Talk:Benedict Cumberbatch/Archive 1

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Van Gogh

I am currently watching Cumberbatch appearing in a docudrama about Vincent Van Goch in the title role. Does any one have the information to add this to his page? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Thetictocmonkey (talk • contribs) 16:27, 5 April 2010 (UTC)

Done, but only sketchily. Feel free to add to it and also hopefully provide citations. Softlavender (talk) 22:31, 14 September 2010 (UTC)

Article needs photo

If you or anyone you know has taken a photo of Benedict, please upload it to the article for the infobox. Thanks! Softlavender (talk) 03:14, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

How did we get that photo?

I mean genius, but how did it come to be on Wikimedia Commons and free use? Can someone explain that to me? Softlavender (talk) 13:28, 25 March 2011 (UTC)

File:Benedict Cumberbtach.jpg Nominated for speedy Deletion

An image used in this article, File:Benedict Cumberbtach.jpg, has been nominated for speedy deletion at Wikimedia Commons for the following reason: Copyright violations
What should I do?
Speedy deletions at commons tend to take longer than they do on Wikipedia, so there is no rush to respond. If you feel the deletion can be contested then please do so (commons:COM:SPEEDY has further information). Otherwise consider finding a replacement image before deletion occurs.

A further notification will be placed when/if the image is deleted. This notification is provided by a Bot, currently under trial --CommonsNotificationBot (talk) 01:55, 26 May 2011 (UTC)

Protect?

If this serial vandalism continues, I recommend that the frequent editors of this article request protection, at least for a while. Softlavender (talk) 23:56, 2 May 2012 (UTC)

Agreed. After the "Life Ruiner" vandal returned a few moments ago, I put in a report at RPP. Yunshui 雲‍水 07:01, 3 May 2012 (UTC)
Um why was this article only protected for two days? The vandalism continues apace. It needs to stay protected. Softlavender (talk) 05:08, 9 May 2012 (UTC)
Standard practice, as this article had not been protected before and there are some recent good IP edits. However I implemented 2 months protection, see if that works. --Errant (chat!) 06:08, 9 May 2012 (UTC)

New Role

http://trekmovie.com/2012/04/30/major-star-trek-sequel-spoilers-confirmed/

Is that a strong enough source to go ahead and write "he's playing Khan"?--Ten-pint (talk) 20:02, 9 May 2012 (UTC)

Of course not. – Smyth\talk 05:30, 10 May 2012 (UTC)

Necromancer / Smaug

Could someone amend the article - it claims twice that he's doing motion capture for the Necromancer and just voicing Smaug, whereas it's actually the other way round (he's voicing AND doing motion capture for Smaug, i.e. playing Smaug, but only the voice of the Necromancer). Thank you! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86 .141.230.89 (talk) 13:47, 4 December 2012 (UTC)

Actually, it says it three times. Also, is it worth including his upcoming roles in Neverwhere (radio) and also the Brian Epstein and Julian Assange biopics (don't know if the last two are a bit speculative for Wikipedia)

"at university" needs changed

To either the name of the university itself, or to "at their university", etc. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 142.197.96.126 (talk) 19:37, 17 January 2013 (UTC)

Edit request on 9 April 2013

I am requesting a change of the 2 pictures of Benedict Cumberbatch on this page. I have heard several people talk of them recently, and how they are not the most flattering pictures of him. A main concern is that it is not doing justice to the actor. That is all. There are more appealing images of him to be found all over the internet, and all I ask is that the two on the page are changed to ones more suitable. Thank you! LunaMayaBen (talk) 01:44, 9 April 2013 (UTC)

Not done:. Those two photos are ones that Wikipedia has rights to use. We can't use just any photo found on the internet. If you can find a photo that has licencing permitting Wikipedia to use it, please upload it and then it can be considered for inclusion. WP:IUP for more details. RudolfRed (talk) 02:57, 9 April 2013 (UTC)

Edit request on 9 May 2013

Many reviews/news outlets are reporting after the Sydney premier that Benedict Cumberbatch is indeed playing Khan. It is completely obvious to any Star Trek fan also. Just because J.J. Abrams or Cumberbatch have not specifically said it does not mean it doesn't need to be included. Did James Cameron have to say that the Titanic was going to hit an iceberg before they put it in. If you need citations, go to the Star Trek into Darkness page, there are many. This is the only Star Trek related page not allowing the edit. 64.134.124.198 (talk) 13:55, 9 May 2013 (UTC)

Not done: please make your request in a "change X to Y" format. -Nathan Johnson (talk) 15:48, 9 May 2013 (UTC)

The Star Trek spoiler should not be in the introduction of this page for those who have not seen the film yet (it was only just released), it is not essential for this information to be in the first paragraph of this actor's biography. Nor do I think it needs to be included in the page at all, if readers are interested in the film they can read about the character on the Star Trek Into Darkness wikipedia page 115.64.153.5 (talk) 12:24, 15 May 2013 (UTC)

Method Acting

Cumberbatch's Method Acting [1] deserves mention. His Star Trek accolades owe much to the Method. Olinga (talk) 18:02, 11 June 2013 (UTC)

New image

Hi, just wanted to leave a note here that I changed the image out; I found a new free one on Flickr that gave a more face-on view and was of (marginally) better quality. Best, Keilana|Parlez ici 23:39, 14 June 2013 (UTC)

Why did they give him the last name "Cumberbatch"??? Where did THAT name come from???

Why did they give him the last name "Cumberbatch"??? Where did THAT name come from??? Thanks in advance to anybody who knows. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.144.114.164 (talk) 19:39, 27 March 2012 (UTC)

To me, it sounds like a very old name indeed, and would take a guess that it's uncommon, and would also take a guess that it could be uniquely ethnic. Who knows. --Τασουλα (talk) 19:50, 27 March 2012 (UTC)
According to ancestry.co.uk, the name 'Cumberbatch' is a habitational name for someone from Comberbach in northern Cheshire, named with the Old English personal name Cumbra (originally a byname meaning 'Cumbrian') or the genitive plural of Cumbre 'Britons' + Old English bæce 'stream in a valley'. The name was brought to England during the wave of migration following the Norman Conquest, where the family held the title of Lords of the Manor of Comberbach, in the Parish of Great Budeworth. [1] [2] — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.8.38.134 (talk) 12:32, 23 June 2013 (UTC)

Massive 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Spoiler in opener

Whether we allow spoilers or not, his name is not stated in the movie to be "Khan Noonian Singh", so the sentence is factually incorrect, and can be corrected on that basis alone (at least simplifying it to "Khan").

