Written by Erin Krochmalny, Photos by Erin Krochmalny and Patrick Cox
While in conversation with Times editor, Sam Lansky, Alan Cumming kept the audience laughing and captivated as he spoke of his experiences. Cumming touched on acting, writing and LGBTQ rights. His vast background, and wide subject matter, made the room lean in to listen to his tales and advice.
He told amusing anecdotes of how he met celebrities, like Whoopi Goldberg and Dame Helen Mirren. Even revealing the time he met Oprah while she was on the way to the “loo.” Every time he thinks of Cher, her remembers the long discussion they had about olives when they first met.
Cumming has acted in a wide range of films and theatre. He was the first gay leading role in “Instinct.” As a result of his outstanding performances, Cumming’s received awards such as the Scottish BAFTA award and a Tony. In addition, he was nominated for two Golden Globes and numerous Emmy awards.
“People over mythologize it,” Cumming said. “The more child play it feels like, the better and more believable it is.” Cumming has appeared in a variety of roles and he’s even participated in what’s referred to as “Euro puddings.” Euro puddings are not a type of dessert. No, it’s where actors from different European countries are all in one film as a way to unite them and allow audiences to see a diverse cast up on the big screen.
Through his experience, Cumming believes in being an active actor which entails arriving at the studio with an idea ready of how the character acts. As there are many times, young actors rely on the directors to know everything when they enter the industry. But extended efforts shouldn’t stop at developing characters. “Do stuff, write, tell stories, just don’t let yourself wait by the phone for a casting call,” Cumming said.
Cumming’s resume is a mile long which includes more than just acting credits. When he was younger, Cumming used to write the paper’s horoscope readings. Now his memoir, “Not My Father’s Son,” is a New York Times Best Seller. He revealed that people online reach out to him to describe how his memoir helped them heal from their own past abuse. “The best tool is sharing it and letting them know they’re not alone,” Cumming said.
Besides being outspoken about abuse, he also discusses LGBTQ rights in his work. Cumming wants to use his voice and platform for LGBTQ rights as he’s an increase in hate crimes. “We have to be vigilant,” Cumming said. “There’s a daily rhetoric that persecutes people. Don’t let it rest on our morals.”
