Benedict Cumberbatch Biography

Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch, an English actor and film producer, has displayed his versatility across various media platforms, including theatre, television, film, and radio. Notably, he gained recognition on the silver screen for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in the television movie Hawking (2004). He achieved household name status in 2010 for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on the British television series Sherlock (2010). Furthermore, in 2011, Cumberbatch showcased his acting prowess in two Oscar-nominated films – War Horse (2011) and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011).

Early Life

Born and raised in London, England, Cumberbatch spent his childhood in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. His parents, Wanda Ventham and Timothy Carlton (Timothy Carlton Congdon Cumberbatch), are prominent figures in the acting industry. He has a half-sister, Tracy Peacock, from his mother’s previous marriage. Cumberbatch is also the grandson of Henry Carlton Cumberbatch, a respected submarine commander, and the great-grandson of diplomat Henry Arnold Cumberbatch CMG. Additionally, his great-grandfather, Henry Arnold Cumberbatch, served as Queen Victoria’s consul general in Turkey and Lebanon.

Whilst attending Brambletye School and later Harrow School, Cumberbatch honed his artistic talents and discovered a passion for acting, which led to him receiving an arts scholarship. During his time at Harrow, he also showcased his talent in painting large oil canvases. After completing his studies, he took a gap year to volunteer as an English teacher in a Tibetan monastery in Darjeeling, India. Upon his return, he pursued a degree in drama at Manchester University, followed by further acting training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Cumberbatch excelled in his studies, earning an M.A. in Classical Acting and securing representation from an agent.

In 2001, Cumberbatch was in a romantic relationship with actress Olivia Poulet. However, in February 2015, he tied the knot with director and actress Sophie Hunter. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in June of the same year.

Profile

• Full Name: Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch
• Born: July 19, 1976
• Birth Place: Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, London, UK
• Spouse: Sophie Hunter (m. 2015)
• Parent(s): Timothy Carlton; Wanda Ventham
• Children: Hal Auden Cumberbatch, Christopher Carlton Cumberbatch
• Education: Harrow School, LAMDA, Brambletye School, The University of Manchester

Filmography

Film

• Doctor Strange
• Black Mass
• The Penguins of Madagascar
• The Imitation Game
• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
• Little Favour
• The Fifth Estate
• August: Osage County
• Star Trek Into Darkness
• 12 Years a Slave
• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
• War Horse
• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
• Third Star
• Wreckers
• The Whistle Blower
• Creation
• The Other Boleyn Girl
• Atonement
• Inseparable (short)
• Amazing Grace
• Starter for Ten
• Burlesque Fairytales (short)
• The Dark Side of the Earth (showreel)

Television

• The Hollow Crown – The War of the Roses
• Parade’s End
• Sherlock
• The Rattigan Enigma
• Van Gogh: Painted with Words
• Small Island
• South Pacific
• The Turning Point
• Marple: Murder is Easy
• The Last Enemy
• Stuart: A Life Backwards
• To the Ends of the Earth
• Hawking
• Fortysomething