drastic change after meeting Alan but she always said she was very happy. In 1981 she was offered to join the New York Philharmonic but declined, saying “I am so happy at this point in my life, I can't imagine how I could be any happier. If I were still playing the clarinet, I would never have gotten into photography, which I love,” according to the ‘New York Times.’
6 / 10
Alan and Arlene share three daughters: Eve, Elizabeth, and Beatrice. Although they are not immune to disputes over how they should raise their children and other aspects of life, they have demonstrated they work together. Alan even used his family as inspiration when writing ‘We’ll Get By.’
7 / 10
Another fun fact in their relationship is that when Alan got his first job at a performance gig with a traveling children’s company, he took Arelene for pizza to celebrate. Since then, they always celebrate with pizza.
8 / 10
After 67 years together, Alan shared with the ‘New York Times’ that the secret to their relationship is laughter. “I think when you laugh you make yourself momentarily vulnerable. Your defenses are not up, and if you can stay in a playful mood, where you are susceptible to laughter, your chances of being antagonistic with each other are lower.”
9 / 10
The Aldas faced health challenges with grace, particularly Alan's battle with Parkinson's disease. Their unwavering support for each other during difficult times became an inspiration for many.
10 / 10
From career challenges to personal setbacks, the Aldas faced life's storms hand in hand. Their ability to support and uplift each other through thick and thin solidified their love as a beacon of strength.
Alan Alda, the renowned actor, and Arlene Alda, an accomplished author, have shared a love story that spans over six decades. From chance encounters to enduring milestones, their journey together has been a source of inspiration.
Both had different paths when they met and thanks to that meeting, their lives took a turn for the better, showing that even accidents can lead to happiness.