So his character is Khan? Kinda disappointing to see that. 109.152.185.71 (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 12:47, 15 May 2013 (UTC)

Yes can we PLEASE have that removed?? Or at least replace it with "John Harrison" so we don't have the movie's biggest twist spoiled during opening week. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.169.135.239 (talk) 06:37, 20 May 2013 (UTC)

It seems rather absurd to me to have that in the lead as well, but apparently some people think "an encyclopedic purpose is being served." I tried to remove it and my removal of the information was reverted (twice). RobertM525 (talk) 05:46, 30 May 2013 (UTC)

Every other character he is listed as playing is mentioned by name in the lede so, for consistency, that particular character's actual name should be included as well. Cumberbatch is also mentioned as one of the two actors to play the part in the lede of the Khan Noonien Singh article.Shearonink (talk) 11:27, 30 May 2013 (UTC)
Except that that isn't his name in the movie. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.176.229.8 (talk) 01:42, 1 July 2013 (UTC)

Personal Life

This is a minor grievance, but in the personal life section, Cumberbatch's friend Katia Elizarova is described as a lawyer and model. To my knowledge, she is not and never has been licensed to practice law. She claims to have graduated from university with a concentration in law, which indicates nothing more than a basic degree. Would strongly recommend that the mention of her be changed to simply "model Katia Elizarova". — Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.75.244.115 (talk) 08:29, 26 July 2013 (UTC)

I went ahead and fixed this. RSTRNER (talk) 02:12, 27 July 2013 (UTC)

Addition to other work section

Benedict has just recorded a new voiceover for radio adverts for FSCS - the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which launched on air on 5 August 2013. The ads will help people to know their savings are protected by FSCS. [3].

I would be grateful if you could add this to his Wiki entry accordingly. Many thanks Melissa Mdulling (talk) 14:38, 6 August 2013 (UTC)

Mdulling (talk) 14:38, 6 August 2013 (UTC)

Nightjar reference link outdated

It doesn't work anymore. It's much better to link to a page at the actual creators of the game, with Benedicts picture and all. http://www.somethinelse.com/content/projects/case-study-the-nightjar/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by Svedja (talk • contribs) 18:18, 9 August 2013 (UTC)

Fields of Gold

Why is Fields of Gold (tv movie, 2002) deleted from Benedict's filmograhy? Taruaa (talk) 16:23, 29 August 2013 (UTC)

Corrected Radio info for Metamorphosis

I have changed the radio play so that metamorphosis is a link. I also changed the date as this pay was first transmitted in May 2008 as shown on this BBC page http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007d9kj/episodes/guide

I hope this is ok, please let me know if there is a problem with this minor edit.

Amanda138a (talk) 00:56, 6 September 2013 (UTC)

I have tagged the article for cleanup as the second paragraph of the lead is not a summary of the subject's most important aspects per WP:LEAD. C679 18:12, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Don't see anything wrong with it. Those were the roles that garnered him critical and commercial success over the years, may it be lead or supporting in any medium. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 030891posts (talk • contribs) 20:43, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Nothing wrong with the roles that made him famous but it's the part about the future roles in the second paragraph of the lead which I find inappropriate. It would be more fitting to have an "upcoming projects" section or similar but certainly not the lead. C679 21:26, 28 October 2013 (UTC)
Article amended, tag removed

Edit request on 28 October 2013

I believe that the main profile image should be changed to something more recent, due to this picture being over 2 years old. Benedict looks rather different now and so it would helpful to all to show a picture which reflects him currently. Thank you. Anna-Rose-21 (talk) 22:18, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

File:Http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ujoVVZN0IH3swfq4vVN7ZA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-CA/blogs/tiff/130914b-benedict-cumberbatch.jpg
Benedict Cumberbatch at the Toronto Independent Film Festival, September 2013
Not done: Thanks for the suggestion. It isn't really necessary to have up-to-the-minute images, and this one doesn't seem all that different. If you want to proceed with this, can you say who this image belongs to? We need to make sure we don't get into copyright issues, as I'm sure you'll agree. Regards, --Stfg (talk) 23:50, 28 October 2013 (UTC)
P.S. Pulling in images that way doesn't work. You have to upload them here or to Wikipedia Commons first. But please don't upload other peoples' copyright-protected images. Best, --Stfg (talk) 23:58, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Adding his work on the Late Night Tales series

He narrated so far three stories on the Late Night Tales series but they are not mentioned on his wiki page. Perhaps a discography section could be added listing those albums and/or his work could be mentioned under "Other work".

Late Night Tales: Friendly Fires

Late Night Tales: Röyksopp

Late Night Tales: Bonobo

Pomorigam (talk) 03:26, 7 November 2013 (UTC)

Grammar mistake?

In the section 'Early Years', it says, 'Cumberbatch's drama teacher, Martin Tyrell, called him "the best schoolboy actor" he has ever worked with'. Shouldn't that be, 'Cumberbatch's drama teacher, Martin Tyrell, called him "the best schoolboy actor" he had ever worked with'? (unsigned request)

adding edit semi-protected, this looks like a correct change. 78.43.79.189 (talk) 11:10, 31 December 2013 (UTC)
Agreed and Done, thanks. Adrian J. Hunter(talk•contribs) 12:26, 31 December 2013 (UTC)

Edit request

Please correct the spelling Pheonix -> Phoenix in the reference in the Film section. Thanks. 78.43.79.189 (talk) 11:10, 31 December 2013 (UTC)

Well spotted,  Fixed. Now please create an account as Wikipedia needs you! Adrian J. Hunter(talk•contribs) 12:26, 31 December 2013 (UTC)

Media attention

I just don't see why his internet presence should not be mentioned because it has been the subject of in depth discussions by Vulture and other articles referenced...

