Benedict Cumberbatch biography, wife, net worth, height, age, kids 2025

Benedict Cumberbatch Biography

Benedict Cumberbatch is a British actor who's become synonymous with Sherlock Holmes. Though he's tackled a wide range of compelling characters throughout his career, he's made his mark playing brilliant minds and memorable villains.

Early Life and Family

Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch was born on July 19, 1976, in London, UK. His parents, Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham, were notable television actors. With that theatrical DNA, it's no wonder he caught the acting bug early on.

Newborn Benedict Cumberbatch with his parents

Interestingly, Benedict Cumberbatch is a distant relative of King Richard III, separated by 16 generations. His family tree is packed with other fascinating figures. His grandfather, Henry Cumberbatch, served as a submarine officer during both World Wars. The actor's great-grandfather, Henry Arnold Cumberbatch, served as Consul General in Turkey and Lebanon during Queen Victoria's reign.

Benedict's parents made education a priority, leading them to try several schools until they found the right match. At Harrow School, he made his stage debut, playing the role of the fairy queen Titania from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the age of 13. Under his parents' guidance, his performances wowed both audiences and teachers with acting skills way beyond his years.

Benedict Cumberbatch's debut role as Titania, Queen of the Fairies

After finishing school, Benedict traveled through Asia and even spent a year in a Tibetan monastery teaching English to monks.

Afterwards, Benedict returned to England and enrolled in the University of Manchester, where he studied drama for the next four years. He then furthered his acting skills at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, the UK's oldest drama school, earning a Master's degree in "Classical Acting for the Professional Theatre."

1994: Benedict Cumberbatch on the stage of the Globe Theater

First Roles

In 2001, Benedict Cumberbatch began performing on the professional stage. He first performed at the renowned Open Theatre in Regent's Park before making his mark at the Royal Court, Almeida, and Royal National Theatre. His standout performance in "Hedda Gabler" earned him his first major recognition - the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award from the London Theatre Community.

In 2002, Benedict Cumberbatch made his TV debut with guest roles in series like "Heartbeat," "Silent Witness," "Fields of Gold," and "Tipping the Velvet." His first feature film role was in the drama "To Kill a King" alongside Tim Roth.

Benedict Cumberbatch - Heartbeat S09E19

Though these roles weren't major breakthroughs, they were enough to land Benedict Cumberbatch a part in Hugh Laurie's "Fortysomething" in 2003, where he played the son of the main character. The show was a family comedy, so Cumberbatch had considerable screen time. Unfortunately, the series failed to find its audience and was axed mid-season.

Young Benedict Cumberbatch playing Hugh Laurie's son

In 2004, Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed physicist Stephen Hawking in the biographical film "Hawking." The role launched him into the spotlight, earning him a BAFTA nomination and the top prize at Monte Carlo's Television Festival.

2004: Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Hawking

In 2005, he appeared in the adventure series "To the Ends of the Earth," playing the young aristocrat Edmund Talbot.

Benedict Cumberbatch in 'To the Ends of the Earth'

From there, Benedict Cumberbatch became British television's go-to leading man. In 2006, he starred alongside James McAvoy in the youth series "Starter for 10", and then shifted to historical drama in "Amazing Grace". In 2007, he had an interesting experience playing twins with completely different personalities in the drama series "Inseparable".

Both the dystopian thriller "The Last Enemy" and the acclaimed drama "Small Island" wowed critics and audiences alike, scoring Cumberbatch a Satellite Award nomination and another BAFTA nod.

Benedict Cumberbatch in Fortysomething

In 2010, he portrayed Vincent Van Gogh in the documentary "Van Gogh: Painted with Words" and also voiced the Discovery series "Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking".

Benedict Cumberbatch as Vincent Van Gogh

Sherlock

Benedict Cumberbatch's talent and determination had made him a star in the UK, but he remained relatively unknown outside Britain. Then a promising BBC project came along.

Before casting began, Mark Gatiss, the writer and main producer of "Sherlock", had one strict condition: "No Hollywood celebrities!" Cumberbatch's audition tape caught his attention, and soon Benedict was reading in person. He became the first and only choice for Sherlock and was immediately cast.

Cumberbatch was the sole choice for Sherlock

Casting Dr. Watson proved trickier. Many British film stars auditioned, including Matt Smith from "Doctor Who". But Martin Freeman clicked so naturally with Benedict during his audition that the directors knew they'd found their Watson, joking, "At least they won't have to pretend to be friends."

Cumberbatch and Freeman during 'Sherlock' casting

Ben underwent rigorous pre-filming preparation. He practiced yoga and swimming daily to achieve the "slim and bony" physique the producers wanted, while also taking violin lessons from Australian actress and violinist Eos Chater.

