Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict has built up a name for himself as one of the most esteemed British film actors, earning a role as Dr Strange in the Marvel franchise.

He also secured a role as the famed detective Sherlock Holmes in a BBC series and featured in the award-winning western The Power of the Dog.

However, what many people do not know is that his parents are also huge names in the entertainment industry.

His mother Wanda Ventham carved out a successful television career for herself after rising to fame in the 1950s, while his father Timothy Carlton is an actor.

Pictured L-R: Wanda Ventham, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tracie Bennett and Timothy Carlton in 2012

Wanda, who married Timothy back in 1976, trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama before going on to star in a host of hit television shows.

The actress is best known for portraying Colonel Virginia Lake in the 1970s, while she also secured roles in the original Doctor Who series and Emmerdale Farm.

Despite her long list of acting credits, she is very well-recognised for her supporting role in Only Fools and Horses as Del Boy’s mother-in-law Pamela Parry.

Parents: However, what many people do not know is that his parents Wanda Ventham and Timothy Carlton (pictured) are also huge names in the entertainment industry

Meanwhile, Timothy, now 83, was best known for his roles in 1968’s mini series Cold Comfort Farm and 1998’s Parting Shots.

Timothy and Wanda even made an appearance in Benedict’s smash hit series Sherlock as their son’s on-screen parents.

Previously speaking about his upbringing, Benedict, 46, said his parents didn’t want him to follow in their acting footsteps .

He told The Lady magazine in 2019 that his parents ‘scrimped and saved’ to send him to a prestigious £12,000-a-term Harrow school so he could become ‘a doctor or a lawyer’.

He explained: ‘They scrimped and saved to get their only son the very best education possible.

‘And I took that education threw it all in their face and became an actor anyway.’