I also think the Foreign Policy report about China should stay. Even Cameron in his state visit in the country was asked about Cumberbatch and his show as reported by Time and other news outlets. That's international media attention and the section isn't exclusively for American/UK press anyway. Skylar Jean (talk) 20:27, 1 January 2014 (UTC)

None of the cited articles reference that " a new wave of Chinese viewers have turned to British television". [2] [3] [4] That Cameron had one Q&A question on a Chinese forum about Cumberbatch isn't significant. Internet profiles change every two minutes. Updates on momentary internet excitement smacks of recentism, reflecting Twitter-type hysteria, newspikes and minuscule clickbait media stories. The article is not a Cumberbatch fansite for daft minutiae. Let's keep things encyclopaedic and write as if we are going for GA. None of this would last 2 minutes in a GA review. Span (talk) 22:52, 1 January 2014 (UTC)
Agreed with Span. It doesn't belong in a encyclopedia but more of a fan forum which wiki is not. Lady Lotus • talk 00:48, 2 January 2014 (UTC)

Using html in articles

We don't use html <br> tags to create lists as it is a nuisance for non-visual user agents. We have a perfectly good means of creating proper lists that are visually similar but which a screen reader, for example, can recognise as a list. There really is no good reason for making the experience of visually-impaired visitors worse when a simple solution is available. --RexxS (talk) 19:05, 23 January 2014 (UTC)

I don't think anyone would argue against this or did I miss something? LADY LOTUS • TALK 19:11, 23 January 2014 (UTC)
I think you may be responding to my edit which was attempting to undo an infobox formatting error only. I wasn't making a comment on listing, tagging, html etc. Span (talk) 21:06, 23 January 2014 (UTC)
As I've already pointed out on your talk page, that wasn't the edit you reverted. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 09:21, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
And I, in turn, explained. Span (talk) 14:07, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
But I'm still left to restore accessibility after Mojomuning removed it again without discussion. --RexxS (talk) 18:14, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
What problem does Mojomuning have with it? Span (talk) 22:19, 24 January 2014 (UTC)

Audio clip

An freely-licensed audio clip of a subject is is just as much value as a freely-licensed photograph. There is no consensus not to add the clip, so I will restore it pending cogent discussion here on why it might be unsuitable for this article. If anybody can find a better freely-licensed clip of Cumberbatch, then I'd encourage them to replace the present one with it. --RexxS (talk) 18:55, 23 January 2014 (UTC)

I don't see the problem with having it. The clip is good quality. LADY LOTUS • TALK 19:10, 23 January 2014 (UTC)
My problem with this clip, and many of the dozens of others uploaded in the last few days, is the truly awful editing. The clip begins in the middle of an idea, in the middle of a sentence (as do most of the others). It begins "...you can't get them to do anything, they think it's you and they know that and think 'I will eat grass on a vertical slope of about 90 degrees till you slide off my neck into a bramble bush', which is pretty much my abiding memory of my 12 year old self trying." By the end of this half of a very long sentence you start to get the impression he's talking about learning to ride a horse. Such a quote would never fly in an article, if written. The only value the clip has is in hearing the actor's voice. "I started on a slow horse, quite a small horse, then a bigger slow horse". The segment alos finishes in the middle of a sentence.Surely the editor could have found a more generically useful section to lift from the whole of the Front Row interview. I say the clip has no place in the article as is. Span (talk) 21:24, 23 January 2014 (UTC)
"The only value the clip has is in hearing the actor's voice." Quite: that's what it's for. That's rather like saying that the "only" value in a photograph is that it shows us what the subject looks like. However, if you can find anther clip, meeting these criteria, which you believe is preferable, then I will ask the BBC to consider releasing it under the same open licence. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 09:19, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
I tend to agree with Span, while the clip is of good quality, it's of a random segment of an interview that a user will have no idea what he is referring to. If it started out with "I'm Benedict Cumberbatch" or something along those lines of introducing himself, I think the clip would work better. LADY LOTUS • TALK 13:03, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
Even if it began at the beginning of a sentence, it would be better; such as at 25 secs: "The day after I finished, after a dance one night, I got into a car..." I disagree that the point of the clips are just for the voice. They have to make coherent sense for the listener, just as an article image has to meet criteria of clarity. Span (talk) 14:05, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
Andy managed to get the BBC to release a large number of audioclips under a license that allows us to use them on Wikipedia, but time spent on precision cropping of the samples on the day would have meant fewer clips obtained. If the the clips need cleaning, then it can be done - you could even do it yourself. I've now cropped Benedict Cumberbatch's clip and used that in the infobox. See if that meets your objections? --RexxS (talk) 18:08, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
the sound quality is great. but should it really be included in the infobox? the clip is solely necessary to provide complementary resource on his voice work. And by that the clip should be one of his narrations and not a random interview.Mojomuning (talk) 18:20, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
Is there anyway it can be moved to somewhere in the article instead of the infobox? LADY LOTUS • TALK 18:24, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
I just tried playing it and now it's not working. It presents lots of problems. the user who obtained rights to the bbc should be informed to look for a narration or a clip of his radio works and not an interview where he talks about random things like horses. and it should not be on the infobox but in the radio section of his page.Mojomuning (talk) 18:30, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
(edit conflict) I still maintain that in our multi-media encyclopedia, we should consider audio in the same way that we consider images: where it adds to the understanding or recognition of the subject, we should be including it. Spanglej above linked to the guidance for images at Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Images #Pertinence and encyclopedic nature, but we need to read all of that advice, "Images for the lead ... It is very common to use an appropriate representative image for the lead of an article, often as part of an infobox ... For most topics, the selection of a lead image is plainly obvious: a photograph or artistic work of a person". I believe that the same criteria should apply to a clip of a person's voice. It doesn't have to make a distinct encyclopedic point, but aid identification of the subject for the visitor, in just the same way that the lead image does. Remember, not everyone can see that image, and not everyone has access to Cumberbatch's filmed roles.
Ideally, we would want one of his narrations, but what's the chance of getting one released under a free licence? Just as we can't use non-free images when a freely-licensed alternative is available per WP:NFCC number 1, we can't justify audio clips that are non-free when the BBC is kindly releasing clips for us to use. That limits us to where Cumberbatch has appeared on the BBC, but beggars can't be choosers, and I'm happy that we've made a small breakthrough. Naturally, if you're aware of a better freely-licensed audio performance by Cumberbatch, we should jump at the chance to use it. In the meantime, I still believe that the article is improved by the addition of the present audiofile, even if there is room for further improvement. Cheers --RexxS (talk) 18:40, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
I have just successfully played the clip in Chrome, Firefox and Opera browsers. With Internet Explorer, I have to open the clip in an external player - but that was the same with the previous clip. Is anybody else having problems playing FLAC files? --RexxS (talk) 18:46, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
Here's a narration he did, I don't know how one can obtain license. But I think it's easier in this case. http://www.mobydickbigread.com/chapter-58-brit/Mojomuning (talk) 18:59, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
Thanks for the link. It looks interesting, but the copyright notice on that page reads "Copyright: Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University. The Moby-Dick Big Read is not for profit and cannot be sold, either as a whole or in part, without permission from Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University, UK." That pretty much excludes an upload to Commons which requires at least a CC-BY-SA licence. I suppose someone could write to them and ask them to release it under a compatible licence. --RexxS (talk) 19:09, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
are audio samples from amazon or itunes under free license?Mojomuning (talk) 19:30, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
Sadly, no. For us to put audio files onto Commons, they have to be available for anybody to edit, re-use or adapt for any purpose whatsoever - and that includes commercial re-use, so very few established artists are going to give their work away free, potentially for others to re-sell. That's why it is such a big deal that Andy has been able to get the BCC to release those interviews where they hold the copyright. The only other decent alternative in the past has been for a Wikimedian to do an interview with an artist - not always easy to arrange. --RexxS (talk) 01:19, 25 January 2014 (UTC)
The audio clip is not an example of his radio drama work, nor is it about his radio drama work. It thus has no relevance in the section about his radio work. Its purpose is to illustrate what he sounds like, in the same was as the image in the infobox is to illustrate what he looks like. There is no need to repeat the title of the programme it is taken from; nor to explain what he talks abut (if people want to do that, there is a need for volunteers to translate this and similar clips into Timed Text captions, on Commons). Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 21:57, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
I am appreciative of all the work that has gone into uploading the many audio clips and grateful to the BBC for giving them under a free licence. I recommend that clean up and editing be done before adding them to articles. I don't think the clip now beginning "and think 'I will eat grass on a vertical slope of about 90 degrees till you slide off my neck into a bramble bush'" is a great improvement, though, thanks Rex for giving it a shot. I will get involved in the BBC audio project and help re-edit clips. Andy, I don't see any clear consensus yet arrived at for re-adding the clip. I see you have done it anyway. Span (talk) 22:12, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
No, I have not. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 22:21, 24 January 2014 (UTC)
It was I who re-added the clip that I edited - really to show folks that we can clean up the raw material, and I'm sorry you didn't find it much of an improvement. However, I'm eternally the optimist and I'm hugely encouraged that you are going to get involved in improving the clips. Thank you. --RexxS (talk) 01:19, 25 January 2014 (UTC)
@Andy; I'd suggest that it's definitely a good idea to give context to the clip, in cases like this, even if the intent is only to serve as an example to his voice. Largely to avoid confusing readers :) In the case where it was him saying e.g. "My name is..." etc. then I'd have a different view - but given the content of this clip it seems important. I do have some concerns about the entire project, though, which I will raise on that project page. --Errant (chat!) 10:34, 25 January 2014 (UTC)

