Last updated on the 18 March 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born 19 July 1976, Hammersmith, London, England. 

Benedict Cumberbatch grew up in a family deeply rooted in the arts. His parents, Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham, were both actors, which undoubtedly influenced his early interest in performing. He attended Brambletye School and later Harrow School, where he discovered his passion for acting. During a gap year, he taught English at a Tibetan monastery in India, an experience that broadened his perspective before pursuing higher education.

Cumberbatch studied drama at the University of Manchester and further refined his skills at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), earning a Master of Arts in Classical Acting. His rigorous training prepared him for a versatile career spanning stage, television and film.

He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series “Sherlock” (2010–2017), a role that showcased his sharp intellect and charisma. On the big screen, Cumberbatch delivered critically acclaimed performances in “The Imitation Game” (2014) as Alan Turing and “The Power of the Dog” (2021), earning Academy Award nominations for both. His versatility is evident in roles ranging from the voice of Smaug in “The Hobbit” trilogy to the mystical Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In his personal life, Cumberbatch married theatre and opera director Sophie Hunter in 2015.

The couple have three children and maintains a relatively private family life. Beyond acting, he is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting causes like refugee rights and arts education. Cumberbatch’s journey from a young drama enthusiast to an internationally celebrated actor is a testament to his talent, dedication and ability to connect with audiences across diverse genres.

WINNER|Television: Leading Actor for Patrick Melrose 2019

Suggested viewing

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8

An eccentric artist finds solace and inspiration in his wife and his whimsical cat paintings, but as his artistic style takes on a fantastical quality, the line between creativity and mental illness blurs, leaving him to grapple with love, loss and the enduring power of his feline muse.

Top cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy, Andrea Riseborough, Toby Jones, Sharon Rooney, Aimee Lou Wood, Hayley Squires, Stacy Martin, Phoebe Nicholls, Adeel Akhtar, Asim Chaudhry.

Brexit (2019)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.0

A cunning strategist leads a controversial campaign to convince voters to break away from the European Union. Employing data and targeted messaging, they exploit public anxieties, while their opponents fight a more traditional campaign. The outcome hinges on a single, momentous vote that will reshape a nation’s future.

Top cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Belcher, Malcolm Freeman, Lucy Russell, Oliver Birch, Ross Hatt, Liz White, Simon Paisley Day, John Heffernan, Lee Boardman, Kate O’Flynn, Rory Kinnear.

Hawking (2004)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

A brilliant young physicist diagnosed with a debilitating disease races against time, balancing the pursuit of groundbreaking cosmological theories with a blossoming romance, as he fights to defy a terminal prognosis and leave his mark on the universe.

Top cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Brandon, Tom Hodgkins, Christian Rubeck, Lisa Dillon, Phoebe Nicholls, Matthew Marsh, Anastasia Hille, Adam Godley, Peter Firth.

Sherlock (2010)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.1

“Sherlock” is a British television series created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss. Set in modern-day London, it follows the adventures of the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his loyal companion John Watson (Martin Freeman). The show masterfully updates the classic detective stories, blending mystery, suspense and wit in a contemporary setting.

Top cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, Louise Brealey, Mark Gatiss, Andrew Scott, Vinette Robinson, Amanda Abington.

The Imitation Game (2014)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0

“The Imitation Game” is a biographical drama film based on the life of British mathematician and computer scientist, Alan Turing. The movie portrays Turing’s work during World War II as he leads a team to crack the Nazi Enigma code, saving countless lives and making a significant impact on the outcome of the war.

Top cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Tuppence Middleton, Allen Leech, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard, Charles Dance, Mark Strong, James Northcott.

Small Island (2009)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

“Small Island” is a British television drama based on Andrea Levy’s novel. It tells the intertwined stories of Jamaican immigrants and their experiences in post-World War II Britain. The narrative explores themes of love, prejudice and identity, offering a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals from different cultural backgrounds in a changing society.

Top cast: Naomie Harris, Ruth Wilson, David Oyelowo, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ashley Walters, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Leonie Elliott.

Patrick Melrose (2018)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0

“Patrick Melrose” is a five-part television series based on Edward St. Aubyn’s semi-autobiographical novels. It follows the turbulent life of Patrick Melrose, a deeply troubled aristocrat grappling with addiction, trauma and a difficult past. The story delves into themes of privilege, family dysfunction and personal redemption, offering a compelling exploration of one man’s journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Top cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hugo Weaving, Anna Madeley, Blythe Danner, Allison Williams, Pip Torrens, Prasanna Puwanarajah.

Benedict Cumberbatch full filmography @ Wikipedia