Benedict Cumberbatch on Auditioning for Sherlock

On July 25, 2010, UK audiences got their first look at a modern take on the legendary detective's adventures. While some fans weren't thrilled with the contemporary spin on Conan Doyle's universe, most viewers found BBC's experiment bold, vibrant, and exceptional. The series quickly dominated TV ratings, with new episodes eagerly anticipated worldwide.

Modern Sherlock and Watson – Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman

The show's success wasn't all about Cumberbatch, of course—each episode delivered a gripping plot, and every frame was shot beautifully. But it was this eccentric curly-haired actor with his razor-sharp expressions who truly brought Sherlock to life.

The role of Sherlock turned Benedict Cumberbatch into a global superstar

Further Career

"Sherlock" was quickly renewed for another season. However, thanks to the showrunners' strategy of releasing episodes sporadically but with maximum impact, Benedict found himself with plenty of free time. But he didn't stay idle for long – offers from acclaimed directors across the US and Europe started flooding in.

By 2011, he delivered a brilliant performance alongside Johnny Lee Miller, both sharing the same body in the film "Frankenstein," and collaborated with Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy in the spy thriller "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy." His role as right-hand man to a British intelligence officer earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Raindance Film Festival.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: Benedict Cumberbatch and Gary Oldman

He then appeared in Steven Spielberg's "War Horse" and the drama "Wreckers," directed by independent British filmmaker Dictynna Hood.

In 2012, he starred in the mini-series "The Hollow Crown." This Shakespeare adaptation featured an impressive roster of popular British actors. For instance, Tom Hiddleston portrayed Henry V, Jeremy Irons played Henry IV, and Benedict Cumberbatch took on the role of Richard III.

'The Hollow Crown': Benedict Cumberbatch as King Richard III

In 2012, the first "Hobbit" film hit theaters, with Cumberbatch voicing the main antagonist Sauron (also known as the Necromancer). In the sequel, Cumberbatch's role expanded to include voicing the dragon Smaug. Though the character was computer-generated, motion-capture technology let the dragon mirror the actor's facial expressions. That's why Smaug bears such a striking resemblance to Benedict Cumberbatch.

Benedict Cumberbatchs Hobbit Audition Tape

In 2013, Cumberbatch played another villain in the sci-fi blockbuster "Star Trek Into Darkness". His character, Khan Singh, goes head-to-head with the heroic duo of Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine.

Benedict Cumberbatch as the antagonist of the 'Enterprise' team

That same year, Benedict Cumberbatch took on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in "The Fifth Estate" and played the sympathetic slave owner William Ford in "12 Years a Slave."

Benedict Cumberbatch as the benevolent slave owner

In 2013's "August: Osage County," he endured the psychological warfare of characters played by Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts during a brutal family dinner. Both actresses earned Oscar nominations, though Julia Roberts lost to Lupita Nyong'o for her role in "12 Years a Slave."

Benedict Cumberbatch and Julia Roberts in 'August: Osage County'

In August 2014, "The Imitation Game" premiered, bringing the brilliant cryptanalyst Alan Turing's story to the big screen. The film earned eight Oscar nominations; Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley received nominations for "Best Actor" and "Best Supporting Actress" respectively. While neither actor took home the prize (Benedict lost to Eddie Redmayne for "The Theory of Everything" and Keira to Patricia Arquette for "Boyhood"), the film did win "Best Adapted Screenplay" and became one of 2014's major cinematic events.

Benedict Cumberbatch & Keira Knightley FUNNY INTERVIEW

In 2015, Cumberbatch starred alongside Johnny Depp in the crime drama "Black Mass", and also portrayed Hamlet on the stage of London's Barbican Theatre. The play was broadcast live to audiences in many countries.

Benedict Cumberbatch urges fans not to take photos during Hamlet play

In 2016, Benedict Cumberbatch appeared in Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller's "Zoolander 2", playing a transgender model—a role that upset many of his fans. The controversy sparked an online petition that eventually gathered thousands of signatures.

But the backlash quickly died down when it was revealed that Benedict Cumberbatch, alongside Tilda Swinton, had landed a leading role in the superhero blockbuster "Doctor Strange".

Benedict Cumberbatch's Personal Life

Benedict Cumberbatch met actress Olivia Poulet while studying at the University of Manchester. Their relationship lasted for over 12 years, but in early 2011, news of their breakup became public.

The actor later had a brief relationship with designer Anna Jones.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Anna Jones had a short-lived relationship

In 2013, Benedict Cumberbatch topped the list of the sexiest male actors according to Empire magazine. His portrayal of Khan Singh in "Star Trek: Into Darkness" particularly impressed the editors, earning him the magazine's February cover.

