He’s the global actor, author and activist with an eclectic and electrifying career.
Alan Cumming, the Scots-born superstar of stage and screen returned to his drama school roots today to receive an honorary doctorate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Aberfeldy-born Alan, an alumnus of Scotland ’s national conservatoire, was recognised for his multi-award-winning and genre-spanning career that has taken him everywhere from Hollywood to Broadway.
Alan’s honorary doctorate of drama was presented in a small and intimate ceremony in Glasgow under strict Covid safety regulations.
It was filmed for a special video segment that will be unveiled at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s winter graduation ceremony that will take place on Thursday, October 21.
After a busy weekend performing his new cabaret show, Alan Cumming is Not Acting His Age, the star said: “I feel very moved today on receiving this honorary doctorate. I came to study here 36 years ago and I felt like I belonged here from the word go.
"The spirit of this institution has made me the performer that I am today.
“Three years of training and developing technique is very special – the older I’ve got I realise how important this training has been and the confidence I gained here has stood me in such good stead.
"I really like that I went to college here in Glasgow – it allowed me to make mistakes, to learn and to have a laugh.”
Alan's hugely successful career has seen him star in a variety of smash-hit stage and screen roles.
He has earned prestigious awards for both on screen and stage roles, such as Golden Globes, Emmy's and SAG nominations, as well as the Martini Rossi TMA award for Best Actor.
Professor Jeffery Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alan Cumming back to the RCS.
"He is an inspiration to all of us and he epitomises the genre-fluid artist; one who flows seamlessly between art forms and who harnesses their creative power and platform to inspire and engage with diverse audiences around the world.
"Alan’s work consistently demonstrates that bold ideas, adaptability and clear artistic authenticity are a potent combination.
"His impressive body of work and his commitment to social activism are an inspiration to the next generation and we are very proud of his prolific contribution to the arts and society.”
