Benedict Cumberbatch Biography
Benedict Cumberbatch, an English actor, is celebrated for his performances both on screen and stage. He has been honored with numerous awards, such as a BAFTA Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award. Additionally, he has garnered nominations for two Academy Awards and four Golden Globes throughout his career.
Benedict Cumberbatch Age
He is 48 years of age, Cumberbatch was born on 19 July 1976 in London, United Kingdom. He celebrates his birthday on 19 July every year.
Benedict Cumberbatch Height/How Tall is Benedict Cumberbatch?
He stands at average height of 6 feet 0 inches tall.
Benedict Cumberbatch Education
Cumberbatch possesses a solid educational foundation in drama, with a focus on classical acting. He attended Brambletye School in West Sussex and later received an arts scholarship to Harrow School in London. Additionally, he volunteered as an English teacher at a Tibetan monastery in Darjeeling, India.
He furthered his studies at Victoria University of Manchester, where he pursued drama. Subsequently graduated with a Master of Arts in Classical Acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Notably, in 2018, he assumed the role of president at LAMDA.
Benedict Cumberbatch Parent
Cumberbatch was born at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in the Hammersmith area of London. To actors Timothy Carlton (born Timothy Carlton Congdon Cumberbatch) and Wanda Ventham. He spent his childhood in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
He has a half-sister, Tracy Peacock, from his mother’s previous marriage. Notably, both Cumberbatch’s parents portrayed Sherlock Holmes’s parents on the BBC series “Sherlock,” where Benedict starred as the titular character.
Benedict Cumberbatch Wife
Cumberbatch is married to Sophie Hunter, who is known for her work as a theatre and opera director rather than as an actress. They are said to have met in 2009 and tied the knot in 2015. While Sophie usually maintains a private life, she occasionally accompanies Benedict to red-carpet events.
Benedict Cumberbatch Kids
Cumberbatch and his wife, Sophie Hunter, are known for keeping their family life private, but they are parents to three sons. Their eldest son, Christopher Cumberbatch, was born in 2015. The middle son, Hal Auden Cumberbatch, was born in March 2017 and named after Shakespeare’s character Prince Hal. Their youngest son, Finn Cumberbatch, was born in 2019.
Benedict Cumberbatch Career Debut
Cumberbatch’s career spans across stage, television, and film, earning recognition for his talent across all mediums. Since 2001, he has portrayed major roles in numerous classic plays at venues including Regent’s Park Open Air, Almeida, Royal Court, and Royal National Theatres.
Notably, he received a nomination for an Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of George Tesman in “Hedda Gabler,” performed at the Almeida Theatre in March 2005. In June 2010, Cumberbatch led the revival of Sir Terence Rattigan’s “After the Dance” at the Royal National Theatre, receiving acclaim for his portrayal of David Scott-Fowler.
He also participated in Danny Boyle’s “The Children’s Monologues” at London’s Old Vic Theatre in November 2010. In February 2011, he alternated between playing Victor Frankenstein and his creature in Boyle’s stage production of “Frankenstein” at the Royal National Theatre, earning him the “Triple Crown of London Theatre.”
He further showcased his talent in “50 Years on Stage” at the Royal National Theatre in November 2013. Playing Rosencrantz in a scene from Sir Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” Cumberbatch returned to the stage in August 2015 to portray Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” at London’s Barbican Theatre, garnering his third Laurence Olivier Award nomination for the role.
Benedict Cumberbatch Television
Cumberbatch’s early television roles include guest appearances in Heartbeat (2000, 2004). The characters Freddy in Tipping the Velvet (2002), Edward Hand in Cambridge Spies (2003), and Rory in the ITV comedy-drama series Fortysomething (2003).
He also had roles in Spooks and Silent Witness. In 2004, he landed his first major television role as Stephen Hawking in the biographical drama Hawking, earning a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Actor and winning the Golden Nymph for Television Films – Best Performance by an Actor.
He later provided Hawking’s voice in the television series Curiosity. Additionally, he appeared in the BBC miniseries Dunkirk as Lieutenant Jimmy Langley. In 2008, Cumberbatch starred in the lead role in the BBC miniseries drama The Last Enemy. Additionally, receiving a Satellite Award nomination for Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Film.
The following year, he appeared in Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple: Murder Is Easy as Luke Fitzwilliam, and portrayed Bernard in the TV adaptation of Small Island, earning a nomination for the BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also featured in Michael Dobbs’ play, The Turning Point, broadcast live on Sky Arts.
In 2012, Cumberbatch starred in the BBC and HBO co-produced miniseries Parade’s End alongside Rebecca Hall, based on the novels by Ford Madox Ford, earning him his second Emmy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie.
In February 2014, Cumberbatch appeared on PBS with Sesame Street characters Murray and Count von Count. Additionally, in 2016, he portrayed Richard III in Shakespeare’s play of the same name, as part of the second series of films for The Hollow Crown, which aired in both Britain and the United States.
Cumberbatch has also served as a brand ambassador for Dunlop and Jaguar luxury cars since 2014. In 2023, he was confirmed as an executive producer and lead role in the miniseries “Eric” for the streaming service Netflix.
