A beloved and award winning star of stage, television, and film—“one of the most fun people in show business” (Time magazine)—Alan Cumming is a successful artist whose fearlessness and diversity are unparalleled. His childhood, however was marred by the heavy rule of an emotionally and physically abusive father—a relationship that tormented him long into adulthood. It wasn’t until the death of his father that Alan was able to fully lay bare the torment of his turbulent childhood. He does so with beauty and his signature wit in Not My Father’s Son (Dey Street Books; October 7, 2014).
When television producers in the UK approached him to appear on a popular celebrity genealogy show (Who Do You Think You Are?) in 2010, Alan enthusiastically agreed, hoping the show would solve a family mystery involving his maternal grandfather, a celebrated WWII hero who disappeared in the Far East. But as the truth of his family ancestors revealed itself, Alan learned far more than he bargained for about himself, his past, and his own father.
Details surrounding his grandfather’s life and untimely death were not the only mysteries laid before Alan’s feet. His father, who Alan and his brother had not seen or spoken to for more than a decade, called just before filming for Who Do You Think You Are? began. He had a secret he had to share, one that would shock his son to his very core and set into motion a journey that would change Alan’s life forever.
With ribald humor, charm, and incredible insight, Alan seamlessly moves back and forth in time, integrating stories from his childhood in Scotland and his experiences today as a celebrated actor. At times suspenseful, at times deeply moving, but always incredibly brave and honest, Not My Father’s Son is a powerful story of embracing the best aspects of the past and triumphantly pushing the darkness aside.
About Alan:
Alan is an award-winning actor, singer, writer, producer, and director. He recently starred in an acclaimed one-man staging of Macbeth on Broadway, and appears on the Emmy Award–winning television show The Good Wife. He won a Tony Award for his portrayal of the Emcee in the Broadway musical Cabaret, a role he is currently revving on Broadway. He hosts PBS Masterpiece Mystery and has appeared in numerous films, including Spy Kids, Titus, X2: X-Men United, The Anniversary Party, Any Day Now, and Eyes Wide Shut.
www.alancumming.com | @Alancumming
