Alan Cumming’s Journey: From Broadway To Film And Beyond

Let’s talk about Alan Cumming, the man who’s anything but ordinary. This Scottish powerhouse, best known for his unforgettable role on The Good Wife, has made waves across TV, movies, and Broadway. Not only did he take home a Tony Award for his electrifying performance in Cabaret, but he’s also dipped his toes into writing children’s books (with his talented husband, illustrator Grant Shaffer), crafting a novel, penning a memoir, recording music, launching a fragrance line, and even opening his own NYC hotspot, Club Cumming. That’s quite the résumé, right?

When someone approaches Alan, it’s not always easy to peg them as a fan of X2: X-Men United or a lover of musicals. But that’s the beauty of Alan’s diverse career. Since his CBS series Instinct wrapped up its second and final season in August, he’s been juggling an array of exciting projects. Speaking exclusively with Closer Weekly, Alan shares his thoughts on his ever-evolving career. We caught up with him at The Shore Club during the debut of the Turks & Caicos International Film Festival in November, where he showcased the acclaimed comedy-drama The Anniversary Party, a film he co-wrote and directed alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh.

With a warm smile and a quick laugh, Alan revealed to Closer why he’s so content: “Because I don’t try to be!” And honestly, who wouldn’t be happy living such a fulfilling life?

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Keep scrolling for more insights into our chat with Alan Cumming!

Why Was Alan Attracted to This Film Festival?

Alan is no stranger to film festivals, but this one stood out. "I attend a lot of them, but rarely do they have such a strong sense of purpose as this one does," he says, highlighting its focus on environmental change. When given the chance to screen one of his films, he chose The Anniversary Party, a delightful throwback to his creative collaboration with Jennifer Jason Leigh.

What’s the Story Behind The Anniversary Party?

This film wasn’t just any project—it was a labor of love. Alan explains, "Jennifer and I worked together in Cabaret in '98 and made the film Titus, but we didn’t collaborate much professionally. We kept in touch, and eventually, we decided, 'Why don’t we make a film?' We wrote it with specific actors in mind, and it was magical knowing who would play each role. It was one of those rare projects where every part of the process was pure joy."

Alan’s Iconic Role in Cabaret

Playing the Emcee in Cabaret was a transformative experience for Alan. He recalls, "I first tackled this role in London, where we turned it into a 1993 U.K. TV film. I wanted to bring a more realistic depiction of what German clubs were like in the 1930s. Luckily, the director shared my vision. When the show moved to Broadway, it felt like the perfect storm. I was in such a great place in my life—confident and ready for the challenge. It was an unforgettable experience."

Would He Revive the Emcee Role Again?

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