Factual correction - Early Years

In the early years section of this article it mentions that Benedict Cumberbatch played Titania in Midsummer Night's Dream "when he was 12". He was actually 14, nearly 15, at the time as the production took place in May 1991. Source is here: http://www.harrowassociation.com/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=631 where you'll find links to pdfs of the cast list and the programme cover (showing the dates of the performances as 16th-18th May 1991). — Preceding unsigned comment added by 46.30.55.65 (talk) 12:25, 10 January 2014 (UTC)

He has been visiting Greece from the age of 5 with his parents on vacation and can speak Greek, if not fluently, but well. His family still have friends his age and his parents still have friends their age that they visit. Evidence: Interview with George Satsidis. This would be on Youtube. 124.177.136.58 (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 00:42, 31 January 2014 (UTC)

Religious beliefs

Benedict Cumberbatch has many talented fans, but he is not a Buddhist. He stated here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsFapm-IbrE "No, I’m quite a rationalist. I’m not superstitious. I think life is too full of natural wonders and logical complexities to worry about illogical things." So one could say he is "Agnostic". And as he is godfather to his friend's son and the church which baptised him wouldn't allow that if Benedict wasn't a christian, he might be an agnostic christian. --91.10.41.117 (talk) 15:35, 1 February 2014 (UTC)

For many (including myself) Buddhism is more/just a school of thought or philosophy rather than a spiritual religion so to speak. This appears, judging from the source provided, to be how Cumberbatch views his Buddhism. And not all churches disallow non-Christians from being God Parents. --Somchai Sun (talk) 22:32, 9 February 2014 (UTC)

His family’s dark, dark history

Abraham Cumberbatch, Benedict’s seventh-great-grandfather, purchased the Cleland Plantation in 1728 and it remained in the family until slavery was abolished in the 1830s, when it was owned by Benedict’s great-great- great-grandfather, Abraham Parry Cumberbatch. Slavery built the Cumberbatch fortune, which at its height in the mid-18th century made them one of Britain’s wealthiest families, owning at least seven Barbados sugar plantations and a stately home near Taunton, Somerset.

Abraham senior’s 1750 will, a hint of the degree to which human beings were treated as beasts of burden. One paragraph stipulates: ‘My plantation be kept staffed with 250 negro slaves and 150 head of cattle.’

Benedict Cumberbatch has also revealed that his mother, had urged him not to use his real surname professionally, in case it made him a target for reparation claims by the descendants of slaves.

Caricom, announced that it was launching legal action against Britain, the Netherlands and France, seeking reparations for citizens of the 14 countries whose ancestors were victims of slavery.

— Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.10.41.117 (talk • contribs) 15:36, 1 February 2014‎

I wonder who posted the above? Could this have something to do with a personal hunger for reparations? You have not seen fit to leave your name. According to your own information, the Cumberbatch family have not been slave owners for one hundred and eighty four years. Benedict Cumberbatch, of course, has never owned slaves. The Daily Mail article bid to "atone sins"--with reparations?--refers to sins of which he was never guilty. Younggoldchip (talk) 16:48, 14 February 2014 (UTC)

Lead etc.

I see that the latest incarnation of some sock has been by to check on this article, as seen here. The problem with socks--well, we all know what they are. This sock and their master, however, are doubly problematic since they don't seem to know much about article writing. No, a lead is not supposed to be an enumeration of roles or credits. I don't know if this Fairyspit (what a revolting name) is the inventor of that sidebar, but the sidebar is ridiculous and needs to be deleted: it spells "f a n p a g e". I also don't know if Fairyspit is the master/mistress of all this "known for" tripe, but that also needs to go. Fairyspit, if you want any of your edits, made under the next incarnation, to stay, you're going to have to start writing them better. Good luck with that. Drmies (talk) 01:02, 16 February 2014 (UTC)

  • BTW, I encourage edits to the lead: what I jotted down is little more than a sketch. Drmies (talk) 01:04, 16 February 2014 (UTC)
Actually I am the creator of the sidebar and many others and as I've explained when putting them back after your removal, many actors have this on their page if they have a seperate page for their awards and credits. It helps with navigation for users and is completely appropriate to have on a page. I don't see anything "fanpage" about it. Look at Julianne Moore, George Clooney or Russell Crowe. LADY LOTUS • TALK 16:39, 16 February 2014 (UTC)

Mocap work

(not sure if this is proper to do but im pasting the conversation here so others can weigh in, it's form lady lotus page and i opened up the discussion, i just don't want to repeat my points again)

hi. i just want to emphasize that cumberbatch didn't just provided the voice but also the motion capture for smaug and the necromancer. this should be mentioned in the lead. it's highly publicized as seen here, http://www.hypable.com/2013/05/13/benedict-cumberbatch-reveals-how-he-convinced-peter-jackson-to-let-him-motion-capture-smaug/, http://screencrush.com/benedict-cumberbatch-the-hobbit-smaug-motion-capture/, http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2013/12/12/benedict_cumberbatch_sees_smaug_as_sexy.html.

If you want video proof ( around 0.52 mark), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31-XS3tSZcE

i have also an issue about his theatre work in the first paragraphs of the page. there is no proof that he started in 2001, we just know that his first credits appeared and was documented in 2001. that's unreliable and pure conjecture. same with his professional stage debut in love labour's lost. unlike hawking which was explicitly reported as his first lead role in television, his work in love labour's lost is hardly mentioned in his profiles and as i checked in his credits page it didn't even have a reliable source to begin with. cumberbatch was just mentioned in a review. i think it is better to mention his work in after the dance or frankenstein as they are performed in a world-class theatre, he is the lead actor in both, it's highly publicized and are his most known theatre works, and he has also received loads of awards for both including "the triple crown of london theatre" for frankenstein. he talks about both extensively here http://vimeo.com/86804331 and says that the two productions are milestones in his work in theatre.122.100.200.112 (talk) 05:04, 18 February 2014 (UTC)

