Upon accepting a role in the new CBS crime drama, “Instinct,” the experienced vegan actor, Alan Cumming made it his mission to ensure that there were ample vegan options on set.
Cumming is an Americano-chugging, vodka-soda-loving vegan foodie. He first went vegetarian for personal reasons. “I just don’t like meat. Rotten carcasses don’t feel good inside in my body,” he said in a 2011 interview with Vegetarian Times. “I’ve also seen some horrible documentaries about the hormones and things that go into meat. On a health level, meat is so scary.” Cumming explained that he made the transition from vegetarianism to veganism due to ethical concerns. He simply stated, “I think killing to make or eat things is horrific.”
Fast-forward to his work on “Instinct”, and Cumming told the LA Times, “My immortal words: salad is not a vegan option.” As a true foodie, he wanted more than just iceberg lettuce for himself, his fellow actors, and the crew. “Teamsters would come up from behind the truck and go,’Alan, I just want to thank you for the vegan options,’” Cumming said. “All of these secret vegans came out of the woodwork.”
This is not the first time Cumming has voiced his opinion for more vegan options. In 2016, he wrote a letter to the CEO of Dairy Queen, asking the chain to provide vegan alternatives. He noted other well-established dairy brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and TCBY that offer dairy-free ice cream and encouraged the Blizzard behemoth to do the same. His request has yet to be fulfilled.
Before shooting “Instinct,” Cumming played Eli Gold in “The Good Wife,” for which he received an Emmy nomination. In the theater scene, Cumming is known for his Tony-winning portrayal of the emcee in “Cabaret,” a role he has played multiple times.
Cumming serves as an example to other vegan actors. Instead of bringing their own food to set, he encourages them to speak up and ask craft services to offer plant-based options. According to Cumming, the “secret vegans” will surely appreciate it.
Image Credit: Alan Cumming.