Benedict Cumberbatch Radio
Cumberbatch has shown a strong fondness for radio and has contributed to numerous productions for the BBC. One of his notable radio performances includes the adaptation of John Mortimer’s novel “Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders” in 2009, where he portrayed Young Rumpole.
He reprised this role in nine more adaptations of Mortimer’s works. From 2008 to 2014, he played Captain Martin Crieff in the BBC Radio 4 sitcom “Cabin Pressure,” alongside Stephanie Cole, John Finnemore, and Roger Allam.
Additionally, he portrayed the Angel Islington in the 2013 BBC Radio 4 adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere.” In the same year, he led the BBC Radio 3 adaptation of Michael Frayn’s play “Copenhagen,” in which he portrayed the theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg.
Benedict Cumberbatch Film Success
Cumberbatch has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed period dramas, including “Atonement” (2007), “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” (2011), and “12 Years a Slave” (2013). He portrayed iconic characters such as Khan Noonien Singh in “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013) and Alan Turing in “The Imitation Game” (2014). Earned an Academy Award nomination for the latter role. He also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Strange, debuting in the film “Doctor Strange” (2016). Furthermore, reprising the role in subsequent films within the franchise.
Benedict Cumberbatch Net Worth
Cumberbatch’s net worth falls somewhere between $30 million and $45 million [US dollars]. It varies slightly depending on the source.
Benedict Cumberbatch Penguin
Cumberbatch shares an amusing, albeit unintended, connection with penguins. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in 2009, the host, Graham Norton, playfully asked him to say the word “penguin.” To everyone’s amusement, Cumberbatch had difficulty pronouncing it, saying “pengwing” and “pengling” instead. Both the audience and Cumberbatch himself found it hilarious. This humorous incident took on an even more amusing twist when Cumberbatch later narrated a BBC Two documentary titled South Pacific.
Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock
The series revitalized the legendary detective character by setting him in present-day London. Cumberbatch’s depiction skillfully captured Sherlock’s keen intellect, peculiar personality traits, and social quirks with a compelling intensity. “Sherlock” garnered widespread acclaim for its dynamic storytelling, clever dialogue, and exceptional acting.
It quickly became a worldwide sensation, catapulting Cumberbatch to global stardom and solidifying his position as a prominent actor. His on-screen chemistry with Martin Freeman, portraying Dr. John Watson, was particularly lauded. Their contrasting characters and deep bonds resonated strongly with viewers, adding depth to the series.
Benedict Cumberbatch Dr Strange
Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Dr. Stephen Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) marks another significant chapter in his career. He first brought the character to life in the 2016 film “Doctor Strange.” Additionally, portraying the journey of a brilliant yet arrogant surgeon evolving into a Master of the Mystic Arts.
Since then, Cumberbatch has revisited the role of Dr. Strange in several other MCU films, including “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018), “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), and a cameo appearance in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021). These portrayals highlight various facets of Dr.
Strange’s character, depicting him as he fights alongside fellow heroes, confronts the repercussions of his actions, and delves into the intricacies of the multiverse. Cumberbatch has become synonymous with Dr. Strange in the MCU, generating anticipation among fans for his next appearance.
Benedict Cumberbatch Smaug
In the Hobbit film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, Cumberbatch took on the role of the formidable dragon Smaug. Although the motion capture footage of Cumberbatch wasn’t directly incorporated into the final animation of Smaug, it played a crucial role. It served as a reference for the animators, enabling them to capture the essence of Cumberbatch’s performance. In addition translate it into the imposing, fire-breathing dragon depicted on screen.
Sherlock Holmes Benedict Cumberbatch Series
“Sherlock” is a British crime drama television series inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes detective stories. The show presents a contemporary take on Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, placing him in modern-day London.
Cumberbatch’s portrayal is a pivotal aspect of the series, as he adeptly embodies Sherlock’s sharp intellect. Eccentric personality, and social awkwardness with captivating intensity. Martin Freeman portrays Dr. John Watson, Sherlock’s flatmate and confidante, and their contrasting personalities and strong friendship are standout features of the show.
The series aired four main seasons from 2010 to 2017, each with three episodes. A one-off special episode aired in 2016, set in a Victorian-era fantasy reminiscent of the original Holmes stories.
Benedict Cumberbatch Autism
Cumberbatch has portrayed characters whom some viewers perceive as having traits associated with the autistic spectrum, such as Sherlock Holmes and Alan Turing. However, he has publicly spoken against labeling these characters as autistic.
He emphasizes the importance of avoiding stereotypes and recognizes that these characters possess individual and complex personalities beyond any singular diagnosis. There is a growing demand for more authentic representations of autistic characters in media.
While some people felt that Cumberbatch’s comments may have undermined this necessity, it’s worth noting that characters can exhibit traits commonly associated with autism without necessarily being explicitly identified as autistic. Additionally, actors portraying such characters may not themselves be autistic.
