History of Alan Cumming in Timeline
Alan Cumming is a versatile Scottish actor, director, producer, writer, and presenter renowned for his stage and screen work. He's earned numerous awards, including a BAFTA, five Emmys, and two Tonys. A Laurence Olivier Award recognized his comedic performance in 'Accidental Death of an Anarchist,' with further Olivier nominations for roles in 'The Conquest of the South Pole,' 'La Bête,' and 'Cabaret.' Cumming secured a Tony Award for his portrayal of the Emcee in the Broadway revival of 'Cabaret,' adding to his Broadway repertoire with roles in 'Design for Living' and 'Macbeth.'
2 hours ago : BAFTA faces backlash after racist slur incident; Alan Cumming show impacted.
The BAFTAs are under investigation after a guest with Tourette Syndrome shouted a racial slur during the broadcast. The incident involving a slur disrupted the event and sparked widespread outrage.
March 2005: Vito Russo Award
In March 2005, Alan Cumming received the Vito Russo Award at the 16th Annual GLAAD Media Awards for outstanding contributions toward eliminating homophobia.
2005: Released Fragrance "Cumming"
In 2005, Alan Cumming released an award-winning fragrance called "Cumming" and a related line of scented bath lotion and body wash.
November 2006: Honorary Degree from the University of Abertay Dundee
In November 2006, Alan Cumming received a Doctor of Arts honorary degree from the University of Abertay Dundee.
2006: Expressed Desire to Adopt a Child
In 2006, Alan Cumming stated that he "would dearly like to adopt a child", but that his life was "too hectic" for the rearing of children.
January 2007: Civil Partnership with Grant Shaffer
On January 7, 2007, Alan Cumming and his husband, illustrator Grant Shaffer, became civil partners at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, after dating for two years.
November 2008: Became a Dual-National
On November 7, 2008, Alan Cumming became a dual-national and was sworn in as a citizen of the United States at a ceremony in Manhattan.
2009: Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
In 2009, Alan Cumming was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to film, theatre and the arts and to activism for equal rights for the gay and lesbian community in the United States.
2011: Launched Second Fragrance
In 2011, Alan Cumming launched a second fragrance named "Second (Alan) Cumming", with all proceeds going to charity.
January 2012: Marriage to Grant Shaffer
On January 7, 2012, Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer legally married in New York, marking the fifth anniversary of their London civil partnership.
2012: Vegan Lifestyle
Since 2012, Alan Cumming has maintained a vegan lifestyle.
September 2014: Supported 'Yes' Campaign for Scottish Independence
In September 2014, Alan Cumming supported the 'Yes' campaign in the run-up to Scotland's referendum on independence.
October 2014: Collected Donations for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
In October 2014, Alan Cumming and the Broadway cast of Cabaret collected donations for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
2015: Honorary Degree from the Open University
In 2015, Alan Cumming received an honorary degree from the Open University.
2016: Endorsed Bernie Sanders in US Presidential Election
In 2016, Alan Cumming endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders in the US presidential election.
2017: PETA Humanitarian Award
In 2017, PETA awarded Alan Cumming its Humanitarian Award.
June 2020: Announcement as Artistic Director
In June 2020, it was announced that Alan Cumming would be the artistic director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2021.
June 2021: Artistic Director of Adelaide Cabaret Festival
In June 2021, Alan Cumming served as the artistic director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
2022: Tony Award for Best Musical
In 2022, Alan Cumming received a Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer of the musical A Strange Loop.
January 2023: Returned his OBE
On January 27, 2023, his 58th birthday, Alan Cumming announced that he had decided to return his OBE due to "misgivings I have being associated with the toxicity of empire".
October 2023: Signed Artists4Ceasefire open letter
In October 2023, Alan Cumming signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter to American President Joe Biden that called for a ceasefire of the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
2023: Host of 'The Traitors'
Since 2023, Alan Cumming has been hosting the American version of the reality TV series "The Traitors".
January 2025: Artistic Director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre
In January 2025, Alan Cumming joined Pitlochry Festival Theatre as artistic director.
June 2025: Voice role in Phineas and Ferb
In June 2025, Alan Cumming voiced the character The Haberdasher in season five of the Disney Channel cartoon, Phineas and Ferb. The eighth episode aired on 6 June 2025, and featured the character.
July 2025: Guest Host on Jimmy Kimmel Live
In July 2025, Alan Cumming was a guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where he criticized the US government and President Donald Trump regarding LGBT issues and trans rights.
2025: Host of CNN's 'My Happy Place'
In 2025, Alan Cumming hosted the first episode of CNN's "My Happy Place", where he discussed his connection to the Scottish Highlands and his attendance at the Gordon Castle Highland games.
2025: Awarded Law Doctorate by the University of St Andrews
In 2025, Alan Cumming was awarded a law doctorate by the University of St Andrews in recognition of his service to the arts.
January 2026: Honoured with a Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In January 2026, Alan Cumming was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
March 2026: Release of Audible Original 'Underdogs: A Musical'
In March 2026, Alan Cumming is set to star opposite Gaten Matarazzo, Bebe Neuwirth, and a full cast in the Audible Original "Underdogs: A Musical".
2026: Reprising Role as Nightcrawler in 'Avengers: Doomsday'
In 2026, Alan Cumming is set to reprise his role as Nightcrawler from X2 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Avengers: Doomsday".
2026: Programmed Season at Pitlochry Festival Theatre Begins
In 2026, Alan Cumming's programmed season as artistic director will begin at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
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