Alan Cumming Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony with Brian Cox and Monica Lewinsky

What is discussed, and when

1. 0:00 – 5:00: Brian Cox, Monica Lewinsky, Doctor Who, X-Men
2. 5:00 – 10:00: Grant Schaefer, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Brian Cox, Monica Lewinsky
3. 10:00 – 15:00: Steve Nissen, Brian Cox
4. 20:00 – 25:00: Hollywood Walk of Fame

Notable quotes from "Alan Cumming Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony with Brian Cox and Monica Lewinsky"

• Sorry. Eli in The Good Wife Nightcrawler in X-Men O, in, Sex, in, the, City, BORIS IN GOLDEN EYE, King James in Doctor Who, Sandy Frank in Romy and.

  about X-Men · at 1:54

• It's, his, birthday., Happy, birthday,, David Bowie.

  about David Bowie · at 2:45

• So to Allen I'm honored to stand here as a friend of yours for 26 years.

  about Monica Lewinsky · at 6:48

• I first saw Allan I was visiting the Lysm Theater in Edinburgh and this was either mid or early 80s and I went to see a production of Tatou which is a great play and it was a formidable cast.

  about Brian Cox · at 10:24

• For Scotland and he's done an enormous amount of work I mean really the creating of the him actually becoming the director of the pit lockery theater which is a wonderful…

  about Pitlochry Theater · at 11:26

• Of the city. So on behalf of the city council person who represents this district, Ugo Sto Martinez, we are thrilled to present you with a commendation from the city of Los Angeles.

  about Steve Nissen · at 15:28

• Big smiles, hand gestures that I don't even understand, but everybody is totally engaged in this. So, on behalf of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, it is my honor to declare today Allan coming day in Hollywood.

  about Hollywood Walk of Fame · at 16:41

• Return to the Scottish Theater, as Brian said, being artistic director of the But Festival Theater. So, I'm so happy that theater is a part of this incredible Hollywood honor…

  about Alan Cumming · at 20:02

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

• Alan Cumming — Person · Honoree / main subject of ceremony · 6 mentions
  Central figure being celebrated for receiving a Hollywood Walk of Fame star; speakers recount his stage/screen career and personal impact.
• Brian Cox — Person · Guest speaker / friend and collaborator · 4 mentions · first at 0:30
  Introduced as a major actor and friend who delivers remarks praising Cumming’s talent, kindness, and Scottish cultural ambassadorship.
• Monica Lewinsky — Person · Guest speaker / friend · 2 mentions · first at 4:55
  Introduced as a podcaster and activist; gives a personal tribute emphasizing Cumming’s kindness, advocacy, and friendship.
• Steve Nissen — Person · Ceremony official / presenter · 2 mentions · first at 12:39
  Identified as President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce; formally presents the commendation and declares 'Allan Cumming Day.'
• Grant Schaefer — Person · Referenced family member (spouse) / attendee · 2 mentions · first at 7:19
  Mentioned by Lewinsky as Cumming’s husband, present at the ceremony; also later acknowledged among attendees.
  I am seeing so many faces of people who love and respect you. And chief among them is your husband, Grant Schaefer sitting right there looking super dapper. both of you. And I'm sure that your mom, Mary Darling, who's back in.
• David Bowie — Person · Referenced celebrity collaborator · 1 mention · first at 2:41
  Named in a list of notable collaborators to underscore the breadth of Cumming’s career and cultural reach.
• Saffron Burroughs — Person · Audience attendee (acknowledged guest) · 1 mention · first at 8:28
  Briefly acknowledged as an actress present in the audience to celebrate Cumming.
  Before we introduce our next speaker, we have a few friends in the audience here to cheer Alan on. I would like to welcome and acknowledge actress Saffron Burroughs.
• Mary McCormack — Person · Audience attendee (acknowledged guest) · 1 mention · first at 8:34
  Briefly acknowledged as an actress present; the host mentions having interviewed her early in her career.
  Mary probably doesn't remember me, but I did one of her first interviews when she was in the Howard Stern movie back in 19 something. Yeah.

