ACTING THE PART OF A FATHER
Danny Bowman hears him out about his passion to live in the present Benedict Cumberbatch is private, personable and has a stiff upper lip
I want my children to know what I do for a living; but I can’t sometimes because of the certification of my films
With film choices that sway from classic British period drama Sherlock Holmes to American sci-fi sorcery Doctor Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch is a mass of contradictions. Yet, having recently refuelled himself with another dose of action hero anarchy in ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ there is one constant that the 42-year-old actor keeps at all times – his passion for family life.
Most dads have big plans when it comes to dreaming of the future they hope to create for their children – whether it’s coaching their son’s football team one day, building their daughter’s playhouse or simply telling their little ones how cherished they are. But when you’re one of Hollywood’s finest film stars, your goals can be a little more unusual.
“I want my children to know what I do for a living; but I can’t sometimes because of the certification of my films. So it’s all a bit of a mystery to them,” he says with a laugh.
“We’ll all be a lot older by the time they get to see them… so yes, I would definitely like to do some child friendly work in the future,” the Brit actor reveals.
Benedict and wife Sophie Hunter, a theatre director, live in London with three-year-old Christopher Carlton Cumberbatch and Hal Auden Cumberbatch who is two. Last year, the couple revealed they were having their third child – although as private people, the conclusion to that news is still to be revealed.
It seems that the handsome Londoner (who’s the proudest of dads) has already been trying to make good on his intention to fill his portfolio with kid friendly work. After all, he voiced the villainous tiger Shere Khan in Andy Serkis’ live action film ‘Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.’
Not content with that, he loaned his vocal talents to festive fiend The Grinch in Dr Seuss’ eponymous 3D animation movie. Cumberbatch also stars in the fantasy animation Magik amongst rather more adult roles in the Cold War thriller Ironbark and World War I drama 1917.
As an actor, he is thriving both personally and professionally; but the challenges remain. “Finding the right blend between work and
What my career has given me so far is enough to look back on and say that I’m happy for now
home life is tricky because there are huge expectations attached to both,” he admits.
“But I must say this – having children has taken away nothing from my life; it has only added to it. When you’re expecting for the first time, everyone tells you how it’s going to affect your life and that your career will suffer as a result. It does affect everything but only for the better. I know I’m in a very privileged position in my career. But I think for anyone, no matter what’s happening, if you’re in a challenging part of your life, you can draw strength from your children,” Benedict elaborates.
As possibly one of the most intellectual stars on the celebrity circuit, Cumberbatch is at a point in life where he is happy to be reflective. It’s probably too early to say that the actor has achieved everything he set out to do. Nevertheless, having been born to (and having exceeded the considerable talents of his) drama loving parents, there’s certainly a sense of contentment that is beginning to pattern this professional’s work.
“What my career has given me so far is enough to look back on and say that I’m happy for now. I always want to keep moving forward but there are times when you have to reflect on the past and simply be grateful for that. I believe that’s something your children give you – a desire to live in and enjoy the moment rather than constantly yearning for the past or reaching for the future,” he muses.
For celebrity parents like Benedict and Sophie, there is also the added intrusion of the press to consider. And for a man who has always been an enthusiastic actor but reluctant star, the balance has not always been easy to maintain. However, the couple have been firm regarding the privacy of their sons with no pictures ever being released and a request in place with the UK press that all paparazzi shots featuring the children must have their faces blurred.
“You get on with it; you simply get on with it. That’s the only way I can cope with it. I love the work I do so I have to deal with the consequences – and I think I’m dealing with them as best as I can,” he affirms.