Alan Alda’s Cameo in Tina Fey’s "The Four Seasons" Nods to the Original and Offers Timeless Wisdom
The streaming adaptation of "The Four Seasons," now captivating audiences on Netflix, carries with it a legacy rooted in the 1981 film of the same name. Written, directed, and starring the multi-talented Alan Alda, the original movie explored the complexities of friendship and marriage across the changing seasons of life. Tina Fey, alongside Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher, has reimagined this classic for a modern audience, and in doing so, paid heartfelt tribute to Alda himself.
One of the most delightful aspects of the new series is Alda’s brief but impactful cameo in the second episode. Fey, a long-time admirer of Alda’s work, specifically sought a way to incorporate him into the project, acknowledging his integral role in the story’s origin. The result is a cleverly crafted appearance that not only honors Alda’s contribution but also adds a layer of depth and meaning to the narrative.
In the episode, Alda plays the widowed father of Anne, portrayed by Kerri Kenney-Silver. Anne, in a gesture of love and commitment, is planning a surprise vow renewal party for her husband, Nick, played by Steve Carell. Alda’s character, a warm and insightful patriarch, becomes a source of guidance for Anne’s friends, Kate (Tina Fey) and Danny (Colman Domingo), who are both grappling with challenges in their respective marriages.
Alda’s delivery is pitch-perfect, offering pearls of wisdom gleaned from a lifetime of experience. He emphasizes the importance of communication, urging the couples to "try not to fuss about the small stuff." But his advice doesn’t stop at the conventional. He injects a dose of humor and playful intimacy, recounting a unique tradition he shared with his late wife.
"Every once in a while, we’d wake up and she’d say, ‘Congratulations. Take off your pants, it’s a sex day.’ You might try that with your spouse. They’d be so grateful and surprised," Alda quips, eliciting laughter and knowing nods from the characters. This seemingly lighthearted anecdote underscores a deeper message about keeping the spark alive in a long-term relationship, injecting spontaneity and surprise into the everyday routine.
The inclusion of Alda’s cameo wasn’t simply a matter of fan service; it was a carefully considered decision by Fey and her co-writers. Fey admitted to grappling with the best way to incorporate Alda into the series. She briefly entertained the idea of having him reprise his role as Jack from the original film, perhaps as an older version of the character now played by Will Forte.
Fey drew a parallel to her own experience playing Ms. Norbury in both the 2004 and 2024 versions of "Mean Girls." "To me, that was like, Teachers see it all over and over again, which was how I justified it to myself," Fey joked, highlighting the recurring nature of certain roles and archetypes.
Ultimately, however, Fey decided against having Alda play an older Jack, reasoning that it "would break the brain" for viewers. Instead, she opted to cast him as Anne’s father, a choice that allowed Alda to impart wisdom and experience without disrupting the continuity of the narrative.
Fey fondly recalls the experience of working with Alda on set. "It was a thrill to spend a day on set with him. I was lucky enough years ago to work with him a little bit on 30 Rock. He’s really gifted, has great timing and just came in ready to go," she said.
Tracey Fisher echoed Fey’s sentiments, praising Alda’s talent and presence. "He’s just such a lovely person," Fisher said. "We liked the idea of him, at some point, shedding some real wisdom onto our characters and talking about marriage, even a few decades ahead of where they are. It felt very fitting to see him early on, so you could take those pearls with you through the rest of the season."
Adding to the significance of Alda’s involvement, he reunited with Fey at New York’s Paris Theater for a screening of the original "Four Seasons" movie ahead of the series debut on Netflix. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, Alda, at 89 years old, demonstrated his unwavering dedication to the project.
Erika Henningsen, who stars in the series, recounted Alda’s spontaneous gesture of appreciation. "He loves you," Henningsen said, referring to Fey and her co-writers. "He got up, came down, and bestowed love and joy and gratitude on Tina, Tracey and Lang. He’s just an aspirational human being in every way."
Alda’s extensive career spans decades and includes numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards and an Oscar nomination. He is known for his memorable roles in films such as "The Aviator," "Crimes and Misdemeanors," "Manhattan Murder Mystery," and the aptly titled "Marriage Story." His presence in "The Four Seasons" adaptation not only adds a layer of prestige but also serves as a bridge between the original film and the new series.
Alda is not the only connection to Fey’s previous work on "30 Rock." Writers Fisher and Wigfield, as well as actor Forte, are also alumni of the Emmy-winning NBC comedy. "30 Rock," known for its biting satire and pop-culture commentary, presented outrageous scenarios that, according to Fey, now feel somewhat tame compared to the realities of the modern world.
"The world is now 40% 30 Rock and 60% Mike Judge’s ‘Idiocracy,’" Fey quipped, referencing the increasingly absurd and chaotic nature of contemporary society. Despite the more dramatic focus of "The Four Seasons," Fey admits to occasionally missing the opportunity to write for her "30 Rock" characters, particularly the hilariously self-absorbed actress Jenna, played by Jane Krakowski.
"There are definitely times when I’m like, Wow, that would’ve been a great Jenna storyline," Fey said, smiling. "It’s almost always Jenna." This nostalgia highlights the enduring appeal of Fey’s comedic voice and her ability to create memorable and relatable characters, even within the context of a more emotionally resonant narrative like "The Four Seasons." Ultimately, Alda’s cameo is a testament to his legacy and a brilliant inclusion that makes the new show all the more special.
