Alan Cumming Breaks Down His Most Iconic Performances | Entertainment Weekly

[@nice4naive]

him opening the video by talking about the harmful misconceptions about bisexuals makes me so happy because it's such an important thing to acknowledge. like, yes, i'm dating a guy. yes, i've dated women. you'd think it's a simple concept to grasp that some find attraction to both genders, but a lot of people just think it's a "gateway sexuality".

[@HockeyDivah]

To a bisexual, they’re attracted to the person not the gender

[@nice4naive]

@@HockeyDivah EXACTLY

[@writerintherye]

this!

[@voixlavoix]

yup! the bi erasure is very veeeeeery real

[@gjmunkey]

awful when people say "they're just confused pick one or the other" some people can really be small minded

[@jayray3314]

Who else was waiting for him to talk about Spy Kids 1 as Floop?!

[@valerieregina444]

ok how did i never in my 20 years of existence never make the connection that that was him???

[@kleoshe8428]

ik haha I came here for mainly spy kids but also, schmigadoon, and cabaret

[@ilypopple]

Me!!

[@sweatpantsprincess3239]

Seriously his performance in that still holds up as wonderful today

[@jailenebaez]

I’d pay good money if Alan wrote a whole book on these references in culture and media

[@rowanbyrne6133]

So no Spy Kids? *breaks skateboard*

[@MutantMelo]

I feel blessed to get this joke, nice one

[@queenAaliyah3000]

Well, that's the only reason why I wanted to watch this video, so thank you for saving me the time 🙏🏼.

[@missyface5]

He STARTED by talking about biphobia. I love him so much ❤

[@skyechristine]

Smashes phone, then breaks skateboard

[@annaparr9218]

HAHA

[@elvisneedsboats3714]

He was absolutely born to play the emcee!

[@SkyeID]

Cabaret was the best thing he did in his whole career.

[@plutopepsi578]

Easily my favorite emcee

[@jonelrobinson582]

Yes!

[@stormyjlb]

I agree! I saw Joel Grey in the original and he was amazing. Alan approaches it differently (Grey did it perfectly for the decade’s sensibilities) which is more acceptable now. Able to portray it with more truth and authenticity to what that character would have been like back then.

[@МаринаПанченко-д8э]

​@@plutopepsi578Я тоже так думала,пока не увидела ведущего Украинского кабаре.Он просто огонь

[@beckmannm]

"bisexuals are everywhere" 😂 it's true! I'm so grateful to him being out and talking about his bisexuality over the years 😍

[@hawaiiankira]

As a comic book fan, I was surprisingly delighted in his portrayal of Nightcrawler.

[@Leslie58]

Honestly, he was my favorite character.

[@easydoesit2572]

Him and Hugh were PERFECT casting.

[@samanthab1923]

He did a Comic Con type fest in the UK. Based on Nightcrawler they paid him buckets 🍾🥂

[@MMMMutants]

I loved him in X2

[@the_madhadder]

Fun fact: I went to his bar in NYC and they were giving away some of his items. I have his old tarot deck😁

[@ladderstothemoon7415]

Wait what?? That's so cool!

[@LuxPsy]

what's the name of the bar??

[@beccamcdonald9846]

I would sage the deck before using

[@micheleb7898]

​@@beccamcdonald9846 Yes. New movie out about that belief.

[@knitwitchpgh]

STAHHP THATS SP COOL

[@sofiraronch]

If Crowley and Aziraphale had a child XD

[@SavannahHoskins]

OOF. This is so spot on.

[@avalonkerr8332]

​@@SavannahHoskinsIt is! And...he was in Prodigal Son, so, kinda close :)

[@Zozo-ke2dl]

@@avalonkerr8332 I loved him and Michael Sheen essentially having a sass-off every time they were on screen together lmfao

[@Awidferd]

I just looked at your channel... we like the same things😭 if we are looking at the same video then you must be a cabaret fan, and you also seem like a fantastic beasts and good omen fan, which is cool!!!! speaking of fantastic beasts and cabaret i got to see cabaret on broadway with eddie redmayne as emcee lol anyway don't mind me

[@sofiraronch]

@@Awidferd That's amazing! Wish I could see more musicals but I'm kind of living in the middle of nowhere :/ And yes, good omens is my favourite series of all time while fantastic beasts (specifically SoD) changed my life like almost no other movie before

[@kaylinsmith6921]

Love his advocacy for all of us 💗💜💙 out there. Representation matters.

