Cumming’s Civil Partnership Ceremony

Actor and gay rights activist Alan Cumming ‘married’ his boyfriend of two years in a ceremony in London yesterday.

His new civil partner is American illustrator Grant Shaffer. Guests at the ceremony included folk singer Rufus Wainwright and actress Mary-Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

E! Online reports that Cumming wore a black shirt and tie with an oatmeal-coloured linen suit, which Shaffer a black striped suit with a shirt and tie. 

The 41-year-old Scot, who has a successful career in Hollywood, had his first taste of fame in soap opera Take the High Road.

He went on to star in camp comedy classic, The High Life, which he co-wrote and wrote and perfromed the theme tune. Cumming is a well-respected stage, screen and television actor.

He is best known for performances in the Spy Kids films and as Nightcrawler in X-Men 2, in which he starred alongside Sir Ian McKellen. 

Cumming is an active campaigner for gay rights: he is bisexual, and was married for eight years. He is currently starring in Bent in the West End.

In March 2005 was the recipient of the Vito Russo Award at the 16th Annual GLAAD Media Awards for outstanding contributions toward eliminating homophobia.