Alan Cumming, 50

Scotland born film, television and stage actor, director, producer and writer Alan Cumming turns 50 today. Cumming made his film debut in 1992's Prague. He earned the Best Actor award at the Atlantic Film Festival and a Scottish BAFTA nomination. Cumming gained an American audience with his work in Circle of Friends alongside Minnie Driver.

Cumming went on to star in GoldenEye, Emma, Spy Kids, X-Men 2, Eyes Wide Shut, Spice World, Burlesque and The Smurfs.

In television, Cumming made his breakthrough performance in the 1991 BBC series Bernard and the Genie. In the US, Cumming made appearances on Sex and the City, Frasier, 3rd Rock from the Sun, The L Word and Mystery!. He also starred in the Sci-Fi Channel miniseries Tin Man.

Cumming started his theater career in Scotland and went on to star in the productions Hamlet, Cabaret (in both the 1993 revival and the 1998 revival, the latter earning him a Tony Award), Design for Living, Bent and The Bacchae.

Cumming currently plays Eli Gold on the CBS series The Good Wife. For his role, he earned nomination for two Emmy's, two SAG awards and a Golden Globe award. He is married to graphic artist Grant Shaffer.


image courtesy of Peter West/ACE/INFphoto.com

Patton Oswalt, 46

Comedian, writer and actor Patton Oswalt turns 46 today. Oswalt started his career in stand-up. He went on to serve as a writer for MADtv and earned his own HBO comedy special in 1996.

Oswalt became well known after playing Spence Olchin on the series The King of Queens. He went on to make appearances on SpongeBob SquarePants, The United States of Tara, Robotomy, Two and a Half Men, Justified and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..

Oswalt provided his voice for the Disney animated film Ratatouille and appeared in Magnolia, 22 Jump Street, Big Fan, Young Adult and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Oswalt released five comedy album; Patton Oswalt: My Weakness is Strong and Patton Oswalt: Finest Hour received Grammy nominations. His latest album, Patton Oswalt: Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time is currently nominated for the Grammy award for Best Comedy Album.

Oswalt is married to writer Michelle Eileen McNamara. They have a daughter.


image courtesy of INFphoto.com