Acting - Part 2
- Sherlock became a worldwide success, loved by audiences from Britain to America to Australia and everywhere in-between.
- The key to the show’s success was its modern-day interpretation of the classic detective - and of course the incredible acting talent of its leading man.
- Spy thriller Tinker Tailor Solider Spy’s film adaptation came next, with Ben taking up a key role as Peter Guillam, the assistant to lead role George Smiley, played by fellow British legend Gary Oldman.
- Even top director Steven Spielberg was aware of Ben’s acting ability. He chose him to play the character of Major Stewart in the epic film interpretation of the tear-jerking War Horse in 2011.
- Through his career, Benedict has voiced a number of audiobooks and featured in the cast of a number of radio plays, including those as diverse as Shakespeare, Blake’s 7 and Rumpole of the Bailey.
- It was this catalogue of successful voice work, along with his already well-established reputation that won Cumberbatch the role of Smaug the Dragon in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy.
- Ever the hard-working actor, Ben hasn’t kicked back and just enjoyed the Hollywood lifestyle - he reprised his role as the main protagonist in a second series of the BBC’s Sherlock, with a third set for broadcast in late 2013.
- Ben’s ultimate film role to date came in 2013 with his portrayal as the main villain in J.J. Abrams’ second Star Trek film.
- The next major role after Star Trek is in a very different direction - Ben’s portrayal of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in the biopic The Fifth Estate.
- Whatever acting roles the future holds for Ben, it is certain he will continue winning praise, awards and of course more fans!