Empire Magazine: 'Benedict Cumberbatch - the sexiest actor of our time'

After wrapping the final "Hobbit" film, Benedict was spotted with model Ekaterina Elizarova in Ibiza. She later claimed they'd been in a relationship since 2012, though the actor never confirmed this.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Ekaterina Elizarova on vacation

For a time, media outlets speculated about Benedict Cumberbatch's sexuality, though he never gave any indication of this beyond perhaps his portrayal of Alan Turing. The rumors ceased when his relationship with Sophie Hunter became public.

Benedict and Sophie first crossed paths on the set of "Burlesque Fairytales" in 2009. The two stayed close friends for five years before romance bloomed in 2014, and they managed to keep their budding relationship completely under wraps.

Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife Sophie Hunter

In November 2014, Benedict and Sophie's engagement announcement appeared in the Times newspaper's wedding section, formally listing Benedict as the son of Wanda and Timothy Cumberbatch of London, and Sophie as the daughter of Katharine Hunter of Edinburgh and Charles Hunter of London. Though newspaper engagement announcements might seem old-fashioned in today's England, Benedict emphasized that he found the tradition incredibly beautiful and would've chosen this route even without his celebrity status.

Benedict Cumberbatch's wife's wedding dress

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter tied the knot on February 14, 2015. The intimate ceremony included only their closest family and friends—among them Martin Freeman and Tom Hiddleston—with just 40 guests total.

Sharp-eyed fans spotted that Sophie was expecting during the ceremony—and they were right on the money, as she was five months pregnant at the time. Benedict Cumberbatch's first child, Christopher, arrived on the first day of summer. "I became a father and a husband, and I did it in the right order. I'm ready for a few more Cumberbabies," the actor confessed with his trademark humor.

Their second son, Hal, arrived in March 2017, followed by their third child, Finn, in October 2019.

Benedict's legendary sense of humor never fails to delight fans. Case in point: in November 2016, he starred in a brilliant parody of the iconic Macintosh "1984" commercial that Steven Spielberg originally directed for Steve Jobs back in 1984.

Benedict Cumberbatch in Apple Commercial Parody

Benedict Cumberbatch Now

Benedict Cumberbatch reprised his role as Doctor Strange in the latest Avengers movies, and his character also appeared in the third Spider-Man movie with Tom Holland. Peter Parker asks Strange to help him turn back time and stop Mysterio from revealing who's really behind Spider-Man's mask.

Benedict Cumberbatch in Spider-Man: No Way Home

Additionally, in May 2022, the second solo movie about Doctor Strange, "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," was released.

Apart from Marvel movies, Cumberbatch starred in the biographical drama "The Electrical Life of Louis Wain". In it, he portrays the British artist Louis Wain. Wain's work helped transform how people saw cats – from simple mouse catchers to beloved household pets – though the artist's own story ended tragically.

Fans also noted his role in the drama-western "The Power of the Dog". He plays Phil, a cynical, tough cowboy who seems to embody traditional masculinity on the surface. He gets locked in a psychological battle with young Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), the son of his brother's new wife. Cumberbatch himself had this to say about his character:

Phil's toxicity is a product of his upbringing and the circumstances he finds himself in. I feel I understand him. It's a part of his nature, his shortcomings, his personal tragedy. I think I can empathize with someone who takes a defensive stance, feeling oppressed and isolated in the context of his life circumstances. Everything he tries to make real in his life – when he can't fully reveal who he truly is – says so much about toxic masculinity in our world.

Benedict Cumberbatch: latest news and articles

The trailer for Wes Anderson`s black comedy featuring Benicio del Toro in the lead role has been released

8 Apr 2025

Choose the actor who looks best with a mustache

7 Aug 2022

Jennifer Flores

I liked Cumberbatch`s play on the theatre`s stage, his Hamlet is wonderful. He is strong, smart and intelligent actor.

2021-04-26 14:04:13
Ivan Padilla

Cumberbatch is quite interesting actor and well-diversified. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that he teached Tibetan monks English.

2021-04-22 21:12:09
Sharon Cummings

I guess that the descent does matter, you can feel Cumberbatch`s truly british esprit.

2021-04-14 15:28:23
Adam Brooks

Before I was thinking that to play Sherlock like Livanov did, it`s not possible and then I watched a series with Cumberbatch and realised that it is possible.

2021-03-26 14:46:33
Mary Edwards

Incredibly charismatic man! Cumberbatch can play villains and to which women draw like a magnet.

2021-03-22 14:51:51

Photos: Benedict Cumberbatch