Places & events

• Hollywood Walk of Fame — Place · Setting · 2 mentions · first at 5:45
  The location where Alan Cumming is being honored with a star, marking his contributions to theater and entertainment.
• Pitlochry Theater — Place · Headquarters · 3 mentions
  The theater where Alan Cumming serves as artistic director, highlighting his ongoing commitment to theater.

Media & podcasts

• X-Men — Media · Referenced work · 1 mention · first at 1:54
  A blockbuster franchise Alan Cumming has participated in, showing his mainstream appeal.
• Doctor Who — Media · Referenced work · 1 mention · first at 2:05
  Another project Alan Cumming has been part of, demonstrating his versatility in acting.
  Nightcrawler in X-Men O, in, Sex, in, the, City, BORIS IN GOLDEN EYE, King James in Doctor Who, Sandy Frank in Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion.

Full transcript with timestamps

0:00 Perhaps not surprisingly, Time magazine named him one of only this is a wild title. Three of the most fun people in show business. He's one of three. Who are the other two? Who are the other two?

0:19 Hey,, you, cheated., Don't, Google. Stanley Tui and Sher. and he's played all too. That was from Brian Cox. When you get up here, we want a little share impersonation. Allan 30 years ago, his hamlet stormed the West End and he was hailed as an actor knocking at the doors of greatness. And I feel like this cold weather is from Scotland. Wasn't it warm yesterday?

0:49 No., No,, it's, warmer, in, Scotland. It's, warmer, in, Scotland., Brian, Cox,, he's doing a weather report later. Um 30 years ago his hamlet stormed the West End and he was hailed as an actor knocking at the door of greatness. A quarter of a century ago he was in s a sensation. Like sensation doesn't even say it as cabaret's master of ceremonies in a production that forever changed Broadway. I was there on opening night. I think I saw it probably about five times. Yeah probably five, maybe more. But I was there on opening night and it did change Broadway. And then just a decade ago his visceral, virtually one man McBTH was a stunning transatlantic coupe theater. His screen work Oh, right. We haven't even spoken about really your movies yet. His screen work ranges from art house to blockbuster cult to mainstream, but his performances are always indelible and some immortal.

1:52 Oh, this is small screen and big screen. Sorry. Uh, Eli in The Good Wife Nightcrawler in X-Men

2:01 O, in, Sex, in, the, City, BORIS IN GOLDEN EYE, King James in Doctor Who, Sandy Frank in Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion. And I think we're getting that sequel. We're get Alan said it. We're getting it. Mayor Menlo love in Schmegadun and himself on Broad City. The list of his collaborators over the years. Just get this. Okay. Jackie Chan

2:38 the, Smurfs, David Bowie. It's, his, birthday., Happy, birthday,, David Bowie. The Simpsons. Stanley Kubric Jay-Z. Jay-Z. He did that cuz he just wanted to meet Beyonce. The Spice Girls. That makes sense. George Lucas. And then last but not le Allen's like is coming up. Who do you think it is? Liza Minnelli. And let's not forget this is just cracking ME UP. DORA THE EXPLORER, AUTHOR, and Elmo. He's a Tony and Olivier award-winning theater actor and has hosted the Tony's. Was nominated for an Emmy for hosting the Tony's. In fact, he has been nominated for seven Emmys, as we said winning four for his work as a host and producer of The Traitors along with another New York Emmy, a Scottish FAFTA a British comedy award. He is in it.

3:58 Just he is an independent spirit award-winning producer and national board of review winning director. He is a Grammy and a multiple Golden Globe nominee. His portrait is hung in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. He has four honorary doctorates, Dr. [ __ ] and over 40 awards for being a humanitarian. But as he has said, awards mean nothing. Now, before we hear from Allan, we have two good friends of yours who would like to say a few words. Our first speaker is the host of one of the most incredible podcasts, Reclaiming, a contributing editor of Vanity Fair, a producer, and an anti-bullying social activist. Please w Please welcome to the stage Monica Lewinsky.

