History of Alan Cumming in Timeline

Alan Cumming is a highly acclaimed Scottish actor, writer, and presenter recognized for his versatile performances across stage and screen. He has earned prestigious awards, including BAFTA, Emmy, Tony, and Olivier Awards. Notable stage roles include "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" (Olivier Award) and "Cabaret" (Tony Award). He has also starred in Broadway productions such as "Design for Living" and "Macbeth," solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline

March 2005: Vito Russo Award at GLAAD Media Awards

In March 2005, Alan Cumming received the Vito Russo Award at the 16th Annual GLAAD Media Awards for outstanding contributions toward eliminating homophobia.

2005: Release of "Cumming" fragrance

In 2005, Alan Cumming released an award-winning fragrance called "Cumming" along with a 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: 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

In January 2007, Alan Cumming and his partner, Grant Shaffer, became civil partners at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, after dating for two years.

November 2008: Became a U.S. Citizen

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 the 2009 Birthday Honours, 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: Launch of "Second (Alan) Cumming" fragrance

In 2011, Alan Cumming launched a second fragrance named "Second (Alan) Cumming", with all proceeds benefiting charity.

January 2012: Legal marriage to Grant Shaffer in New York

In January 2012, Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer legally married in New York, marking their fifth anniversary.

2012: Adoption of a vegan lifestyle

Since 2012, Alan Cumming has maintained a vegan lifestyle.

September 2014: Support for Scottish Independence Referendum

In September 2014, Alan Cumming was a supporter and activist for the Scottish 'Yes' campaign leading up to Scotland's referendum on independence.

October 2014: Fundraising 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 during the "Gypsy of the Year" fundraising season.

2015: Honorary degree from the Open University

In 2015, Alan Cumming received an honorary degree from the Open University.

2016: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders

In 2016, Alan Cumming endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders in the US presidential election.

2017: PETA Humanitarian Award

In 2017, Alan Cumming was awarded the Humanitarian Award by PETA.

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 via his Instagram page that he had decided to return his OBE due to "misgivings I have being associated with the toxicity of empire".

October 2023: Signing of Artists4Ceasefire letter

In October 2023, Alan Cumming signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter to Joe Biden, President of the United States, calling for a ceasefire of the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.