[@Blaize24]

Yes!

[@wolfykid2344]

Indeed

[@bridgetboyle687]

🩷💜💙 good to be seen

[@austins.2495]

Yea, y’all love taking any opportunity to shove alternative sexuality down people’s throats. I don’t get it, but I guess you have something to feel “unique” about so good for you.

[@marcellemccalla6325]

I've loved Alan for decades. From the terrible movies to the blockbusters, it's always fun to watch

[@yzolakitchi]

100% and he's such a sweetheart too

[@erykaton170]

I first saw him in Circle of Friends back in the mid 90's. He was in it with Minnie Driver and Chris O'Donnell. I couldn't take my eyes off Alan, he was so good. So much so that until I just looked it up to confirm the movie title, I forgot O'Donnell was in it! Worth a watch if you've never seen it. Some people just exude a magnetism, and Alan has that. There's a playfulness, and a sexiness, but also a steeliness. I think he'd be the one to get up to some mischief and have a ball doing it.

[@yzolakitchi]

@@erykaton170 My first viewing of him was in his sitcom THE HIGH LIFE. A short-lived show, but hilarious. As you say, he just leaps out the screen with anything he performs. 🥰

[@erykaton170]

@@yzolakitchi I always find myself watching his eyes. He gets a gleam in them, when he delivers that little smirk.😏. Just charming.

[@yzolakitchi]

@@erykaton170 Agreed! I loved him in The Good Wife, playing such a different, morally questionable character, but still the gleam in his eyes definitely 😁

[@xQueenyBee]

Alan is serving in that purple suit. 💜

[@pavlabisicka5592]

Alan is always serving

[@kascension]

Yes he is!

[@Nevyn515]

It looks pink to me.

[@shortcake66]

Lilac. Or lavender. Queer colours 💜

[@tinal6046]

Beautiful inside and !out! 🥰

[@himayamata]

If Sandman had become a movie, he would have been the perfect actor to play Desire.

[@ET-en8gi]

Couldn't agree more!!!❤

[@britbanana8412]

Yes!!

[@jonelrobinson582]

Yess!

[@toknowmadness]

While watching this all I could think was how I'd love him and Mason Alexander Park (Desire in the Netflix show) to star in ANYTHING together.

[@finniganlaky37]

Oh absolutely

[@riffleicious]

Alan just has so many roles to talk about, he’s ridiculously talented. I saw him in Cabaret and was blown away by his portrayal of the Emcee. I’m so happy that Romy and Michelle was mentioned. I am one of those feverish fans 😃

[@sweatpantsprincess3239]

Cult classic!

[@Lundy.Fastnet.Irish_Sea]

still the best emcee!

[@flowersforferdinand375]

To be honest, that small opening comment is about bisexuality is really helpful for me. I'm mostly attracted to women, but have been confused thinking maybe I'm lying to myself somehow about finding men attractive sometimes too. It is so comforting to hear that there are real misconceptions around that, and that there's nothing inherently complicated about being attracted to different things in different quantities.

[@SirFlatStan-v9d]

Same but switched lmao 😂😂 I’m a lady and I’ve always been attracted to guys, but I’ve also been attracted to girls, just not as much as dudes, if that makes sense? It feels like society kinda pushes for girls to be attracted to guys so it happens more naturally than my feeling attracted to girls (which I usually suppress and hide from people) So I’ve kinda struggled in telling if I’m actually bi or not, but seeing as I’ve dated a girl I suppose I am 😂😂

[@mikewolf5367]

Alan can literally do and play anything. His range is limitless. I wish he mentioned Instinct. That was a fabulous series. He was phenomenal in Reefer Madness too. He’s the kind of actor where you actively seek out his work even if he’s not the main character. He elevates everything he’s in.

[@Leslie58]

I was surprised Instinct wasn’t mentioned. I loved him in that and was sad they cancelled it.

[@jonelrobinson582]

Yes! And I loved him in Reefer Madness

[@Mrstigger747]

I REALLY loved instinct

[@MamaJewels99]

I saw him in Cabaret in New York when he was performing there and it’s my favourite show ever. He sizzled.❤

[@taylorswiftmidnight]

you’re so lucky.

[@juicebox7048]

Ever since I was a kid there was always something that drew me to this man. As I’ve grown up he has continued to be a reoccurring presence and has been such an inspiration for me as a man.

[@natiquinn830]

How can someone be so effortlessly fabulous?

