Meet Alan Cumming’s Husband: Grant Shaffer’s Story

Alan Cumming, the acclaimed actor, and his long-time partner Grant Shaffer have a love story that transcends time and borders. The couple initially tied the knot in a London civil ceremony in January 2007, celebrating their love in a country that recognized the rights of same-sex couples. Cumming expressed the desire for these rights to extend to all gay Americans, reflecting on the couple’s American residency.

Their commitment to each other led them to a second wedding five years later, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision to legalize same-sex marriage. Shaffer, an accomplished artist and illustrator, has a career spanning over 25 years in Manhattan. His work has graced prestigious publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times, and he’s contributed to music videos for artists like Beyoncé and Madonna.

Aside from his illustrative talents, Shaffer is also a storyboard artist, with credits in notable films such as “tick, tick…BOOM!” and “Zoolander.” His influence extends to education, teaching illustration courses at the School of Visual Arts.

Cumming and Shaffer’s enduring bond is evident in their 17 years of marriage, marked by a second wedding in New York’s Soho Grand Hotel in 2012. Their union coincided with New York becoming the sixth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. In January 2024, the couple joyfully celebrated their anniversary, with Cumming expressing gratitude for skating through life with Shaffer.

Beyond their personal journey, the couple collaborated on the children’s book “The Adventures of Honey & Leon,” a heartwarming tale inspired by their beloved rescue dogs. Shaffer’s illustrations brought the story to life, showcasing their creative synergy. This collaboration follows Shaffer’s earlier artistic contributions to Cumming’s bar, Club Cumming, further emphasizing the duo’s successful partnership both personally and professionally.