What is Alan Cumming's Net Worth?
Alan Cumming is a Scottish actor of stage and screen who has a net worth of $5 million. Known for his versatile roles, Cumming has appeared in films such as "GoldenEye," "Emma," "The Anniversary Party," "X2," and the "Spy Kids" trilogy. On television, his notable performances include "The Good Wife," "Instinct," and the musical comedy "Schmigadoon!" As a celebrated stage actor, Cumming has performed in productions ranging from "Hamlet" to "Cabaret," earning a Tony Award for the latter.
Early Life and Education
Alan Cumming was born on January 27, 1965, in Aberfeldy, Scotland, to Mary, an insurance company secretary, and Alex, the head forester of the 17th-century Panmure House. Growing up near the historic country house on Scotland's east coast, Cumming attended Monikie Primary School and Carnoustie High School before pursuing drama at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
Television Career
Cumming launched his television career in the UK during the 1980s, appearing on series such as "Travelling Man," "Taggart," and "Shadow of the Stone." His breakthrough role came in 1991 in the BBC film "Bernard and the Genie," alongside Lenny Henry and Rowan Atkinson. In 1995, he starred in and wrote the BBC sitcom "The High Life." Transitioning to US television, Cumming appeared in "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) and "Annie" (1999). He voiced the Devil in the animated series "God, the Devil and Bob" and contributed to "Shoebox Zoo." His recurring roles included "The L Word," "Tin Man," and as Eli Gold in "The Good Wife" from 2010 to 2016, a role that earned him widespread acclaim. Later works include "The Runaway," "Web Therapy," "Instinct," "Schmigadoon!," and "The Prince." He has also hosted "My Brilliant Britain" and "The Traitors."
Film Career
Cumming made his feature film debut in 1992 with the lead role in the British drama "Prague." Significant early roles included "The Airzone Solution," "Second Best," and voicing the title character in "Black Beauty." Roles in "Circle of Friends" and "GoldenEye" followed in 1995. A string of comedies like "Emma," "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion," "Buddy," and "Spice World" soon added to his filmography. The late '90s saw him in "Titus," "Eyes Wide Shut," and "Plunkett & Macleane." The new millennium kicked off with roles in "Urbania," "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas," and "Get Carter."
In 2001, Cumming co-directed, co-wrote, and co-starred in "The Anniversary Party" with Jennifer Jason Leigh. That same year, he appeared in "Josie and the Pussycats," "Company Man," "Investigating Sex," and "Spy Kids," reprising his role in the film's sequels. Noteworthy roles through the 2000s included "Nicholas Nickleby," "X2," "Son of the Mask," "Sweet Land," and "Full Grown Men." In the 2010s, his film repertoire expanded with "Burlesque," "After Louie," and "Battle of the Sexes." Voice roles included "Jackboots on Whitehall," "The Smurfs," "The Smurfs 2," and "Strange Magic." In 2022, Cumming appeared in the documentary "My Old School" and voiced Cornelius the Crocodile in "My Father's Dragon."
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Stage Career
Beginning his stage career in Scotland, Cumming quickly made a name for himself with various theatre groups, Bristol Old Vic, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. In the early '90s, he won a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" at the Royal National Theatre. He drew further acclaim with performances in "Hamlet" and "Cabaret" in 1993. His portrayal of the Master of Ceremonies in the 1998 Broadway revival of "Cabaret" earned him a Tony Award.
The 2000s saw Cumming in Broadway productions of "Design for Living" and "The Threepenny Opera". He starred in the West End's "Bent" in 2006, and in 2007, he starred in the National Theatre of Scotland's "The Bacchae." He collaborated with the National Theatre of Scotland again for a one-man "Macbeth," later transferring to Broadway. In 2014, he reprised his Tony-winning role in another Broadway revival of "Cabaret." His other notable stage work includes "Endgame" and "Burn."
Other Activities
Beyond acting, Cumming has written books, magazine articles, and essays, plus introductions and prefaces. He has launched fragrances and released live albums. Cumming is also an avid supporter of charity and political causes, notably LGBTQ+ rights.
Personal Life
Openly bisexual, Cumming has had several significant relationships. He was married to actress Hilary Lyon from 1985 until their divorce in 1993. He has dated actress Saffron Burrows and theater director Nick Philippou. In 2007, Cumming entered into a civil partnership with illustrator Grant Shaffer, and the couple married in New York in 2012.
