Alan was born on the 27th January 1965 in Perthshire Scotland and has one older brother, Tom. His parents are Mary Darling, a secretary and Alexander Cumming.

Alan grew up in Angus and was educated at Monikie Primary School and then Carnoustie High School. Before becoming an actor Alan was set on a career in veterinary medicine. He attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow where he met his wife Hilary Lyon also a student. They later divorced and Alan then married Grant Shaffer in 2006 in a civil partnership.

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Alan is a well known writer, producer, director and actor with roles in X2: X-Men United and the Spy Kids trilogy and was awarded an OBE for his services to the arts, theatre & film and activism for LGBT rights.

Occupational records including Actor Lists are now included as part of new Diamond subscription. For full details please go to: www.TheGenealogist.co.uk/diamond

The show will follow Alan’s maternal grandfather T Darling who served during WW2 and Malayan Emergency. Will his journey to Malaysia unravel the mystery surrounding his grandfathers death aged just 35?

We would love to hear your views on this series. If you would like to leave your comments or discuss the series with other members please use our forum and follow the thread for ‘Family History Chat’ and ‘Who Do You Think You Are series 8’.

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