Benedict Cumberbaatch's early life
Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch was born in London on 19 July, 1976 to actors Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham. He grew up in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea and has a half-sister, Tracy Peacock, from his mother's first marriage.
He found his passion for performing arts at a young age and was involved in various Shakespeare productions whilst attending Harrow School.
From there, Benedict went on to study drama at Manchester University before continuing his studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA). In 2018, Benedict succeeded fellow actor Timothy West as president of LAMDA.
Benedict Cumberbatch's acting career
From 2001, Benedict appeared in major stage productions and has performed at the Regent's Park Open Air, Almeida, Royal Court and Royal National Theatres. He has earned three Olivier award nominations and won the coveted gong for his performance in Frankenstein in 2012.
Benedict landed his first major television part as Stephen Hawking in the BBC TV drama, Hawking, which won him a BAFTA nomination and a Golden Nymph Award.
His breakout role, however, came in the form of the BBC detective drama, Sherlock, with Benedict in the title role. The actor was widely praised for his performance and received various nominations over the course of the three series, winning both an Emmy and Critic's Choice Award.
Benedict also has an impressive list of big screen credits to his name and has starred in several major Hollywood movies, including The Imitation Game, 1917, 12 Years A Slave and The Power of The Dog.
He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Strange in the 2016 film of the same name and has since appeared in various Avengers films.
Benedict has received an abundance of award nominations over the course of his career, including two Oscar nods. The star was also appointed a CBE in the 2015 Birthday Honours for services to the performing arts and to charity.
Benedict Cumberbatch's private life
Benedict is married to English theatre and opera director Sophie Hunter. After a 17-year friendship, their engagement was announced in the "Forthcoming Marriages" section of The Times on 5 November 2014.
The couple tied the knot at an intimate ceremony on the Isle of Wight on Valentine's Day in 2015. They went on to welcome three sons.