Alan Cumming

Possessing wit, charisma and enough energy to power every marquee on Broadway and the West End, Scottish actor Alan Cumming proved a scene-stealing character player after being discovered by Hollywood. Cumming swept the international theater world with his performance as The Emcee in a 1990s revival of "Cabaret," having built his foundation as both a cult comedy act and a Shakespearean player throughout the U.K. Among the stunningly versatile actor's screen fortes were his over-the-top villains in action blockbusters like "X2: X-Men United" (2003), "GoldenEye" (1995), and, in a role that showcased his campier side, his pushy filmmaker in "Spice World" (1997). Cumming also knew how to adapt his perennially mischievous expression for subtler fare like "Emma" (1996) and the popular indie ensemble "The Anniversary Party" (2001), which he co-wrote, co-directed and co-starred in with a very accessible role as a Hollywood writer with a troubled marriage. From his evil-to-good character arc in Robert Rodriguez's "Spy Kids" film franchise to his portrayal of a blunt campaign manager on the hit series "The Good Wife" (CBS, 2009-16) and starring role in police procedural "Instinct" (CBS 2018- ), Cumming's ability to dial up or down his sophisticated and debauched sides at will gave him wide appeal, as well as a varied, interesting career.