Who Is ‘The Traitors’ Host Alan Cumming’s Husband? Inside His Love Life
Alan Cumming is about to be gracing television screens once again when The Traitors returns for Season 4 on January 8. The show’s host, who has had the job since Season 1, adds a welcomed layer of camp and mystique to the game.
When he’s not leading the faithfuls and traitors through a game of deception in Scotland, Cumming, who is bisexual, spends most of his time in New York City with husband Grant Shaffer.
Scroll down to learn more about the pair’s two-decade romance and Cumming’s relationship history.
How did Alan Cumming meet his husband?
Cumming and Shaffer “met through friends in New York,” the actor told Closer in 2020. Their relationship began in 2005.
“He’s lovely, kind and hilarious, but he’s also the first person who hasn’t wanted to change me,” he continued. “We respect each other and we were a bit older when we met, so you know yourself more and are more respectful.”
The two tied the knot in a civil ceremony in London in 2007. “Not only are we so happy to be able to celebrate our love for each other, but also to be able to do it in a country that properly recognizes the rights of same-sex couples,” Cumming said in a statement to People at the time.
When same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States, they had another wedding in New York in 2012.
What does Alan Cumming’s husband do for a living?
Shaffer is an artist/illustrator who has been working in the field in New York City for 30 years, according to his website. “His illustrations have appeared in magazines and newspapers such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, The New York Review of Books and Interview Magazine,” his bio says.
The artist also “works as a storyboard artist for films, TV, and music videos, draws comics, and has illustrated children’s books for Penguin Random House.”
Throughout his career, Shaffer has had 12 solo gallery exhibitions, with his work also being included in 18 group shows. He teaches at the School of Visual Arts and Hetrick-Martin Institute.
Shaffer and Cumming published a children’s book, The Adventures of Honey & Leon, together in 2012.
Does Alan Cumming have kids?
No, Cumming does not have any children. He and Shaffer do not plan to have kids of their own. “I’ve actually realized that even though I’m in a great relationship, we just don’t want to,” he explained. “There are a lot of kids in my life, but we’re content without having our own.”
Prior to coming to this realization, though, Cumming thought he would be a father. “I think I would have made a good parent,” he told Daily Record in 2012. “I was once obsessed about having a child. But now I am with someone whom it would be sensible to have a kid with, we’re content and don’t want to.”
However, the couple does have rescue dogs.
When did Alan Cumming come out?
Cumming came out as bisexual in 1998 and told Closer that opening up about his sexuality did not affect him professionally.
“I think we should get to the point where it doesn’t really matter,” he said. “It hasn’t ever been an issue for me. I think talking about it now is perpetuating something that’s negative for our society.”
Who else has Alan Cumming dated?
Prior to his relationship with Shaffer, Cumming was married to actress Hilary Lyon for eight years. They were married from 1985 to 1993.
He also dated actress Saffron Burrows for two years and director Nick Philippou for six years.
The Traitors, Season 4 Premiere, Thursday, January 8, 9/8c, Peacock
