Acting is in Cumberbatchs genes. He was born to actors Wanda Ventham and Timothy Carlton. But do you know he wanted to be a lawyer instead of an actor? Here are some of the lesser-known facts about the actor which you should not miss if you are a true Benedict fan. Happy Birthday, Benedict!
1. In South Africa, Benedict Cumberbatch was once kidnapped
This occurred while he was in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, filming the BBC series To The Ends Of The Earth. He and his co-stars were robbed, bound with their laces, and told they were going to die. The suspects thankfully left the area.
2. Benedict Cumberbatch is not a fan of his name
He is aware that it's challenging to pronounce his name. At one point, he even made fun of himself by remarking that Cumberbatch has a "fart in a bath" voice.
3. Benedict Cumberbatch was almost not cast in Sherlock
Yes, you read it right! It was because he was told he didn't have the correct nose! When he eventually got the part, even his mother told him that. The actor wasn't "sexy enough," according to the BBC producers.
4. Benedict Cumberbatch taught in India for a year
The Doctor Strange actor decided to teach English as a volunteer at a Tibetan monastery in Darjeeling, India, during his gap year.
5. Benedict has Heterochromia iridis
The color of Benedict Cumberbatch's eyes changes. The actor has Heterochromia Iridis, a rare disorder that causes his eyes to alternately appear blue and green.
6. He is adored even by the Queen
In a customary ceremony held at Buckingham Palace in November 2015, Queen Elizabeth II presented Cumberbatch with the Commander of the British Empire honor.
