Whether it is Sherlock Holmes or Doctor Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch is a name that everyone is familiar with. The actor is always in the limelight and never shies away from talking about his views, his life or his work. But despite being a media darling, there are so many interesting facts about the star that people do not know about. Today, as he celebrates his 46th birthday, let’s take a look at some surprising things you might not know about. 

He Taught In India

Before studying Drama in Manchester University, Cumberbatch took a break and came to India for a year. He spent the time volunteering as an English teacher at a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Darjeeling. 

He Was Carjacked

While shooting for To the Ends of the Earth (2005) in South Africa, Cumberbatch experienced carjacking. He wrote about the experience in an article for The Prince’s Trust.

Played A Female Character In A Play

Cumberbatch essayed the role of Titania, Queen of the Fairies in Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream when he was age 13. It was one of the first roles he took up. 

Known For Impressions

The actor is known for his Alan Rickman impressions. He also did dual voice roles on The Simpsons (1989). He voiced the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister and did an Alan Rickman impression to voice Snape for one of the episodes that aired in 2013.

He Does Not Like His Name

Cumberbatch began his career as Benedict Carlton (which is his middle name), as he thought it might be a problem for his career. The actor said the surname sounds like “a fart in a bath.”

(Featured Image Credits: Instagram @benedictcumberbatch)