Benedict Cumberbatch

When British actor Benedict Cumberbatch signed for his first cinematic roles in the early 2000s, he immediately unveiled a proclivity &#8212 and a gift &#8212 for essaying a diverse array of characterizations. Cumberbatch began with BBC television productions, notably a supporting part in the lesbian-themed period drama Tipping the Velvet (2002) and the lead role of the brilliant, physically disabled scientist Stephen Hawking in the BBC telemovie Hawking (2004). Cumberbatch landed one of his… Show more first significant international crossover roles (and his first major big-screen assignment) as one of the leads in Michael Apted's arthouse hit Amazing Grace (2006) &#8212 portraying William Pitt, an 18th century British prime minister who crusaded against slavery. The actor then followed it up with a small supporting part in Joe Wright's period drama Atonement (2007). ~ Rovi

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