First off, is this Fairyspit? Just yes or no. Second, if you want the fact that he did the motion capture for smaug and the necromancer also, put it in the body of the article instead of trying so hard to put it into the lead. The lead is more of a summary and it's mainly the voice that people know him for for those films. Yes, the motion capture is important but you can go into more detail into the body of it instead of loading down the lead.
As far as his theatre work, I see no reason to have Love's Labour's Lost because it was his first documented stage work with a source saying it was. But Frankenstein can also be added because yes it is a notable work he was in. You have to understand that sometimes editing Wiki isn't always going to go your way and sometimes things aren't going to be added because other users won't find it notable. You can't edit war with people just to get your way. It's not how this works. There has to be consensus. LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:42, 18 February 2014 (UTC)
no. why are you accusing everyone of being fairyspit?
i just don't get the double standard here. andy serkis has always been credited for his motion capture work but when cumberbatch does it, it's not motion capture but just voice. in reviews, in promos, in profiles he's credited as such so saying that "people know him only for that" is subjective. better put in entire factual work. it's a short description about his work which is factual and yet it's being deprived in this page. it's not an elaboration it's the work itself. this just further proves that motion capture work is unrecognized. also, the children's monologue is simply a charity event and compared to his other theatre work is simply insignificant and should either be mentioned in his theatre section or his charity work and definitely not the lead. after the dance should be included instead of it. i have found an article stating that it's his first lead role in theatre so that's a milestone and much more significant than a one-off event for an organization. http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/starinterviews/benedict-cumberbatch--stepping-into-the-lead-6475519.html122.100.200.112 (talk) 13:46, 18 February 2014 (UTC)
Because Fairyspit has an obsession with Cumberbatch and was also really big on emphasizing the need to add the motion capture to his lead. I asked, I didn't accuse.
I added The Children's Monologues because it's when he first worked with Danny Boyle on it along with Frankenstein. Theres nothing wrong with having it in the lead just because it's not the one you are obsessing over. I made an entire paragraph dedicated to his voice AND MOTION CAPTURE in the hobbit series in his film section. Boo hoo that it isn't in the lead. Andy Serkis did full body, head to toe, worked in the film in the motion capture suit, while it's just Cumberbatch's face so that might be why it's more pronounced in Serkis' lead.
Granted I skimmed and didn't fully read every word of the source you gave, but I don't see anywhere where it says it's his FIRST big lead. Just that it's a lead. LADY LOTUS • TALK 14:00, 18 February 2014 (UTC)
it's just that i am a motion capture artist myself and i don't understand when people disregard the art form. and if you cared to watch the videos i have provided (to verify facts, of course), cumberbatch also did "full body, head to toe, worked in the film in the motion capture suit" (if that's your criteria of doing motion capture, facial capture is motion capture by the way). the lack of knowledge about it shouldn't be the basis of it not being recognized. here are screen caps: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BgwTRx-IUAAY-eQ.jpg:large And here is a moving one: http://24.media.tumblr.com/df78e48ee80e78487cbcdda9d7a3e373/tumblr_n0ume5j79o1scj2tlo2_400.gif
is it really significant to mention the first time he worked with danny boyle? reading it, you didn't even mention it as his first time working with boyle so i don't really get what's significant about having it there. if you check his credits and have knowledge in plays, all his roles before after the dance and frankenstein are supporting roles. come to think of it, it is way better to include hedda gabler in the lead even if its a supporting role rather than the charity gala that is the children's monologue because he was nominated for an oliver award (UK's tony's) for it. and if you cared about the BAFTA video i have provided it mentions after the dance and frankenstein as big turning points in his career. i am just presenting two plays that are more significant and he's more well known at (award recognition, constant attribution in the press) than love labour's lost (claiming it as his first professional role is a leap from just a review, hardly mentioned in the press) and children's monologue (a one-off charity event that didn't even attracted theatre critics to review as a legit play, also hardly attributed to him)122.100.198.237 (talk) 14:32, 18 February 2014 (UTC)
1. neither are reliable sources. 2. from those sources it looks like just his face. 3. I made an entirely new edit to talk about nothing BUT the motion capture. 4. it's now in the lead. 5. why are you coming to me to change the plays in the lead? why not the talk page? LADY LOTUS • TALK 14:46, 18 February 2014 (UTC)
Also, the reason I put Love's Labour's Lost in the lead, because it was his 1st professional theatre gig and the start of his professional career. After the Dance and Frankenstein weren't until 2010 and 2011. Frankenstein is added but don't just disregard Love's Labour Lost. LADY LOTUS • TALK 14:53, 18 February 2014 (UTC)
if you watch the video he was doing full body work. it's from official promotional material/behind the scenes from warner brothers. how reliable can that get? and he has detailed the process of mo-capping in the interviews (provided, also from reliable sources with actual quotes). it just saddens me that people still have a very hard time accepting performance capture.
i opened this discussion here because you were the one who edited and added the plays (viewing from history). what does it matter if after the dance and frankenstein happened in 2010/2011? it doesn't change the fact that those two are his first and most high profile lead roles (they're both performed a the royal national theatre, you can't be bigger than that in the west end ). he started onscreen in 2000 (no reliable sources either, just pure chronology) and his first television lead didn't came in 2004 and his breakout role didn't happen until 2010. since you're also asking me for concrete evidence to say that after the dance and frankenstein are his more well known plays as they're leads and constantly attributed to him by the press (all provided) i would just like evidence from reliable sources (not just a review) about love's labour's lost being his "first professional acting gig on stage" too because claiming it thus simply based on chronology is a weak argument. especially because he also did a midsummer night's dream in 2001 and the reviews didn't specify the dates. what if midsummer came fist rather than love's labour's? that's misinformation already. we need to be sure about these things. why not just follow the pattern of his TV work for great flow/pattern as well. mention after the dance as his first lead/appearance at the royal national theatre like what you did with hawking and mention his most well-known, most recent and acclaimed work (like sherlock on tv) on stage which is frankenstein. i'm not battling you with this, i just want cooperation for the improvement of the page. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 180.191.132.80 (talk) 15:43, 18 February 2014 (UTC)
(yes i am the IP that started this discussion, now created an account) added Hedda Gabler and After the Dance as "notable works" because (1) he has leading role/ major supporting role in both (2) they're west end/national theatre productions with reviews from numerous and well-known publications (2) he has received major awards for both (3)he is often attributed with the two in the press (4)well sourced (5)they're milestones in his career as stated in the BAFTA video interview Largetrope (talk) 23:28, 19 February 2014 (UTC)

And like I told him on my talk page, I don't really know what he wants at this point because I have added the motion capture to the lead and gone into more detail in the body of the article. Frankenstein is added to the lead. At this point its just the difference of having Love's Labour in the lead which he seems hell bent to add. LADY LOTUS • TALK 16:42, 18 February 2014 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 1 March 2014

Cumberbatch was also the narrator in the 2010 science documentary television mini-series "Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking" written by British physicist Stephen Hawking. [4] Robinkaul (talk) 14:52, 1 March 2014 (UTC)

Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. Kap 7 (talk) 18:33, 1 March 2014 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 20 March 2014

Blog Benedict Fans http://bcfan71.wordpress.com/ Benedict Cumberbatch blog, reporting on all things Benedict. BCfan71 (talk) 03:15, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Not done: Per WP:ELNO assuming that fan blog was requested added to /External links/. Sam Sailor Sing 03:36, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

GA Review

GA toolbox
Reviewing
This review is transcluded from Talk:Benedict Cumberbatch/GA1. The edit link for this section can be used to add comments to the review.

Reviewer: Jaguar (talk · contribs) 21:12, 25 April 2014 (UTC)

Cumberbatch is a legend - it will be good to review this! I'll leave down some initial comments within 48 hours and will focus on copy editing issues in the article. Thanks, ☠ Jaguar ☠ 21:12, 25 April 2014 (UTC)

GA review – see WP:WIAGA for criteria

  1. Is it reasonably well written?
    A. Prose quality:
    B. MoS compliance for lead, layout, words to watch, fiction, and lists:
  2. Is it factually accurate and verifiable?
    A. References to sources:
    It is well referenced.
    B. Citation of reliable sources where necessary:
    C. No original research:
  3. Is it broad in its coverage?
    A. Major aspects:
    B. Focused:
  4. Is it neutral?
    Fair representation without bias:
  5. Is it stable?
    No edit wars, etc:
  6. Does it contain images to illustrate the topic?
    A. Images are copyright tagged, and non-free images have fair use rationales:
    B. Images are provided where possible and appropriate, with suitable captions:
  7. Overall:
    Pass or Fail:

Sorry for coming to the review so late. I've been so busy at college... ☠ Jaguar ☠ 15:07, 1 May 2014 (UTC)

Initial comments

Lead

  • Although the prose is generally good, some of the lead could be re-organised:
  • "He has portrayed Sherlock Holmes in the television series Sherlock since 2010 and has led the ensemble cast of Sir Tom Stoppard's adaptation of Parade's End in 2012." - how about His most notable television appearances include his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the television series Sherlock since 2010 and has led the ensemble cast of Sir Tom Stoppard's adaptation of Parade's End in 2012 (you can improvise with this if you want! Or if you want to leave it the same?)
  • There are citations in the lead but this is acceptable as they are placed after quotes.
  • The first opening sentence ("Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch (19 July 1976) is an English film, television and theatre actor, voice artist and producer.") seems to short - maybe a paragraph could be merged into this?
  • Other than that the lead complies per WP:LEAD but its organisation could be improved.

