Elizabeth Alda is an American former actress and educator. She is best known as the daughter of actor Alan Alda and writer and photographer Arlene Alda.
Elizabeth briefly worked as an actress in the 1980s. She appeared in The Four Seasons and Night of the Creeps. She later left acting and built a career in special education, including work with deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Elizabeth Alda’s Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Elizabeth Alda O’Heaney |
| Known as | Elizabeth Alda |
| Date of birth | August 20, 1960 |
| Age | 65 years old as of August 2026 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former actress, educator |
| Father | Alan Alda |
| Mother | Arlene Alda |
| Sisters | Eve Alda Coffey and Beatrice Alda |
| Education | Kenyon College; graduate studies in education; Northeastern University |
| Known for | The Four Seasons, Night of the Creeps, special education work |
| Children | One reported daughter, Elle O’Heaney |
Elizabeth Alda’s Early Life
Elizabeth Alda was born on August 20, 1960, in New York City. She is the second of Alan and Arlene Alda’s three daughters.
She grew up in a family closely connected to entertainment and the arts. Her father became one of television’s best-known actors through his role as Hawkeye Pierce in MASH*. Her mother worked as a musician before becoming a photographer and writer.
Elizabeth was also surrounded by other members of the Alda acting family. Her grandfather, Robert Alda, was an actor, and her uncle Antony Alda also worked in entertainment.
Alan Alda Is Elizabeth Alda’s Father
Alan Alda is Elizabeth’s father. He is an American actor, writer, and director who became famous for playing Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce on the television series MASH*.
Alan also had an important role in Elizabeth’s short acting career. He wrote, directed, and starred in the 1981 movie The Four Seasons, in which Elizabeth appeared.
Alan has spoken publicly about his daughter’s career change. He explained that Elizabeth acted for a period before deciding that she preferred another kind of work. She eventually became a teacher of deaf students and worked in special education.
He has also said that he is proud that all three of his daughters earned advanced degrees.
Her Mother, Arlene Alda
Elizabeth’s mother is Arlene Alda, formerly Arlene Weiss.
Arlene studied at Hunter College and worked as a professional clarinetist. She later became known as a photographer, writer, and children’s book author.
Arlene and Alan Alda married in 1957. They went on to have three daughters: Eve, Elizabeth, and Beatrice.
Elizabeth Alda Has Two Sisters
Elizabeth is the middle child in the Alda family.
Her older sister, Eve Alda Coffey, was born on December 18, 1958. Eve studied psychology at Connecticut College and later earned a Master of Social Work. She has worked in social services and political organizing.
Her younger sister, Beatrice Alda, was born on August 10, 1961. Beatrice followed the family’s entertainment path more closely. She has worked as an actress, filmmaker, producer, and director.
Elizabeth and Beatrice both appeared in The Four Seasons.
Elizabeth Alda’s Education
Elizabeth studied drama before changing her professional direction.
She attended Kenyon College, where she reportedly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts.
She later continued her studies in education. Reports state that she earned a Master of Education with a focus on special education and the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Elizabeth later attended Northeastern University, where she reportedly earned a Doctor of Education in 2018.
Her education shows that her move away from acting became a long-term professional change rather than a temporary career break.
She Appeared in The Four Seasons
Elizabeth began acting in the early 1980s.
One of her best-known appearances was in the 1981 film The Four Seasons. The movie was written and directed by her father, Alan Alda.
Elizabeth played Beth Burroughs, according to published cast information.
She later appeared in the television adaptation of The Four Seasons, which aired in the 1980s.
Her younger sister Beatrice also appeared in the film and television project.
Elizabeth Alda Was Also in Night of the Creeps
Elizabeth appeared in the 1986 horror-comedy film Night of the Creeps.
The movie later developed a cult following among horror fans.
This appears to have been one of Elizabeth’s final acting projects. Unlike her father and sister Beatrice, she did not continue building a long-term career in Hollywood.
Why Did Elizabeth Alda Leave Acting?
Elizabeth eventually decided that acting was not the career she wanted.
Her father has said that she acted for a while before realizing that she did not care for the profession.
Elizabeth has also spoken about discovering that she enjoyed education more. She reportedly explained that teaching gave her more creative satisfaction than acting.
She then focused on special education and literacy work.
Her Career in Special Education
After leaving acting, Elizabeth became an educator.
Her work has included teaching and supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing students, as well as students who need specialized educational help.
A 2025 report identified her as a literacy coach at The Learning Center for the Deaf in Massachusetts.
Her education career became the main focus of her professional life after her short period in entertainment.
Does Elizabeth Alda Have Children?
Elizabeth reportedly has one daughter named Elle O’Heaney.
Published reports say her daughter’s learning challenges influenced Elizabeth’s interest in literacy and special education. However, details about her daughter’s personal life should be treated carefully because Elle is not widely known as a public figure.
Elizabeth has generally kept her family life outside the entertainment spotlight.
Is Elizabeth Alda Married?
Elizabeth is also known as Elizabeth Alda O’Heaney.
However, reliable public information about her spouse, wedding, or current marital status is limited.
It would therefore be inaccurate to name a husband or provide marriage details without stronger confirmation.
Elizabeth Alda’s Net Worth
Elizabeth Alda’s personal net worth is not reliably known.
Some websites make guesses about her finances, but there is no trustworthy public evidence confirming a specific figure.
Her father’s wealth should also not be used as an estimate of Elizabeth’s personal net worth.
Is Elizabeth Alda on Social Media?
Elizabeth keeps a low public profile.
Some online sources list social media accounts under her name, while other reports say she does not maintain public accounts. Because of these conflicting claims, her official social media presence is not clearly confirmed.
She is much less visible online than many members of famous Hollywood families.
Where Is Elizabeth Alda Today?
Elizabeth moved away from professional acting many years ago and focused on education.
Reports have placed her in Massachusetts, where she has worked in literacy and special education. She has occasionally discussed her career and family connection in interviews related to MASH*, but she does not maintain a major celebrity profile.
Interesting Facts
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Elizabeth Alda was born on August 20, 1960.
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She is Alan and Arlene Alda’s second daughter.
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She has two sisters, Eve and Beatrice.
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She appeared in The Four Seasons in 1981.
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She later appeared in the television version of The Four Seasons.
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She acted in Night of the Creeps in 1986.
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She left acting and entered education.
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Her professional interests include special education and deaf education.
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She reportedly earned a Doctor of Education from Northeastern University in 2018.
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She has one reported daughter, Elle O’Heaney.
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Her personal net worth has not been reliably confirmed.
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She has maintained a much more private life than her famous father.
