“There are some days when you don’t feel like being Alan Cumming.”

When there’s an adult person who’s scaring you, you grow up pretty quickly.

It is not hard to feel like an outsider. I think we have all felt like that at one time or another.

It’s really rare for film directors to be that interested in things other than themselves.

I’m Scottish first, and it’s odd to hear that I’m a Scottish-American.

Sometimes people get really sniffy about the films you choose if you’ve done more dramatic projects or you’re classically trained.

It’s hardly ever done, compared to how often it’s done in other companies, not just Britain. Someone from the Roundabout Theater Company – I said, “You never do Shakespeare.” And he said, “Yes, we’re not very good at it.” And I thought, “What a terrible thing to say.”.

I have no regrets in my life even the crazy things I’ve been in. It all made me the I am today and I wouldn’t change anything. I’m happy with who I am!

For example, Americans seem reluctant to take on Shakespeare because you don’t think you’re very good at it – which is rubbish. You’re missing out here.

I’m not a fan of Twitter.

Actually I like working kind of fast, because if you got it, why bother doing it over and over?

It’s exciting to be with really, really good people. Some people make you feel like you’ve got to up your game.

I like the tragedies way more than the comedies because they’re so universal.

I don’t avoid anyone but I always think some people hate me.

I wouldn’t do my roles if I really hated it. I’ve done things I hated, but I didn’t go into them thinking I would hate them. I want to have fun. I don’t want to go to work and not enjoy it.

I’ve actually found – especially doing my cabaret show – I’m connecting with people in a way I haven’t connected with them. I’ve found that when you’re open and honest, people respond to that, whatever you’re being open and honest about.

He … knew, in that instant, that his life would not be an easy one-he was different, he looked different, he thought differently.

Passing a tough resolution or threatening Iran will not bring about the desired outcome.

All the perfect drugs and superheroes wouldn’t be enough to bring me back to zero.

I had to bring myself back down to being a normal person again.

I have learned not to overlook the advantages of being me. From when I was a softball player, and I held the stolen bases record.

When dawn comes, that memory gradually distances…Tonight, I will bring it to sleep with me, so that will not be taken away by the waves of the night.

When we’re in our true being, the purpose of life is to feel that every moment is the purpose.

We can’t meet the demands of being a modern society.

I bring you Islam and Luxor and Alexandria and Lutes and tambourines and date-palms and silk rugs and sunshine and incense and voluptuous ways.