I have made changes based on your suggestions. Hope it helps.Chocolate Charlie (talk) 06:08, 2 May 2014 (UTC)

Television

  • "Cumberbatch's television roles include two separate guest roles in Heartbeat (2000, 2004), Freddy in Tipping the Velvet (2002)..." - were these his first appearances in television?
  • "His first starring role on television was as the title character in Hawking in 2004." - this should mention that this was his first starring role (as mentioned in the lead).
  • "The two-hander depicted a little-known October 1938 meeting between Soviet spy Guy Burgess" - what does 'two hander' mean?

Personal life

  • "In the end, their abductors drove them into unsettled country and set them free without explanation." - please correct this if I'm wrong, but I don't understand how pats of a country can be unsettled?

References

All references are in check - citations are in the correct places and every reference complies per the GA cirteria.

On hold

This is a well written article. The prose is generally good in the article and all references meet the GA criteria. The only problems I found with this were the organisation of the lead and a few minor copy editing issues I found in some sections I mentioned above. I'll put this article on hold for the standard seven days. Sorry for reviewing this so late, I had no idea I would be that busy! ☠ Jaguar ☠ 15:38, 1 May 2014 (UTC)

I've made edits regarding your suggestions. Hope it helps.Chocolate Charlie (talk) 06:14, 2 May 2014 (UTC)

Close - promoted

My time and internet access is very limited (this hospital doesn't have connection) so I'm going to have to keep this brief. I don't see any problems with the article now, it seems all of my concerns have been attended to. It now meets the GA criteria. Thank you and well done on doing it so quickly. ☠ Jaguar ☠ 17:50, 4 May 2014 (UTC)

MP3 music clips attributed to BC

There are several mp3 audio clips on various sites that are attributed to Mr. Cumberbatch, namely several songs: She's Not There, Just the way you are, Jessie's Girl, Not the End, Its my life, Hello I love you, I'll stand by you, and others.. I am aware of the one song from the movie,Osage County, that is correctly attributed to him, but I can find no other sources indicating he has recorded music before. Truthfully the voice I hear is higher pitched than his speaking voice, however I do know some people's singing voice is higher than their speaking voice. Can someone assist with a reliable citation? 166.82.165.37 (talk)166.82.165.37 (talk) 02:57, 29 April 2014 (UTC)alysonwonderland — Preceding undated comment added 23:17, 27 April 2014 (UTC)

Wording on lead paragraph

Some issues regarding the use of words to describe the subject's roles. We need to be consistent with the use of "appeared" as in, he is not in the lead role or a starring name (not in the poster, didn't do publicity rounds, etc.) The term "appeared" is correctly used in: and has since appeared in the films Atonement (2007), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), and Steven Spielberg's War Horse (2011) since the subject only has a supporting/small role in those films. But it's incorrectly used in this: he has appeared in the Royal National Theatre productions After the Dance (2010) and Danny Boyle's Frankenstein (2011) since he is the leading actor in those plays. I know I'm being pedantic but the article is under a GA review so I think it's better to be this precise especially since very specific phrases like "major film role" and "first starring role" are freely used in the lead. I think it's better to phrase it like Since then, he has had leading roles in Royal National Theatre productions... It's a minor changed in wording but it certainly captures the subject's degree of participation in said productions.Chocolate Charlie (talk) 12:56, 2 May 2014 (UTC)

You have to be careful with terms like 'leading' as they are considered WP:PEACOCK terms. Simply stating he has 'appeared' in the plays doesn't hurt the lead, it's stating that he was in it, which he was. LADY LOTUS • TALK 13:12, 2 May 2014 (UTC)
We are using the word "leading" as in leading actor, an actual technical term in the performing arts as defined by the dictionary Lead (actor). It's not used as WP:PEACOCK term as in he is the "leading actor=best actor". We are just being specific as "appeared=being in the play" doesn't suffice and it doesn't differentiate it with the subject's other roles in terms of size. He is in the play, he plays the largest part, he is the protagonist. That's why it's a "leading role." A WP:PEACOCK term in the lead paragraph is actually "starring" because when is an actor a star? Now, that's puffery. That's the reason why in the Oscars and the Emmys they use Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role/Supporting Role (and not "starring role"). Those terms are the most neutral, technical, formal and precise terms we can use in describing the nature of a role in the performing arts. Chocolate Charlie (talk) 13:17, 2 May 2014 (UTC)

Benedict Cumberbatch as a model.

Benedict Cumberbatch may be considered as a model, since he has made many photoshoots as a model: for Esquire magazine, Jaguar (auto), some fashion shows etc. Check: Jaguar Esquire Spencer Hurt show Met Gala 2014 Vogue and more. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Cumberwiki (talk • contribs) 12:11, 6 May 2014 (UTC)

We need a source that explicitly calls him as a model. To conclude that he is one from those photoshoots would be original research. Ian.thomson (talk) 15:01, 6 May 2014 (UTC)

Date change

The Penguins of Madagascar film is now changed to November 2014 so can someone please change it?

 Not done Do you have a reliable source to back that up with? LADY LOTUS • TALK 10:58, 30 May 2014 (UTC)

Alma Mater in header

I wonder if we need to list every school he has attended, including his high and elementary schools, as his alma mater. In my experience, alma mater usually refers to one's university or college, and that is also how I have seen it used here on Wikipedia.--RaineBender (talk) 10:38, 13 June 2014 (UTC)

 Done I removed the elementary and high school because it's true, alma mater states "It may also refer to the school, college or university from which an individual has graduated or which they have attended". I take that as higher than high school. LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:14, 13 June 2014 (UTC)
If his earlier schools are notable, they could be listed as |education=, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:36, 13 June 2014 (UTC)
 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 13:51, 13 June 2014 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 13 July 2014

Cumberbatch's voice Menu 0:00 from the BBC programme Front Row, 23 December 2010[1]

Although the page states that the recorded voice belongs to Benedict Cumberbatch, in actuality it belongs to Tom Hiddleston. If possible, please move that particular item to Tom's page. Thank you.