5:11 All right. Yes., And, also,, can, I, can, I, do, this?, Can everybody see then? Okay. Good. All right., There, is, The, Trader, Cabaret, The Good Wife, The Anniversary Party Spy Kids, A One Man McBTH, Circle of Friends. Who could ever forget creepy Shawn Walsh? And as you just heard from Mark, so many other projects. But this star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is not just about a dazzling resume. It's a celebration of Alan [ __ ] whose talent, bravery, and irreverent charm have made this world a little kinder, a little queer, and a lot more fun.

6:05 He can host, act, sing, dance, write memoirs, direct, do a club act in sequence, and then go home and post something on social media, something disarmingly honest that makes you laugh and think and feel. He remembers names, always checks in, is champions younger artists. He gives his time and voice to mental health, social justice, and the LGBTQ plus community. Dignity is something that he wants for everyone. This star is a symbol of how brightly Alan [ __ ] shines in the lives of millions and millions of people. So to Allen I'm honored to stand here as a friend of yours for 26 years.

6:56 Your love, support, ability to tell a story that always makes me belly laugh every time, no matter what's happening in my world, has helped me become the woman who I am today. I am seeing so many faces of people who love and respect you. And chief among them is your husband, Grant Schaefer sitting right there looking super dapper. both of you. And I'm sure that your mom, Mary Darling, who's back in Scotland, is celebrating her own little star with a little, "Oo, Alan." On behalf of all of us who have ever felt too much or not enough, and who saw in you a road map for being exactly yourself, thank you and congratulations sweet boy.

8:04 Thank you, Monica. I just have one issue with what she said. She said that Allan makes the world a little queer. No, a lot. A lot queer. He makes the world just queer. Period. Before we introduce our next speaker, we have a few friends in the audience here to cheer Alan on. I would like to welcome and acknowledge actress Saffron Burroughs. Actress Mary McCormack. Mary probably doesn't remember me, but I did one of her first interviews when she was in the Howard Stern movie back in 19 something something. Yeah. uh director Michael Morris activist and actresses actress my friend Dylan Mulaney actor Daryl Sabara I see producer Bruce Cohen out here artist Grant Schaefer and Daryl Kilo our amazing bag pipe player. Thank you.

9:19 It is my great pleasure to welcome to the stage one of the most formidable respected, and beloved actors of our time. With career with with a career spanning more than six decades across stage, film and television, he is an actor director, and multi-awward winner. We know him most recently as Logan Roy in succession. Today he is here not only as an icon but as a friend and Allen's co-star and director of the feature film Glenn Rothan. Please join me in welcoming to the stage Brian Cox.

10:11 Uh I have absolutely nothing prepared uh because it's too big a subject. It's a huge subject the Allen coming subject. I wouldn't know where to begin. I first saw Allan I was visiting the Lysm Theater in Edinburgh and this was either mid or early 80s and I went to see a production of Tatou uh which is a great play and it was a formidable cast but there was this one young man who stood out extraordinary and I I had never seen energy like it. clarity, energy, purpose about his acting. And I thought, "This guy is going to go far, really, really far."

10:56 And it was our friend Allan. And he was truly extraordinary. And his career has just built systematically since then. But I think the great thing about Allan is his honesty. He's always remained honest and truthful and he's always told the truth and uh that's made him quite respected and in our country he's a very very important ambassador in fact he's probably the main uh artistic ambassador for Scotland and he's done an enormous amount of work I mean really the creating of the him actually becoming the director of the pit lockery theater which is a wonderful festival theater in the heart of the Highlands and Allan I thought how the hell can he do it because he does take things on and I think are you going to manage and he does he does it brilliantly and he's already got an incredible plan for the next season in pit lockery he's a truly truly astonishing person but above all he's extraordinarily kind and extraordinary

12:03 committed to other people it's not just about him it's about how the work affects other people and I'm very very proud and I know my wife is too to call Alan our friend. Thank you. Thank you you Brian. Now, I would like to bring up the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Nissen who will make a special presentation on behalf of the city of Los Angeles.