[@sammybabi]

Every time someone looks at me and questions my sexuality they're like but you married a man so you must be straight... No, I like men and I like women but I liked him the best

[@aphelion4616]

THIS!!! I also hate how it's called a 'straight presenting marriage'. Like, really? Look, just because I decided to be with a man doesn't mean I stopped finding both men and women attractive!! If I found a woman, a drag queen, an anyone who treated me as good as my current partner... guess what?! I would've been with them!! Not that hard to comprehend xD

[@haleypistole]

this is a fantastic response wow love

[@StevieMcKenna10]

Stop that's so cute 🥲

[@stephanierose4970]

This is so cute!!!

[@LaineyBug2020]

My heart just squeezed, that was so romantic!

[@sweetpjess]

He is so iconic and massively talented. I love being a fan of his for years, since Goldeneye and Romy and Michelle! You can tell he is a good human and loves what he does and he has the most lovely smile. Thanks for this fun interview!

[@StephieDee83]

He is such an incredible person, I have adored his work (and style) since Cabaret and he just keeps getting better! Long live the weirdly dressed, mischievous bisexuals - a club I am proud to be part of!!

[@lorir5728]

I love how he describes his style as ,"weird little elf". I tend to dress that way myself. Lol

[@LittleJenniren]

It's been such a privilege to see Alan's performances on stage over the years. I've long admired and supported his career, and he's just such an amazing and talented human being.

[@colettelee1162]

Highly recommended his memoir. Incredibly strong person

[@thekiss2083]

Yup. "Not My Father's Son" is a terrific book

[@inoba5891]

What a powerhouse of talent and charisma❤

[@inoba5891]

Wanted Burlesque to get mentioned though:(

[@earthn1447]

Alan’s elegance takes my breath away

[@wendybutler1681]

I'm a mousy-looking little thing. My wardrobe is what makes people notice me. I sew quite well, and have been blessed with a good sense of style. What I wear can change my mood.

[@wendybutler1681]

I've never understood why men weren't as free to play with fashion as women are. As free to explore color and silhouette. There are some men I cannot wait to see in their latest look. RuPaul is one. His suits are legendary and he wears them so well. Billy Porter., too. I cheered his tuxedo gown! I love a man (or woman) not afraid of color. Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it.

[@kaylinsmith6921]

​@@wendybutler1681Because in society, anything female-adjacent (and that includes wearing anything that isn't a neutral) is frowned upon. It's all rooted in misogyny. It does appear to be a new thing, though, given how the noblemen used to dress much different (and in heels, as well).

[@tarabullgaming]

That’s drag honey! Presenting yourself the way you want to

[@NitaKerns]

Gosh, Ive been a big fan of Alan since I was a young lass. Circle of Friends, Annie, Spice World, Titus, GoldenEye!!! This man can do and has done EVERYTHING!!! And a Scotsman, to boot!!!

[@madkat913]

Thank you someone mentioned Annie!! I almost gaslit myself into thinking it wasn't him

[@beverleyeliane]

@@madkat913lmao me too

[@LaineyBug2020]

He is so freaking *MAGNIFICENT*

[@finpin2622]

I remember seeing him in Spy Kids and in Schmigadoon and not thinking *too* much about him but I watched his performance in Cabaret recently and then did some Wikipedia-ing and he seems like SUCH a cool dude. And the swoon-worthy accent does help 😅

[@Deliah_36]

I have always loved his eccentricity. He is an amazing actor

[@sweatpantsprincess3239]

He's such a delightful person, fun and sweet and always knows what he wants to accomplish with his platform. He's a brilliant actor of course, but I saw him in concert some years back and he just had wonderful energy when speaking between sets.

[@MrBoyYankee]

I miss him as Nightcrawler.

[@FatKarma999]

Yes! He will always be my sadboi nightcrawler

[@strawberrycream2974]

So perfect for the role!

[@korithekrow1385]

He’s my favorite character in Burlesque ❤️

[@thewhiterabbitchaser]

yay! a burlesque comment

[@LaineyBug2020]

Toss up between him and Stanley.

[@johnburnside7828]

I'm sure Alan would prefer everyone forgot about "Son of the Mask", but he's so great as Loki!

[@omegajrz1269]

Or The Flintstones 2

[@Mallowolf]

He makes every character he plays so appealing

[@ameliadouglas6938]

His performance as rooster in Annie will always be one of the absolute best

[@madkat913]

YES!! Iconic

[@avaspencer7368]

This man is truly such an icon and is so underrated I will never understand

[@Comfortdoll]

I LOVED Alan's biography "Not My Father's Son", although it's sad at times, I found it very touching.

