Alan Cumming isn’t your typical Hollywood star. The Scottish actor, best known for his role on The Good Wife, has made a name for himself across various mediums. From conquering TV, movies, and Broadway—earning a Tony Award for Cabaret—to diving into writing, music, and even opening his own NYC nightspot, Club Cumming, Alan's career is nothing short of remarkable. Alongside his husband, illustrator Grant Shaffer, Alan has also authored children’s books, penned a novel and memoir, recorded an album, and even launched a fragrance line. His creativity knows no bounds.
“Back in the day, I could pretty much guess if someone was a fan of X2: X-Men United or more into musicals,” Alan, who recently turned 54, told Closer Weekly exclusively. Since the conclusion of his CBS series Instinct after its second season in August, Alan has been juggling a variety of exciting projects. His energy and versatility continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Alan at The Shore Club during the inaugural Turks & Caicos International Film Festival in November. There, he presented The Anniversary Party, the acclaimed 2001 comedy-drama he co-wrote and directed with Jennifer Jason Leigh. With a smile that lights up the room and a laugh that’s contagious, Alan shared why he’s so content: “Because I don’t try to be!”
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Keep reading for more insights from our exclusive chat with Alan Cumming!
Why Did Alan Cumming Attend the Film Festival?
Alan is no stranger to film festivals, but what made this one stand out? “I attend a lot of them, but rarely do they carry such a strong sense of purpose as this one does—focused on environmental change,” he explained. When given the opportunity to select one of his films, he chose The Anniversary Party, a project that holds a special place in his heart. “It was such a joy revisiting it,” Alan shared warmly.
Co-Directing, Co-Writing, and Acting in The Anniversary Party
Working alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh, Alan not only co-directed and co-wrote The Anniversary Party but also starred in it. Their collaboration began after meeting on Cabaret in 1998 and later working together on Titus. Despite not collaborating frequently at first, they stayed in touch and eventually decided to create something together. “We crafted the script with specific actors in mind, which was an incredible experience. It’s rare to have a project where every aspect of its creation is pure gold,” Alan reflected.
A Look Back at Alan's Iconic Role in Cabaret
Playing the Emcee in Cabaret was a pivotal moment in Alan’s career. “I first tackled the role in London, where we transformed it into a more realistic depiction of 1930s German clubs. Thankfully, the director shared my vision. It was a perfect storm—my personal and professional life aligned perfectly, and the result was electrifying,” he reminisced.
Would Alan Revive the Emcee Role Again?
