Award-winning actor Alan Cumming is one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural exports, known for everything from Cabaret to his scene-stealing film roles and, most recently, fronting The Traitors US at Ardross Castle.
Here, we take a closer look at his early life, family background and enduring connection to the Scottish landscape.
Who is Alan Cumming?
Alan Cumming is best known for his acclaimed film and theatre acting work, having won a clutch of awards over the years, most notably for his role as the Emcee in Cabaret and performances with the RSC. He has also directed, produced and written books including a children’s picture book and a memoir, and has been a vocal advocate of LGBTQ+ rights, the legalisation of same-sex marriage and AIDS research. Most recently, he hosted the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.
Where is Alan Cumming from?
Alan Cumming was born in Aberfeldy, a small market town in Perthshire, a beautiful county in the heart of Scotland, known for its forested landscapes and mountains. He grew up in Carnoustie, a town in the nearby area of Angus, on Scotland’s east coast. Carnoustie is a renowned golfing town, not far from Dundee. Cumming’s mother was a secretary in an insurance firm, and his father was the head forester of Panmure Estate in Carnoustie. When he was a child, Cumming was a keen reader, particularly of books such as The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton.
Cumming has returned to this area for projects such as All Aboard! Scotland’s Poshest Train, in which he travels through Scotland on the Royal Scotsman (one of Britain's best train journeys).
Where does he live now?
Having spent many years living and working in the US, Cumming is spending more time in Scotland these days, due to filming commitments for The Traitors US, which is filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. In 2025, Cumming also took on the mantle of artistic director of the Pitlochry Festival Theatre in a town near Aberfeldy, where he was born. “I have been living partly here (in Scotland) for years and in recent years trying to split my time more evenly between Scotland and New York,” he told the BBC.
In 2024, he sold his cottage just outside Methven (near Perth), which he had previously used as a countryside bolthole.
Since 2008, Cumming has been a citizen of the US.
Does Alan Cumming own the castle in The Traitors?
No, Alan Cumming does not own the Traitors castle. Ardross Castle is privately owned by the McTaggart family, who acquired the estate in 1983.
Is Alan Cumming married?
He has been married before, but in 2007, he and his husband, illustrator Grant Shaffer, became civil partners in London. They then legally married in New York on their fifth anniversary in 2012.
How old is he?
Alan Cumming was born on 27 January 1965.
Top image: Alan Cumming (credit: Christopher Macsurak via WikiCommons)
