On March 23, 2014, fans of the hit CBS legal drama, The Good Wife, were left in shock as the show killed off one of its major characters, Will Gardner, played by Josh Charles. What made this plot twist even more remarkable was the fact that the departure had been tightly under wraps, with no leaks or spoilers making their way online. However, it seems that one actor couldn't resist spilling the beans – Alan Cumming, who portrayed the character Eli Gold on the show for all seven seasons.
During a recent press event for his new Peacock series, The Traitors, Cumming confessed to being the least discreet person when it came to keeping secrets about the show. He revealed that he would freely tell people about the shocking death of Will Gardner, even volunteering the information without being asked. From hairstylists to random fans, Cumming didn't hold back from sharing this major plot point. Reflecting on his loose lips, Cumming humorously remarked, 'I told a hairdresser, which is the worst person you can tell a secret to.'
In the acclaimed episode titled 'Dramatics, Your Honor,' Will Gardner is gunned down in a courtroom, leaving viewers stunned and emotionally invested in the aftermath. Up until this point, Will had been a central character and Alicia Florrick's (played by Julianna Margulies) love interest. The subsequent episode exploring the aftermath of Will's death went on to win a Writers Guild of America (WGA) Award for episodic drama.
Cumming's admission emerged during a conversation about his new show, The Traitors, where he plays the host navigating a world of reality stars and their manipulative tactics. This role has made Cumming more conscious about keeping plot details under wraps, adopting tricks to confuse others while discussing his work.
The Traitors, which recently got renewed for a third season, sees Cumming inhabiting a character and employing his acting skills to host the show. He considers it a different experience from hosting as himself, as he gets to create a distinct persona within the framework of the series. With a wardrobe, a castle setting, and all the theatrical scheming, Cumming has truly embraced the opportunity to portray a unique character.
While fans of The Good Wife may fondly recall the shocking and unexpected death of Will Gardner, they can now enjoy Alan Cumming's talents in a new light as he takes on the role of host and manipulator on The Traitors. As he navigates this cutthroat world, Cumming's latest venture promises to keep audiences entertained and guessing at every turn.
