Benedict Cumberbatch initially strayed from the family tradition of acting, aspiring instead to become a criminal barrister. Born into a lineage of established actors, including his parents, he faced encouragement towards a stable, conventional profession due to the uncertainties of an actor’s life.
His fascination with the courtroom’s performance aspect fueled his dream of law, drawn to persuasion, storytelling, and dramatic elements akin to acting. Cumberbatch noted, “I would’ve loved the performance of court, the idea of persuading people, storytelling and all that.”
His appreciation for the theatrical aspects of law and acting, revealing a deep appreciation, would guide him towards a career in acting, where his remarkable talent would bring him success and recognition.
#1 Benedict Cumberbatch thinks his name sounds like “a fart in a bath.”
Benedict Cumberbatch‘s name has often sparked amusement and confusion in media circles. The Washington Post famously dubbed him “Bandersnatch Cummerbund,” later clarifying it as a joke. He’s been mistakenly identified as “Benedict Cumberpatch,” a variation that even he admits has a certain charm.
Anticipating name-related challenges in his career, Cumberbatch initially considered using his middle name, Carlton, professionally. However, at his agent’s urging, he stuck with Cumberbatch, despite his humorous description of the surname sounding like “a fart in a bath.”
#2 Benedict Cumberbatch toyed with the idea of becoming a lawyer.
Growing up in a family of actors, Cumberbatch initially aimed for a stable career due to the unpredictable nature of acting.
His parents, who worked hard to provide him with an education, encouraged him to consider becoming a barrister, seeing parallels between courtroom persuasion and storytelling in acting.
Reflecting on his legal aspirations, Cumberbatch mentioned, “For a while, I wanted to be a barrister… I would’ve loved the performance of court, the idea of persuading people, storytelling and all that.”
#3 Benedict Cumberbatch’s parents in Sherlock are also his parents in real life.
Cumberbatch’s parents, Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham, are well-known actors in their own right. Fans of “Sherlock” may recognize them as the parents of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes on the show.
In 2014, Cumberbatch admitted to the Press Association that he was initially nervous about working with his parents. He described them as “Equity card-carrying members,” highlighting their professional background. Despite his apprehension, Cumberbatch found them to be brilliant and fantastic in their roles.
#4 Benedict Cumberbatch spent a year teaching in India.
During a pivotal gap year, Benedict Cumberbatch embarked on a transformative journey that profoundly shaped his perspective. Opting for an unconventional path, he volunteered to teach English in Darjeeling, India, displaying both his adventurous spirit and commitment to cultural immersion.
What made this year truly remarkable was not just the teaching experience, but also his profound interest in meditation and spirituality. Benedict joined a retreat led by a lama, where he engaged with a diverse group and absorbed the wisdom of his surroundings. This transformative experience left an enduring impression, describing the sensation as feeling “like floating.”
Reflecting on this period, Cumberbatch emphasized its role in his self-discovery and enlightenment. The serene Himalayan setting and the teachings of the lama expanded his consciousness, influencing his personal and professional decisions thereafter. His spiritual exploration in India added depth to his multifaceted character, contributing to the thoughtful and introspective actor he is known as today.
#5 Benedict Cumberbatch was kidnapped in South Africa.
While filming the 2005 miniseries “To the Ends of the Earth,” Benedict Cumberbatch faced a life-threatening ordeal during a scuba diving trip near Mozambique. After encountering armed men who briefly abducted him and his co-stars, Cumberbatch used quick thinking to convince them to release him from the car trunk.
Reflecting on the incident, he realized the fragility of life and the importance of pursuing his dreams more boldly. It became a pivotal moment that shaped his outlook on living a meaningful and adventurous life.
#6 Benedict Cumberbatch is easily starstruck.
During a Reddit AMA, Benedict Cumberbatch candidly shared that he often feels starstruck when meeting fellow actors he admires. Reflecting on these encounters, he admitted, “Every time I’ve met someone famous who I’ve been in the audience of, I have the same butterflies and inability to be cool.”
Despite his years in the industry, he approaches these interactions with a sense of awe, seeing himself as just another admirer of their work. Meeting actors who have inspired him throughout his life continues to be a mind-blowing experience for him, especially in recent years.
#7 Benedict Cumberbatch has been a vocal proponent of closing the gender pay gap.
Benedict Cumberbatch has taken a firm stance on the issue of equal pay in Hollywood, declaring that he refuses to participate in projects where his female co-stars are not paid equally. In an interview with Radio Times, he emphasized that equal pay and equitable opportunities are fundamental principles of feminism.
He urged the industry to scrutinize pay disparities and insisted, “If she’s not paid the same as the men, I’m not doing it.” Cumberbatch’s outspoken advocacy underscores his commitment to gender equality in the entertainment industry.
#8 Benedict wanted to become a criminal barrister.
Benedict Cumberbatch initially aimed to become a criminal barrister, diverging from his family’s background in acting. Fascinated by the courtroom’s drama and storytelling, he envisioned a career in law, seeing parallels with acting’s performance aspects.
Reflecting on his early aspirations, Cumberbatch admired the theatrical nature of legal proceedings, noting how many barristers are skilled actors in their own right through involvement in amateur dramatics.
#9 The BBC didn’t think Benedict Cumberbatch was “sexy” enough to pull off Sherlock.
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#10 Benedict Cumberbatch is (distantly) related to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
When casting Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes, the BBC initially had reservations about his suitability due to concerns over sex appeal. At the Hay Festival in 2014, Sherlock co-creator Steven Moffat revealed that the network had a history of preferring actors perceived as more conventionally attractive, citing similar feedback they received about David Tennant for the role of Casanova.
Sue Vertue, another producer on Sherlock, echoed this sentiment to Entertainment Weekly, recalling how Cumberbatch wasn’t initially seen as the “sexy” choice for the iconic detective role. Moreover, his distinctive name also posed a challenge, often requiring clarification whenever mentioned in relation to the show.