[@maegpye]

I had forgotten about Nightcrawler in X-Men. I was so excited by his character that I had a friend get me a Nightcrawler action figure at SDCC. I have loved Alan for decades. I admire the way he walks through life and hope some of his exuberant abandon will inspire me in mine.

[@hajnamcgrath8056]

I absolutely adore him. His is simply the best. An amazing human being and an incredible actor.

[@DXTRIPLEHBK]

He's such an icon! I love him so much!!!

[@virginiagaeta-hazlewood859]

If I could obtain a time machine, it would be to watch him in Cabaret.

[@luckeeleeyeo]

I've been obsessed with this beautiful man since the first time I laid eyes on him.

[@diem1095]

His performance in Cabaret, the clips on youtube, is what lead my family to see our first play in a big proper theater. (My siblings and my first play). Mom took us because we loved his performance, he obviously wasn't in that particular showing, but because of his performance, we loved the play on youtube and needed to see it live. It was a great night. And I still occasionally watch his Cabaret because his character is just so entertaining.

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

You skipped Eli Gold?! He was brilliant on The Good Wife!

[@kkkkkkkkkk112]

LOVED him as Eli Gold!

[@batacumba]

Same! Loved him in that show.

[@JDHutchison]

I’m currently rewatching that show. His portrayal of Eli Gold is one of the best parts.

[@MorningStarScorpio]

It’s a very small role but he absolutely steals his scene his scene in Eyes Wide Shut.

[@camillagilmore1547]

Bernard and the Genie is one of my most treasured childhood memories. Wish he had had longer to go into some of his lesser known roles. Great actor!

[@avalonkerr8332]

The living embodiment of mischievous 💕

[@libradragon934]

I still remember him in The High Life, all those years ago. I loved that show and yes (unfortunately) I am that old!

[@druidsgardenandkitchen]

Loved the High Life so much! I have it on DVD

[@TheRuthParsons]

Does anyone else remember him in 'Bernard and the Genie'? Loved him in that.

[@anothermoon8894]

I love his immaculate style 🩷💜💙

[@girlie89]

He DEVOURED his character on cabaret

[@Razorhaloforever]

That suit is fire.

[@ambarrose]

I hope this man receives an Oscar someday, because his whole career was marked by so many iconic roles/jobs.

[@ImmortalChaos]

He's simply divine and absolutely lovely. i was doing security for him and I summoned up the courage after my gig to tell him I was a fan and he said let's take a selfie.

[@savage_skirt5386]

i have absolutely loved him, since the 90s --- so great

[@Maudtattoos]

That opening scene in X2 is literally the best scene in any comic book movie I’ve ever seen

[@Kitticane]

I loved Spice World so much as a kid. I'd watch it all the time with my mom and sister. I;m gonna have to watch it again just for the chest wig lol

[@patricuahernandez1436]

I simply love Alan Cummings and everything he does I knew his true self before he came out his talent is outstanding and was so glad he’s talents are aging so wonderfully and worthy of any awards in any counrty I never get tired of watching I stop everything to watch him bravo my sweet actor he is so glam

[@NatalieMasterton]

"I've got such range." I cackled 😂 love Alan.

[@chandracropper8104]

Oh my god! I loved him as night crawler! Had a crush that character 😍 lol😂

[@NeilA24-u6w]

Leaving out the brilliant Scottish tv comedy 'The High Life', which he co-wrote, is criminal. It is iconic and was the show where I became obsessed with Alan. He was hilarious and snide and naughty as the acerbic airline attendant, Sebastian Flight. Shame on you, EW.

[@davesmith5470]

Hear hear! Some classic lines in High Life, Ive got the DVD somewhere!

[@saursaursaur]

costumes are so wonderful in how they help us just embody the character is wild

[@PatHenshaw]

My favorite of Alan Cumming's roles was as Mr. Highland Fling in Nicholas Nickleby. He starred (as far as I'm concerned) with a wonderful cast. Thank you for all the years of lifting me out of my real life and letting me dance the fling with you!

[@katharinefrancis6320]

This man is an absolutely treasure.

[@PumpkinMozie]

I was not expecting him to mention SpiceWorld!!!! I absolutely love that movie.

[@j_tells9711]

The way I've loved him since "Circle of Friends". 💜

[@iammumawaldi]

I found him so appealing even in that.

