Benedict Cumberbatch on His Parents’ Career Advice

Benedict Cumberbatch shared that his parents, both actors, encouraged him to steer clear of acting. Despite their own success in the field, they offered him a different perspective on career choices.

In a recent episode of the podcast “Smartless,” Cumberbatch reflected on their advice, recalling how they said, “Don’t do what we’re doing. It’s a stupid way to spend your life.” He added that growing up in a household filled with unpredictable schedules due to auditions created a chaotic environment.

Even though his parents, Timothy Carlton and Wanda Bentham, had thriving careers—his mother particularly in commercial endeavors and his father in theater—they wished for him to have opportunities they felt were out of reach for them. They provided him with a solid education, hoping he might pursue a career in law or something more conventional.

However, Cumberbatch eventually found himself drawn to acting, saying he was “bitten by the bug.” He reminisced about being inspired by his parents during their prime, watching them transform into characters on stage.

Timothy Carlton is recognized for roles in productions such as “The Scarlet Pimpernel” and “Downton Abbey,” while Bentham made guest appearances on shows like “Doctor Who” and “Only Fools and Horses.” Cumberbatch noted how he was captivated by his mother’s ability to change so dramatically for her roles, which, as an only child, fed his imaginative world.

Cumberbatch’s significant break came in 2010 with “Sherlock,” which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award in 2014 for his performance. This role not only garnered multiple BAFTA nominations but also set the stage for his involvement in major films, including “The Imitation Game” and “Doctor Strange.”