Benedict Cumberbatch Khan
In the 2013 science fiction film “Star Trek Into Darkness,” Cumberbatch took on the role of Khan Noonien Singh. A classic Star Trek antagonist originally portrayed by Ricardo Montalbán in the 1967 episode “Space Seed” and the 1982 film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”
Cumberbatch’s portrayal offered a fresh interpretation of the character within the context of an alternate timeline from the original Star Trek universe. In this rendition, Khan is depicted as a genetically engineered superhuman who is revived from cryogenic sleep in the future.
Benedict Cumberbatch Thrawn
Cumberbatch has been suggested as a suitable choice to portray Thrawn in a live-action adaptation, primarily because of his skill in depicting intelligent and strategic characters, traits shared by Thrawn. However, it’s important to note that Cumberbatch has not been cast as Thrawn.
The character of Thrawn is part of the official Star Wars canon, originally introduced in the Expanded Universe novels and later featured in the Disney-era Star Wars through the animated series Star Wars Rebels. While rumors of a live-action Thrawn project circulate, no official casting announcements have been made.
Benedict Cumberbatch Zoolander
Cumberbatch made an appearance in the sequel to Zoolander, titled Zoolander 2 (2016), but his role stirred controversy. The casting decision faced criticism because Cumberbatch, a cisgender man, was cast to portray a non-binary character.
LGBTQ activists expressed concerns that this perpetuated stereotypes and called for a boycott of the film. Many argued that the role should have been given to an actual non-binary actor to ensure a more authentic representation. The controversy surrounding the casting overshadowed the film to some extent, and it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as the original Zoolander.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Who
The main character in the enduring British science fiction television series “Doctor Who” is the Doctor, a Time Lord—an ancient alien who traverses time and space aboard a vessel known as the TARDIS, which typically appears as a blue police box.
While Cumberbatch’s intellect and versatility as an actor might make him a suitable candidate for the role, he has not actively sought after it. Currently, the role of Doctor Who is portrayed by actress Jodie Whittaker. As for the future, the next actor to take on the role has not yet been announced.
Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet
Cumberbatch famously took on the iconic role of Hamlet in a 2015 production at the Barbican Theatre in London. His portrayal garnered widespread praise for its sheer intensity and emotional complexity. In his performance, Cumberbatch skillfully depicted Hamlet’s internal conflicts, his seething anger over his father’s murder, and his profound reflections on mortality.
Star Trek Benedict Cumberbatch
In the 2013 science fiction film “Star Trek Into Darkness,” Cumberbatch portrayed a villainous role. The film serves as a sequel set within an alternate timeline diverging from the original Star Trek universe. Cumberbatch’s character is Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically engineered superhuman revived from cryogenic sleep in the future.
Khan is a renowned antagonist in the Star Trek franchise, initially portrayed by Ricardo Montalbán in the 1967 episode “Space Seed” and the 1982 film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” Cumberbatch provided a fresh interpretation of this iconic character.
Alan Turing Benedict Cumberbatch
Cumberbatch’s performance in “The Imitation Game” garnered widespread critical acclaim. He masterfully captured Alan Turing’s brilliance, social awkwardness, and unwavering determination in the face of prejudice. For his portrayal, Cumberbatch received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
The film played a significant role in bringing attention to Turing’s remarkable achievements and the injustices he suffered. In 2013, Queen Elizabeth II posthumously pardoned Turing for his conviction related to his homosexuality, a move influenced in part by the film’s impact.
Moreover, “The Imitation Game” sparked important conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in history and the ongoing struggle for equality. Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Alan Turing stands as a compelling testament not only to his acting prowess but also to the enduring relevance of Turing’s legacy.
Benedict Cumberbatch Netflix
Poison (2023): A dark comedy anthology film featuring four Roald Dahl stories. Cumberbatch stars in the first story titled “Poison,” playing a man who wakes up to find a deadly snake in his bed.
Benedict Cumberbatch New Movie
Eric (Limited Series): An upcoming thriller where Cumberbatch plays a puppeteer whose life takes a dark turn. No official release date yet, but expected sometime in 2024.
Benedict Cumberbatch Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- The Imitation Game (2014): Cumberbatch delivers an Oscar-nominated performance as Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician who cracked the Enigma code during World War II.
- Star Trek Into Darkness (2013): Here, Cumberbatch takes on the role of Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically engineered superhuman and villain in the alternate timeline Star Trek universe.
- Doctor Strange (2016): This is one of the many films that established Cumberbatch within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- The Power of the Dog (2021): A psychological drama film written and directed by Jane Campion. Cumberbatch plays a charismatic but cruel rancher who torments his brother’s new wife and son.
TV Shows
- Sherlock (2010-2017): The show that rocketed Cumberbatch to international fame. He portrays the modern-day Sherlock Holmes, a brilliant detective with a penchant for eccentricity.
- Patrick Melrose (2018): A miniseries following the story of a wealthy British man (Cumberbatch) struggling with addiction and trauma. Earned him a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor.
- The Child in Time (2017): A TV movie based on the novel by Ian McEwan. Cumberbatch plays a father searching for his missing child.
Benedict Cumberbatch Social Media Platforms
Cumberbatch is very active on his Twitter, and Instagram, pages. He has 287.9K followers on Twitter and 41.4K followers on Instagram.