Biography for
Benedict Cumberbatch

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Trivia

Trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Met Professor Stephen Hawking twice before filming Hawking (2004) (TV) to prepare for the role.

Son of actor Timothy Carlton and actress Wanda Ventham.

He went to Harrow, one of the most prestigious public schools in the country. Benedict's first ever acting role was when he was still at school. He played Titania, Queen of the Fairies in the Shakespeare play A Midsummer Night's Dream. During his gap year before going to Manchester University, he spent some time teaching English at a Tibetan monastery.

His grandmother paid for his high tuition fee at Harrow.

Personal Quotes

On Stephen Hawking: "He's such a presence and you have to really know what you want to say to him or ask him because it takes such a huge, phenomenal effort for him to communicate with you. You think, 'I really don't want to waste this man's time.' I was myself rather than thinking, 'I'm a stupid actor; how on earth can I impress someone like this? I don't know what to say to make me feel worthy of playing this man.'"

Cumberbatch - it sounds like a fart in a bath, doesn't it? What a fluffy old name. I can never say it on a Monday morning. When I became an actor, Mum wasn't keen on me keeping it.

Where Are They Now

(March 2005) Beginning his run in Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" at the Almeida Theater, London, England, UK.

(April 2005) Playing George Tesman in Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" opposite Eve Best at the Almeida Theater, London, England, UK.

(February 2007) Currently co-starring in the film "Amazing Grace" playing William Pitt the Younger.

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