Alan Cumming Biography: Age, Real Name, Career, Education, Height, Diet, Parents, Siblings, Husband, Relationship, Children, Nationality, Religion, Books

Alan Cumming is a Scottish actor, writer, and TV host, born on January 27, 1965, in Aberfeldy, Scotland. Now 61 years old, Alan Cumming is known for his lively stage and screen performances and has won major awards, including Emmys, Tonys, and a BAFTA.  

Early Life

Alan Cumming grew up in Carnoustie, Scotland, with his mother, Mary (an insurance secretary), and father, Alex (a forest manager). His childhood was marked by his father’s abuse, which he later wrote about in his book Not My Father’s Son. Alan Cumming and his older brother, Tom, discovered as adults that their father doubted they were his biological sons. DNA tests proved he was wrong. Despite the hardship, Alan Cumming loved reading and credits his difficult upbringing for shaping his acting skills.  

Career Highlights

Alan Cumming studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He became famous for roles in plays like Cabaret (winning a Tony Award on Broadway) and Macbeth. Alan Cumming also acted in films, TV shows, and as a host, earning praise for his versatility.  

Activism & Charity Work  

A proud bisexual man, Alan Cumming fights for LGBTQ+ rights, supporting groups like GLAAD and same-sex marriage in Scotland. Alan Cumming created perfumes (“Cumming” and “Second Cumming”), donating profits to charity. Alan Cumming backed Scotland’s 2014 independence vote and fundraised for AIDS charities.  

Personal Life

Alan Cumming married actress Hilary Lyon in 1985, divorcing in 1993. He later dated actress Saffron Burrows and director Nick Philippou. In 2007, Alan Cumming entered a civil partnership with artist Grant Shaffer, later marrying him legally in New York in 2012. Though Alan Cumming once wanted to adopt, he feels his busy life isn’t suited for kids.  

Beliefs & Lifestyle

Alan Cumming became a U.S. citizen in 2008 but remains proud of his Scottish roots, supporting the Scottish National Party. Alan Cumming vegan, earning PETA’s Humanitarian Award in 2017, and backs progressive politics, endorsing Bernie Sanders in 2016. Alan Cumming identifies as an atheist.  

Alan Cumming continues to act, write, and speak out for causes he believes in, blending creativity with activism.

Parents

Alan Cumming was born to Mary Darling, who worked as an insurance company secretary, and Alex Cumming, a forest manager. Alan Cumming father was abusive, creating a difficult childhood for Alan and his brother, Tom. Despite this, Alan Cumming later revealed in his autobiography that his father wrongly believed Alan Cumming wasn’t his biological son—a claim disproven by DNA tests.  

Husband

Alan Cumming is married to Grant Shaffer, an artist and illustrator. They entered a civil partnership in London in 2007 and legally married in New York in 2012. The couple remains together today.  

Divorce

Alan Cumming was first married to actress Hilary Lyon from 1985 to 1993. Their marriage ended in divorce.  

Religion  

Alan identifies as an atheist, meaning he does not follow any religion.  

Nationality  

- Alan Cumming holds dual citizenship (British and American, since 2008) and is currently married to Grant Shaffer.  

Height

Alan Cumming is 1.78 meters tall, which is about 5 feet 10 inches.  

LGBTQ+ Identity  

Alan Cumming is openly bisexual and a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He supports same-sex marriage, has worked with organizations like GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign, and has spoken publicly about his relationships with both men and women.

FAQs 

1. How old is Alan Cumming?

- Alan Cumming was born on January 27, 1965, making him 61 years old as of 2025.  

2. What is Alan Cumming real name?

- His full birth name is Alan Cumming—he has not used a stage name.  

3. What is Alan Cumming career?

- Alan Cumming is a Scottish actor, writer, and presenter known for award-winning roles in Cabaret (Tony Award), Macbeth, and films/TV shows like X-Men 2 and The Good Wife.  

4. Where did Alan Cumming study?  

- Alan Cumming trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland).  

5. Who are Alan Cumming parents and siblings? 

- Alan Cumming mother, Mary Darling, worked as an insurance secretary, and his father, Alex Cumming, was a forester. He has one older brother, Tom Cumming.  

6. Who is Alan Cumming husband?

- Alan Cumming married artist Grant Shaffer in 2012 (legally in New York) after a 2007 civil partnership in London.  

7. What other relationships has Alan Cumming had? 

- Alan Cumming was married to actress Hilary Lyon (1985–1993) and later dated actress Saffron Burrows and director Nick Philippou.  

8. Does Alan Cumming have children?

- No, Alan Cumming has no children. He once expressed interest in adoption but felt his lifestyle was too busy.  

9. What is Alan Cumming nationality and height?  

- Alan Cumming holds dual British and American citizenship (since 2008) and is 1.78 meters (5’10”) tall.  

10. What is Alan Cumming religion? 

- Alan Cumming identifies as an atheist and does not follow any religion.  

*(Bonus: LGBTQ+ Identity)*  

**Is Alan Cumming part of the LGBTQ+ community?**  

Yes, he is openly **bisexual** and a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, supporting same-sex marriage and organizations like GLAAD.  

Let me know if you’d like more details! 😊