Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood and his chameleon-like skills have blown the audience on several occasions. While the gifted actor has played various roles, the audience seems to always swoon over his haughty and smug avatar. But those are just the traits of his roles, the reality is far from it where he is a charming down-to-earth guy. For over two decades, Benedict Cumberbatch has played versatile roles like - a dragon (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), a sorcerer (Dr Strange), a detective (Sherlock) and a fictional Bengal Tiger (Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle) with finesse, panache and perfection. As the actor turns 44, here's a look at some of his classic roles:
The Imitation Game
A widely praised performance which almost earned him an Oscar, Benedict plays British computer scientist Alan Turing. As the famed mathematician and Al Pioneer, he worked as a codebreaker during World War 2, right through his infamous conviction for indecency and Homosexuality. His portrayal of Turning earned him a 2015 Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange sees Benedict Cumberbatch joining the Marvel Universe as a selfish surgeon turned selfless superhero. After a terrible accident forces him to quit his job, Strange trains with the Ancient One to become a sorcerer supreme. This is the long-anticipated break into the superhero genre that was well worth the wait. His character is an arrogant bloke brimming with snarky and entertaining comebacks. But he also undertakes a hero’s journey from crippled surgeon to master of the mystical arts.
Brexit: The Uncivil War
Based on the coveted 2016 referendum – Brexit, the movie plays out the lead-up to the event in a gripping narrative which was given its due justice by Benedict Cumberbatch. He stars as Dominic Cummings, the Campaign Director of the official designated Brexit-supporting group, Vote Leave. He leads the campaign to convince British voters to leave the European Union. The political and diplomatic role played by Benedict in this movie is simply overwhelming.
Sherlock
Benedict is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective from 221B Baker Street. The role which solidified Benedict’s star status might have been difficult to put an original stamp on Sherlock Holmes, a world-renowned character subject to countless reinventions. But Cumberbatch makes it look easy. Paired with Martin Freeman as Watson, his modern take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s seminal detective brought a fresh perspective to the famous story. Watch out for Sherlock, being aired on AXN.
Patrick Melrose
Patrick Melrose is a series where benedict plays the role of a drug addict. He evolves through the trauma of the death of his abusive father and tries to put his life back together. Benedict Cumberbatch is Patrick Melrose, the family member of a decadent and damaged aristocratic family who embarks on a one-man odyssey of redemption and recovery. Armed with considerable charm and withering wit, Patrick navigates his debaucherously life from decade to decade, from the South of France to New York and London, proving the Melrose poison is the hardest habit to break.