12:57 Good afternoon. I think we're in afternoon doing As Mark said, I'm Steve Nissen president and CEO. Freezing President. Hello. There we go. Where was I? President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. It is my pleasure now as soon as he's ready to welcome our honore Alan coming up on the stage.

13:55 All right., Uh, Allan, 2,831 stars have preceded you. We're about to add one more to the pantheon of stars in Hollywood. Thank you for bringing Broadway to Hollywood. Thank you a little bit for bringing Broadway weather today. It's unusually cold for Los Angeles, but it otherwise is a bright, clear, beautiful day. As as befitting this opportunity to honor you I also have one more housekeeping thing to take care of. You may have noticed that we're in front of a store because this is a real place in Los Angeles. Even though this is a street of dreams of dreams of creativity, of innovation of creative genius, but it's also a real place where thousands of people live and and work. So, special thanks to Iguana Vintage Clothing.

15:07 No, I know I didn't get my outfit there. Uh jury still out on our and as I said, this is a real place in the city of Los Angeles. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the Walk of Fame on behalf of the city. So on behalf of the city council person who represents this district, Ugo Sto Martinez, we are thrilled to present you with a commendation from the city of Los Angeles. And this is our chance for photo op. Congratulations.

15:58 Got, it. Love you, Alan. Uh, Alan,, before, you, take, the, mic,, I, have to say looking out uh on your audience this is one of the most expressive audiences we've ever had. I mean, you know, big smiles, hand gestures that I don't even understand, but everybody is totally engaged in this. So, on behalf of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, it is my honor to declare today Allan coming day in Hollywood.

17:02 Thank, you, so, much. Take, it, away. Thank, you., Thanks, so, much, everybody. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to my friends at NBC Universal and Peacock. Thank you to all my team to everyone who made this possible. Thank you to all especially my friends and loved ones who are sharing this incredible moment with me. I I don't think I'll be able to articulate how surreal and uh kind of overwhelming this is and so out with my uh what I thought my life and career trajectory would be, let alone my out with my mental periphery. But yet here we are. Um because I didn't even come to Hollywood until I was 30. I didn't come to America at all until I was 30. So I had a whole life uh back in Scotland and uh then in London, 30 years of a life and over 10 years of a of an acting career before I came to Hollywood. So I I guess I've realized in thinking about

18:08 this uh incredible honor um that coming to Hollywood was my second act and uh what a second act it was. I am so grateful to uh the opportunities Hollywood has given me to the films I made, the shows I've made, the but especially the people I met and the friendships I made and the fun I've had and the deep deep connections I've made with people many of whom are here today. That is so important to me and so moving and is what has been my favorite thing about my my life in Hollywood. And then that brings me to today which this honor which I'm so incredibly grateful and shocked by is sort of I suppose the beginning of my third act. And I've been thinking a lot about what I have learned and gleaned from the first two acts that I can uh take on into my next one. And I think I keep coming back to the fact that at the center of this star is theater, the theater masks. This the citation for this award is for theater

19:19 performance and live performance. And I feel that's really appropriate because if I'm going to be literally as well as figuratively a part of Hollywood, I think it's really appropriate that theater is at the center of my star because Thank you. Because as Brian mentioned, theater made me, especially Scottish theater made me and I have returned to the theater uh over the years. Everything I have gleaned in Hollywood, the opportunities I've had in Hollywood, the platform that Hollywood has given me has enabled me to go back to the theater and uh now to return to the Scottish Theater, as Brian said, being artistic director of the But Festival Theater. So, I'm so happy that theater is a part of this incredible Hollywood honor and that a little piece of Scotland will be at the center of uh right opposite Showg Girls forever.