[@reynaolvera7526]

Same!!! I’m glad I saw someone else remembers that role. He caught my eye in that one.

[@devanmoran]

i love to hear him sing money from cabaret again (:

[@JessRansdellSmith]

There is a proshot of his Caberet on You Tube!

[@Tesoro598]

Alan is so fabulous!!!

[@reynaolvera7526]

My Alan Cummings gateway was Circle of Friends with Minnie Driver. ❤

[@ashleytrentdg]

Hands down, my favorite actor.

[@sabrinaduckett5057]

You are so fabulous, inside and out, and I'm so glad you are here and being the icon we all need! 🏳‍🌈💖🏳‍⚧

[@heathergreen2646]

I love him, I read his autobiography which really gave me an insight into who he is, and just made me love him a little more.

[@LouiseEirwen]

I have loved many roles he's in, I had been hoping they would bring up Reefer Madness Musical, Golden Eye, Spy Kids, Burlesque....omg this man is in a lot of movies. I have adored is work and since of humor. I'm so glad acting has allowed him to be passionate and embrace a lot of who he is and what he loves doing.

[@blurdreamer]

I love him in the good wife. completely different role from what he usually play. such a great diverse actor.

[@KateBagshaw-o2s]

i would have looved to hear him talking about Any Day Now. The most heartbreaking film and his role was beautifully played

[@agingbjd]

What a truly beautiful individual, forever ❤

[@oliviajoelle]

he looks so good and has aged beautifully over the years 💟 Nightcrawler will always be my favorite role from him and he's definitely the best to ever play him. I would love to see Alan in more mainstream hollywood (the good stuff though) or even some horror!

[@FranMSK]

I loved him in Schmigadoon

[@sherilynl4038]

i saw him on Broadway in The Bacchae and he was the most sexy, incredible , charismatic performer. His sexuality definitely had no boundaries....the whole audience was "turned on" by him. hahaha

[@MrRiverRuns]

I literally stood up in anger once i realized they weren't gonna cover Spy Kids! I quickly sat down though cuz I will always love Alan

[@solinelgonzalez8312]

Omg! The crush i had on this man when i was but a tween in X2 and Son of the Mask. 😂 I should've known.

[@scaryrockerchick66]

mischievous, fun, and challenging, I think he described himself perfectly 🤣🤣

[@ruby__glasses]

6:21 "x2 is the queerest film i've ever been in, it's an allegory for queerness" YEEES

[@zbcrazy]

“and that’s ME saying it” lol

[@ZoieKP]

I love him with all my heart!! ❤❤❤

[@CatchYourWave]

Hohoho, new interview just landed. "The Traitors" was a fantastic show, but I think it will become more iconic for influencers and event organizers in thr future when it comes to set design.

[@kennaangel88]

it made me immensely happy to hear him say x2 was the queerest movie he’s ever been in since i’ve been the biggest fan of x-men since i was a kid especially x2 cuz of his performance as nightcrawler lmao

[@tahnibobonnie]

That opening bit, and my memories of people shaming bisexuals by saying “pick a side!”. This interview made me feel happy. I love him.

[@jalanasp]

I completely forgot about X-2!! I loved hearing is take on it’s allegorical nature it makes me want to go watch it now

[@thomasbland5450]

He didn't talk about Goldeneye! ☹He was great in that as Boris!

[@ReneePowell]

He was invincible!

[@cruisematt8585]

I love Alan so dang much

[@patricksfedora5310]

I'm obsessed with him.

[@sarahgordino6695]

Love him so much. Such a phenomenal actor.

[@CLRvision54]

Why is he such an adorably wholesome man?

[@TheSpikesgal]

I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!

[@cateyecrayon]

tbh I just came here to hear him talk about cabaret times :D he was the best!

[@danny_deceito7935]

love him so much are you kidding me!!!

[@CarolP-uk]

Alan made Traitors, he is fantastic, just love him 💛

[@rossanaguillen1230]

I've loved this man since I was like 6 years old. I'm 34 and still love him so much. I love how self-concious he is, and how he is not scared about being himself, with all his faces and looks. He is simply great. AND FABULOUS!!!! I'll look up for "The Traitors", just to watch him being as sassy and funny as only he can be. Thanks to him, I realized I have no problem with the idea of dating a bisexual guy (I'm a heterosexual woman, pretty sure about it) and that androgism is quite interesting, and can also be very atractive. He is, and will always be, one of my favorite actors, public figures, and persons in the whole world. LOVE THE PURPLE SUIT!!!