Just to be clear, these questions are here so that you don't have to ask them when you interview or talk to me....
Q: Is it Cumming or Cummings?
A: Please look at the name of this site at the top of this page.
Q: Alan, do you prefer acting on stage or screen?
A: That is a really boring question. But the answer is, as you might have gathered from my resumé, I like both. If, however, in the unlikely event that I had a gun to my head, I would choose the stage as I love the immediate connection with the audience.
Q: As a bisexual person yourself, you’re known for being outspoken on bisexuality and gender fluidity. How do you explain bisexuality to people who still don’t get it?
A: I’m not here to change people’s minds about whether they believe in bisexuality. All I’m saying is that I think my sexuality and most people’s sexuality is gray. I am married to a man. I have a healthy sexual appetite and a healthy imagination. I also have an attraction to women. I’ve never lost it, actually. I’ve always been attracted to both sexes, and whether I act on it or not is not anyone’s business, really. I’m not going to close myself off to the possibility of experience just because society says we must stick within these rigid boundaries.
Q: Gosh, it would be so good if I could watch one long interview in which you discussed everything about yourself in great detail
A: Watch this, or this, or what about thisQ: Is it true you wrote a book called 'May The Foreskin Be With You'?!
A: No, it is not true. I wrote an essay named that, and a book was mooted but it never happened. You can read the essay here
Q: What's the big deal about foreskin?
A: The big deal is that many millions of little boys are genitally mutilated and have their foreskins removed and I think that’s wrong. We have foreskins for a reason and I think it’s a terrible thing to hack off one of the most sensitive parts of your body. So, I have become an intactivist. Go to Intact America or NORM-UK to find out more. May the foreskin be with you.
Q: What does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?
A: Gosh, I’ve never been asked this before! This Scotsman wears nothing, allowing his jewels of Scotland freedom and fresh air.
Q: Is your husband Grant a graphic designer?
A; No, he is an illustrator. Big difference! When we got married my publicist at the time told the world the wrong thing!
Q: What's your favourite role?
A: It’s whatever I’m playing at the moment.
Q: How did it feel to play Eli Gold?
A: Weird. I’ve never played anyone human who is so different to me. Also, I have never played anyone for so long or anyone who depends so much on my eyebrow dexterity.
Q: Are Americans surprised to discover you are Scottish, after watching you on TV?
A: A lot of them are. This is because, in my humble opinion, Americans are surprised at other people being different from them.
Q: Is it hard to do an American accent?
A: No (said in an American accent)
Q: Tell us about your acting process...
Q. Why did you call yourself a frolicky pansexual sex symbol for the new millennium?
A: I didn't. I would never have said that about myself, although I do think it is quite funny. It was actually a quote from a piece about me in the New York Observer.
Q: How long did it take to put the blue make up on in XMen?
A: Up to five long, painful hours.
Q: Will you do the Romy & Michelle dance at my wedding?
A: No.
Q: Will you marry me?
A: Possibly. I am an ordained marriage officiant, and available for bookings. I can also DJ the wedding party and if you like vegan soup I could do the catering too.
Q: Will you ever come back and live in Scotland?
A: Well, I have a flat in Edinburgh that I try to get to it as much as possible, but my life is based in New York for now.
Q: When are you getting Victor and Barry back together?
A: For those of you who don’t know, Victor and Barry were the creation of my old pal Forbes Masson and I when we were at drama school. They went on to become something of a Scottish sensation until we killed them off on stage at the London Palladium in the early 90s. Click here and you’ll get the gist! To answer the question, we don’t have any plans to resurrect them, but I never say never.
Q: When will The High Life return?
A: It has never gone away. Click here and you will find it.
Q: How do you stay so happy?
A: I just made a decision to be happy a long time ago and so, I am. I love my life, I love myself and if there is anything in my life that doesn’t make me happy I try to change it.
Q: Were you teased because of your name?
A: I was and still am, sometimes, but I had the last laugh. Experience Cumming (the fragrance).
Q: Is that your real nose?
A: Do you really think I would have changed my nose to look this way?
PS: Fuck you.
Q: What's life like after 50?
A: Fabulous.
Q: What good is sitting alone in your room?
A: I don’t understand the reference.
Q: How may performances as the Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret did you do total?
A: By the time it ended, 808 and a half. Watch out, Carol Channing!