Benedict Cumberbatch Biography – Sherlock, Doctor Strange, Oscar Noms

🧒 Early Life & Education

Born: July 19, 1976, Hammersmith, London
Parents: Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham
Education: Harrow School, University of Manchester, LAMDA

Taught English in a Tibetan monastery during a gap year. Studied acting formally at LAMDA, laying the foundation for his theater and screen success.

🎭 Stage & Early Screen Career

Appeared in West End plays like Hedda Gabler and Rhinoceros
Gained recognition in BBC’s Hawking (2004) — BAFTA-nominated
TV roles in Tipping the Velvet, Silent Witness, and more

🔍 Breakthrough: Sherlock & Award-Winning Roles

Became globally known as Sherlock Holmes in BBC’s Sherlock (2010–2017)
Won a Primetime Emmy and earned six nominations for the role
Starred in War Horse, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and voiced Smaug in The Hobbit trilogy

🎥 Film Stardom & Iconic Characters

Oscar-nominated performance as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game (2014)
MCU’s Doctor Strange in Doctor Strange (2016), Multiverse of Madness, and Avengers films
Acclaimed roles in The Power of the Dog, 12 Years a Slave, 1917, The Courier

🎭 Continued Stage Success

Olivier Award for dual role in Frankenstein (2011)
Starred in Hamlet (2015) and After the Dance
Became President of LAMDA in 2018

🏅 Awards & Official Honors

Won: Emmy, Olivier, BAFTA TV
Oscar-nominated: The Imitation Game, The Power of the Dog
Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015
TIME 100 honoree (2014)

👨‍👩‍👦 Personal Life & Philanthropy

Married director Sophie Hunter in 2015; they have three sons
Supports Motor Neurone Disease Association, The Prince’s Trust, and more
Advocates for privacy and grounded parenting

🎬 Recent & Upcoming Projects

Netflix’s Eric (2024) drew acclaim for its emotional depth
The Roses (2025), The Thing with Feathers (2025), more via SunnyMarch production company
Ongoing role as Doctor Strange in future Marvel films

🌟 Legacy & Impact

Cumberbatch blends brilliance, complexity, and humanity in his roles—portraying geniuses like Sherlock and Turing while leading superhero blockbusters. An actor of intellect, range, and social conscience.