Born in Scotland, the incredibly talented actor Alan Cumming has dedicated his latest memoir, Baggage: Tales From a Fully Packed Life, to his beloved grandmother. In an exclusive chat with Closer, the 56-year-old star explains how his grandma inspired him without even trying. "She wasn't out there trying to be inspirational. She just lived her life authentically," Alan shares. "She was herself—a free spirit and a delightfully quirky old lady who brought joy to everyone around her."
It’s easy to see where this multi-faceted performer gets his inspiration. In his deeply moving 2015 autobiography, Not My Father’s Son: A Memoir, Alan bravely recounted the challenges of growing up with a violent, intimidating father who cast a shadow over his family. Now, with Baggage, Alan continues his story with warmth, humor, and insightful life lessons. "When I wrote my first memoir, I realized how much people crave authenticity and honesty," Alan reflects. "It’s crucial to use your voice and share your truth. That’s what I aim to do with every word I write."
Why Write a Second Memoir?
So, what drove you to write a second memoir?
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"It was partly inspired by the incredible response to the first book. People saw my story as one of triumph, but I don’t see it that way. I feel happy, sure, but I wanted to show with this book that I still carry a lot of ‘baggage,’ and I’m still processing the things from my past. Everyone does. That’s the core message here," Alan explains. "It’s not about overcoming everything; it’s about living with it and learning from it."
Reframing 'Baggage'
The word ‘baggage’ often carries a negative connotation, but that’s not how you mean it, right?
"Exactly. I’m trying to flip that notion and turn it into something positive. Everyone has baggage. Whether it’s from a difficult childhood or just life experiences, it’s part of who we are. Instead of hiding from it or feeling ashamed, I want people to embrace it. Baggage makes us stronger, wiser, and more whole. It’s what shapes us into the people we’re meant to be."
Learning Through Writing
What did you discover about yourself while writing this memoir?
"I found so much compassion for my younger self. At the start of this book, I was kind of floundering after revisiting all the painful memories from my childhood. But writing about it helped me see patterns in my behavior. For instance, because of my dad, I had this habit of trying to fix angry people. I realized that’s not my responsibility. You can’t force someone to change if they don’t want to. It’s a lesson that’s taken me years to learn."
Reliving the Past
Was it tough to relive certain moments?
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"Some parts were definitely challenging, and there were a few things I decided to leave out. I went through a toxic relationship, but talking about that felt redundant. Instead, I focused on extracting positive lessons from every bad experience. Surprisingly, I discovered that I’m a naturally optimistic person. Even in the darkest moments, I try to find the light."
Meeting Legends
You’ve had the chance to meet some incredible people, like Liza Minnelli, Stanley Kubrick, and Faye Dunaway. Do you ever get starstruck?
"Oh, absolutely! When I met Christopher Guest, the genius behind Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman, I completely geeked out. I’m a huge fan of his work. It’s funny how random those moments can be. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a girl from The Bachelor at a party. I was like, ‘Wow, that’s the girl from The Bachelor!’ That show is seriously addictive. It just goes to show you never know who you’ll bump into!"
Marriage and Love
You’ve been married to Grant Shaffer since 2007. What makes him the right one for you?
"We’re very different, but that’s what makes us work so well together. I help him stay calm when he gets anxious, and he keeps me grounded when I get a little too adventurous. We’re both independent, but our lives are richer because of each other. We don’t rely on each other for happiness; we enhance each other’s lives. It’s a beautiful balance."
Secrets to a Happy Marriage
Is there a secret to
