[5] Alan's paternal great-grandfather owned the Crystal Springs Hotel in the Catskills, where Freddie Roman began performing.
[4][1] His early work in television was as a writer for the Judd Hirsch sitcom Dear John[1] and the short-lived Everything's Relative.
[3] He directed some episodes of the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (created by his high school friend Philip Rosenthal)[4] and was the head writer for Coach for three seasons.
He worked as a racehorse trainer in college at Liberty Bell Race Track in Philadelphia and at the Meadowlands Racetrack[4] in northern New Jersey for three years[1] and reporter/commentator for ESPN[6] on their Breeders Crown broadcasts.
He was a supporter of the California Harness Horseman's Association, serving as president, along with being an avid amateur driver, racing in several East vs. West Coast challenges.