20:25 And I uh would also like to mention and thank the um uh acting teacher I had at drama school who told me when I was 19 years old that I'd never make it as a professional actor. And I'd like to say who's on top and who's on bottom now. B

20:53 but also I mentioned that story because I think it's my reaction to it and what I learned from it and what it taught me is a good analogy for maybe what it's like living in America today because there are people who tell us that we are wrong. There are people who tell us that we are nothing, who deride us, who try to bring us down, who even Oh, I'm being Yeah, it's starting people who tell us that our right is wrong, that their wrong is right. And I have found and I would exhort you all to remember that if you go into life with a good heart, with honesty and authenticity, and if you lead with positivity and love, we will all have a chance to shine. and this too will pass.

21:47 Thank, you, so, much. Well Alan 10 million visitors a year come to the Walk of Fame and we're about to unveil your star so that as you said, you are now a permanent part of Hollywood. You'll also be part of the lives of those millions of visitors who will see your star. So, shall we unveil the star now?

23:00 I got it. On, behalf, of, the, Hollywood, Chamber, of Commerce, we'd like to welcome the 2,832nd star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Mr. ALAN CUMMINGS. YES. YES.

23:39 On, the, corner. Oh okay. Interesting., Okay. I'm, just, going, to, pull, this Get close together, guys.

24:19 Nice. Dead, center., Dead, center., Thank, you. Right, here, for, me. Ryan,, Monica,, Alan,

24:30 to, the, left., I'll base. Thank you. gas in your right and center back and, right, this, way, for, me.

24:57 This, is, yours. over here. And, then, back, to, the, left,, please, gentlemen.

25:10 You, guys, on, your, right,, please. And, to, your, right., Right, here. Nice. And, dead, center., Dead, center., Here, we go.

25:42 And, one, without, the, black. You, want, to, lay, down? First, time, I've, heard, that. Alan,

26:00 dead, dead, center., Alan,, dead, center. And, then, to, the, left,, to, the, left.

26:04 Alan,, right, up, top., Right, up, top. Thank, you, Alan., Right, here,, Alan. Now, we, got, to, do, some, planks.

26:16 Over, here, all, the, way, to, your, right. And, Alan, to, your, right. Need, a, hand.

26:24 I'm, good., Thank, you. This is the painful part. Really? Yeah., New, York, lady. All right.

27:21 Beautiful. Hey, guys,, dead, center., Dead, center. Nice. And, to, your, right., Right, here.

27:30 And, that, kiss. Ah,, that's, great., Thank, you. Another, place, to, the, left,, gentlemen. Yeah. Thank you.

27:38 Down, in, this, corner. Gentlemen,, right, here and, back, to, you. And one more kiss.

27:55 Look, at, this. You, guys right, here, for, me. You're, nervous. You're, nervous. and wait.

28:18 Let's, grab, Francis, and, Pina. I, got, to, move. There, you, go. Right in the star.

28:42 And, then, ice, to, the, left,, please. Here, we, go. Right. And then guys, come on the star. Come right on the star. There we go.

29:09 Great. And, to, your, right. And, to, your, right., One, more, time. All right these, guys

29:37 right, here standing. Oh nice. Alan,, are, you dead, center?, Dead, center, up, top.

30:10 Up, top., Up, top. Dead, center, up, top., Right, here., There, we go. Thank you.

30:15 Beautiful. Absolutely. Gentlemen, Dylan. Dylan, how are you?

Questions about this episode

What is discussed in "Alan Cumming Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony with Brian Cox and Monica Lewinsky"?

In order: 0:00 Brian Cox, Monica Lewinsky, Doctor Who, X-Men; 5:00 Grant Schaefer, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Brian Cox, Monica Lewinsky; 10:00 Steve Nissen, Brian Cox; 20:00 Hollywood Walk of Fame.

What is mentioned in this Variety episode?

12 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Alan Cumming, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Brian Cox, Pitlochry Theater, Monica Lewinsky, Steve Nissen. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Alan Cumming Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony with Brian Cox and Monica Lewinsky"?

The episode runs 36 min; the transcript is about 3,021 words in 46 timestamped sections.

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