WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for The Four Seasons episode 2!Netflix’s TV adaptation of cast of The Four Seasons already features some big generational names in comedy and drama, including Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and co-creator Tina Fey, but the Netflix series still saves room for some exciting cameos along the way. As Netflix adapts the two-hour movie into an eight-episode series, the longer runtime allows for more characters to the story of old college friends reuniting over the course of a year.

Among the most exciting actor appearances in The Four Seasons’ series are those with connections to the main cast’s past projects. For instance, Saturday Night Live alum Chloe Troast appears as Mikayla, with stars Tina Fey and Will Forte having also been former cast of the sketch show. Additionally, Ginny’s actress Erika Henningsen originated the role of Cady Heron in the Mean Girls Broadway musical, based on Tina Fey’s 2004 film of the same name. However, the biggest cameo in The Four Seasons’ eight episodes carries a much deeper meaning, as it pays tribute to the 1981 original movie.

The Original Four Seasons Movie's Director, Writer & Star Alan Alda Makes A Cameo In Netflix's Remake

Alan Alda Appears As Anne's Father

The director, writer, and star of 1981’s The Four Seasons movie, Alan Alda, makes a surprise cameo in Netflix’s 2025 TV remake. Alda, who is also well known for his roles in MASH, The Aviator, and The West Wing, made his directorial film debut with The Four Seasons movie, which also starred legendary actors like Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno. In the original movie, Alda played Jack, who is portrayed by Will Forte in Netflix’s series.

Fey initially considered having Alda briefly play an older version of his original movie character, Will Forte’s Jack, but thought it would “break the brain.”

While more removed from his 1981 film character, Alan Alda makes a cameo in The Four Seasons show as Anne’s father, Don. Alda’s cameo occurs in The Four Seasons episode 2, “Garden Party,” for Anne and Nick’s wedding vow renewal ceremony. He only has a quick appearance, but Alda still has a hilarious scene alongside Tina Fey and Colman Domingo as his character discusses his marriage to Anne’s late mother. According to USA Today, Fey initially considered having Alda briefly play an older version of his original movie character, Will Forte’s Jack, but thought it would “break the brain.”

The former MASH main actor’s on-screen cameo isn’t his only role in the new Netflix 2025 series, as Alda also serves as a producer. The behind-the-scenes meaning of his involvement in The Four Seasons show goes even deeper due to his collaborative history with Tina Fey on 30 Rock, in which he had a recurring role as Jack Donaghy’s biological father, Milton Greene. Fittingly, The Four Seasons TV show’s Will Forte also had a few memorable appearances on Tina Fey’s 30 Rock.

Alan Alda's The Four Seasons Show Character Wasn't In The Original Movie

The Role Of Anne's Father Was Created For Alda

Like some of the other characters featured in the Netflix remake, Alan Alda’s character, Don, wasn’t featured in his cult classic 1980s movie. The scene of Anne’s father speaking with Kate and Danny was written specifically for Alda (via Variety), as the show’s co-creators wanted him to be involved in a moment in which he could impart wisdom about marriage and life upon the main characters in a short speech. There were different iterations of who his character could be in order to explain why he’s at the vow renewal, but the creators ultimately landed on making him Anne’s dad.

Giving Alda a wise character of his own also feels like a more fitting tribute than retreading a figure he already wrote and gave to another actor back in the original movie. If he isn’t going to play Jack again, then the father of one of the main characters is a great substitute to give him a much more impactful, connected role in the story. The subtext of Alda’s scene in which he gives advice to Tina Fey’s Kate in The Four Seasons show also reflects him meaningfully ing on the torch to her as the series’ writer.

Sources: USA Today, Variety