Alan just won’t be Scotched
LIFE WASN’T ALWAYS a cabaret for Tony winner Alan Cumming.
The 49-year-old Scotsman talked to us about his new book, “Not My Father’s Son: A Memoir,” which details his turbulent relationship with his dad and the sad, violent death of his grandfather.
Speaking about the impetus behind his father’s allegedly aggressive behavior toward him, Cumming (r.) told Confidenti@l: “I think it was a variety of personality disorders. I’ve talked to various people about it and I realize my father displayed traits that were concurrent with various personalityy disorders, especially feeling no concern for the opinions or feelings of anyone else, not just us, as well as his irrational rages.”
Though Cumming admits he “lived in abject terror every day of (his) childhood,” he doesn’t look back in anger.
“As much as I wish I hadn’t been beaten on a regular basis as a child, it’s what happened and it’s who I am,” he said. “I forgave my father. I don’t think he knew what he was doing.”
Though Cumming never knew his grandfather, he learned about him in 2010 when television producers in the U.K. approached him to be on a popular celebrity genealogy show. Cumming grew up thinking his maternal grandpa died a celebrated World War II hero in the Far East. He learned that, in fact, his grandfather died playing Russian roulette.
“I think every family has pain and crazy, and I also think that’s why people relate to the book,” he confessed. “There’s something about everybody’s family that is dysfunctional.”
Cumming also talked to us about another man he’s not crazy about — British Prime Minister
David Cameron.
“I think he’s awful for a variety of reasons,” said Cumming, who’s disappointed Scotland didn’t vote for independence from Great Britain in last month’s historic vote. “He, to me, is part of the establishment, part of a gro groupp of wealthy, privileged people who have controlled Britain and kind of derided and derailed Scotland for centuries.”
According to Cumming, “I don’t dislike him because of where he came from. I dislike the system that allows him to get to such heights without merit.” However, he does like Monica
Lewinsky, a notorious figure in American politics who’s certainly known for her own accomplishments.
“She’s such a lovely girl. I’ve known her about 16 years,” he said. “She’s absolutely one of the most loving, fun, clever, tender people. The fact that she’s been able to remain such an amazing person with all that horrible bile that was heaped upon her as a young woman is testament to the person she is.”