Alan Alda, THE Alan Alda of stage, screen, tube and books, is guest starring for the third time tonight on Tina Fey’s ‘30 Rock’ on NBC at 8:30pm ET. Spoke to the five-time Emmy and six-time Golden Globe winner on the phone this week and the actor, director and screenwriter told me that they called him up to play Alec Baldwin’s father and he grabbed the gig that’s how he got it. Alda, who sees a little bit of himself in busy Tina Fey and doesn’t know how she juggles it all said, “Being that Tina is kind of new to the scene, it amazes me how much ability she has as a writer, actor, satirist and she’s an amazing character to me.” Alda, also couldn’t hold back his praise of the entire “talented and bright” ‘30 Rock’ cast, calling them a “very collaborative company.” “They all recognize each others unique personalities and are tuned into one another like we were on Mash.” Alan, who had a near death experience seven years ago while on a mountain in Chile from a blocked intestine and needed a middle of the night operation and got it, savors life even more now and is “glad to be alive.” Tonight’s episode has Alec Baldwin’s character inviting Alda’s to the same family dinner where his mother will be for some sort of revenge act, and of course the hilarity and surprises will ensue.