Alan Cumming

AlanCummingSept2013TIFF

Alan Cumming (born 27 January 1965) is a Scottish actor, singer, writer, producer, and director. He has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, earning acclaim for his versatile performances.

Early Life

Alan Cumming was born in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland. He grew up on the east coast of Scotland in Angus, where he attended Monikie Primary School and later Carnoustie High School. Cumming's father, Alex Cumming, was the head forester of Panmure Estate, and his mother, Mary Darling, was an insurance company secretary.

Career

Theatre

Cumming's early career was marked by his work in the theatre. He gained prominence with his performance in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet in 1993. He later starred in the Donmar Warehouse production of Cabaret in 1998, for which he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Film

Cumming has appeared in a variety of films, including GoldenEye (1995), Spy Kids (2001), X2 (2003), and The Good Wife (2009-2016). His role as Nightcrawler in X2 brought him international recognition.

Television

On television, Cumming is best known for his role as Eli Gold on the CBS series The Good Wife. He has also appeared in shows such as Instinct and Schmigadoon!.

Writing

Cumming is also an accomplished writer. He has published a novel, Tommy's Tale, and a memoir, Not My Father's Son, which details his troubled relationship with his father and his journey to self-acceptance.

Other Work

In addition to acting and writing, Cumming has worked as a director and producer. He has directed several stage productions and short films. He is also known for his activism, particularly in the areas of LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Personal Life

Cumming is openly bisexual and has been a prominent advocate for LGBT rights. He married his partner, Grant Shaffer, in 2012. The couple resides in New York City.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Cumming has received numerous awards and honors, including a Tony Award, a Golden Globe Award nomination, and several Emmy Award nominations.

Filmography

Film

• GoldenEye (1995)
• Spy Kids (2001)
• X2 (2003)
• The Good Wife (2009-2016)

Television

• The Good Wife (2009-2016)
• Instinct
• Schmigadoon!

Bibliography

• Tommy's Tale (2002)
• Not My Father's Son (2014)

See Also

• LGBT rights
• HIV/AIDS awareness
• Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical