Hollywood heavyweight Alan Cumming has swapped the "frightening" US for the comfort of his native Scotland, citing the political climate as a key factor in his decision. The Aberfeldy-born actor, who boasts a BAFTA, five Emmys and two Tonys to his name, now reportedly spends more time in Scotland than New York.
Cumming, known for roles in GoldenEye, the Spy Kids trilogy, X2, and Circle of Friends, is the latest celebrity to join an exodus from the US. Other notable figures making similar moves include Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, and House of Cards star Robin Wright, according to Deadline.
For Cumming, the move was about aligning with a country where his "values are more aligned" with those of the government and its people. He suggested that fear prevents people from speaking out in the US.
Speaking to The Mail's Richard Eden, he said: "The political situation was a factor. I wanted to be in a country where I feel my values are more aligned with the actual values of the government and the people.
"It's comforting to be in a place where you know people are looking out for each other", reports the Daily Record.
Reflecting on life in the US under the contentious presidency of Donald Trump, he added: "It's scary to live there right now, especially being well known and outspoken. I realised so few people do that any more because they're scared."
Alan seems to have injected a bit of Hollywood glamour into the Scottish countryside, having taken up the post of artistic director at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre in January 2025. He's also been quite vocal about his affection for his homeland.
In a chat with The Skinny, when asked about his favourite place to visit, Alan responded: "Scotland. Always Scotland. Even though I live here and I have travelled around so much, I still get so excited about the new places to discover and the beauty I have yet to see."
On the other hand, Forrest Gump actress Robin Wright, who also resides in the UK, has found other perks to life on this side of the Atlantic. She appreciates the "kind" Brits and the "freedom of self" that the UK offers.
In a conversation with The Times, Robin went as far as labelling the US a "s***show", stating that everything there is defined by "rush, competition and speed."
She expressed: "America is a s***show. ... I love being in this country. There's a freedom of self here. People are so kind.
"They're living. They're not in the car in traffic, panicked on a phone call, eating a sandwich. That's most of America. Everything's rush, competition and speed."