AraBellaDonna (talk) 17:37, 13 July 2014 (UTC)

 Not done. Everything I see supports that it's Cumberbatch's voice. In addition, although I'm no expert, it sounds like Cumberbatch, although I've never heard Hiddleston.--Bbb23 (talk) 18:06, 13 July 2014 (UTC)
I have a rather raging obsession with both men, and that is absolutely Benedict Cumberbatch (not Tom Hiddleston).

A message to Fairyspit and all the socks

I see no other way of getting through to you but I know you are still very much active in editing Wikipedia even though you have been banned but let me tell you something, you think you are helping but you are not. You are only harming Cumberbatch's article and anyone associated to him with your obsessive behavior and it's just plain ridiculous. I know you won't respond to this but believe me when I say: You have no place editing in the Wikipedia world. Your behavior is deplorable and you might consider yourself a fan but you've gone over the limit of extremeness and beyond. If you ever hope to get Cumberbatch's article to FA, which I know you do since you assisted in helping it get to Good Article status, then let me just tell you that it will NEVER get to FA status when you are still editing it with you and all your socks because of the rules of getting it to FA status is to have it "stable", meaning there are no edit wars, no socks editing it, and with you still doing it, you are ONLY hurting it's chances of every progressing. So I know I've said this before but SERIOUSLY STOP EDITING! if anything, just take it to the talk page, LIKE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO, and bring it up for discussion. Enough is enough. LADY LOTUS • TALK 14:28, 1 October 2014 (UTC)

Dr. Strange?

Since there are verifiable sources on this (eg. Variety), does it belong in this article, or should it wait until either a) he's officially cast, or b) it falls through? Variety report on Benedict Bumcerbatch in talks for Dr. Strange. Luthien22 (talk) 21:38, 2 November 2014 (UTC)

Wait until he's officially cast for it. "Talks" fall through all the time. LADY LOTUS • TALK 23:01, 2 November 2014 (UTC)
Fine by me. Just thought it was worth bringing up since many sources (eg. the article I linked above) are talking about it as if he's already signed the contract in his blood. Guess in this case we'll wait it out :) Luthien22 (talk) 04:26, 3 November 2014 (UTC)

Citation and Additional Information (To be added ASAP)

Citations

I. The show was directed by Sir Nicholas Hytner and was broadcast on BBC Two and in cinemas worldwide as a part of National Theatre Live.[citation needed] http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/national-theatre-50-years-on-stage

 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:39, 24 November 2014 (UTC)

II. The show was directed by Sir Nicholas Hytner and was broadcast on BBC Two and in cinemas worldwide as a part of National Theatre Live.[citation needed] http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/02_february/03/dunkirk_credits.shtml

One reference is enough plus it doesn't mention Nicholas Hytner. LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:39, 24 November 2014 (UTC)

III. He next featured alongside Tom Hardy in the television adaptation of Stuart: A Life Backwards, which aired on the BBC in September 2007.[citation needed] http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/may/02/stuart-a-life-backwards-edinburgh-fringe-topside

 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:39, 24 November 2014 (UTC)

IV. He narrated the 6-part series South Pacific (US title: Wild Pacific), which aired May to June 2009 on BBC 2.[citation needed] http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kjjnx

Added a more reliable source LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:39, 24 November 2014 (UTC)

V. His performance earned Cumberbatch his second Emmy Award nomination for Best Actor in Miniseries or TV Movie.[citation needed] http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/uk-stars-shows-draw-primetime-588477

 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:39, 24 November 2014 (UTC)

Additional Information

I. His great-grandfather, Henry Arnold Cumberbatch CMG, was the consul general of Queen Victoria in Turkey.[4][5]

NOTE Henry Arnold Cumberbatch was consul general in Turkey AND Lebanon
http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2014/11/08/genteel-announcement/9aV9NZNPgRLYaeLDjVApiM/story.html
 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:39, 24 November 2014 (UTC)

II. He has won the Hollywood Actor Award at the Hollywood Film Awards
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-film-awards-complete-winners-749157

III. He has been nominated for Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards
http://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/features/nominations-are-2014-british-independent-film-awards

IV. He will be honoured the "Variety Award" at the British Independent Film Awards on December
http://variety.com/2014/film/news/benedict-cumberbatch-to-receive-variety-award-at-bifas-1201355475/

Anything with the awards should be added to his awards page - List of awards and nominations received by Benedict Cumberbatch LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:39, 24 November 2014 (UTC)

103.28.1.2 (talk) 09:42, 24 November 2014 (UTC)

Dating Timeline Correction

Just want to relay that Cumberbatch and Hunter have been seeing each other since late 2013 contrary to "early 2014" which the Daily Mail and other rags are reporting and is currently indicated in his personal life section.

Thank you for improving! 94.79.231.8 (talk) 12:38, 26 November 2014 (UTC)

The Elle source just suggests "last year", but doesn't give an exact time or date. And Tumblr isn't a reliable source, neither is the Daily Mail. LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:45, 26 November 2014 (UTC)
I know the Daily Mail is not reliable source that's the very reason why the info should be amended because that "until early 2014" was actually information from them. And no, the scans were just posted on Tumblr as People didn't publish the profile online. But the scans are from People magazine where it says they got together late last year and have been together for a year now before getting engaged. He was even featured on the cover in this week's issue: http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2014/news/141208/cosby-cover-768.jpg. One can always reference a print article here and in this case scans of the interview are available to prove it. That's already two non-tabloid publications referencing the "late 2013" timeline. 188.116.223.39 (talk) 13:35, 26 November 2014 (UTC)
I'll look into it :) LADY LOTUS • TALK 13:51, 26 November 2014 (UTC)
Here's a clearer iPad version. If the timeline is confusing it's safe to just indicate that they got engaged after a year of dating like indicated: http://38.media.tumblr.com/3baaf9e7fc0b0fab74807254f444a343/tumblr_nfmwiszdhL1ql37t2o5_1280.jpg 87.236.136.170 (talk) 02:15, 27 November 2014 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 1 December 2014

The statement "but did not start dating until early 2014" is not fact and is not supported by source 91,92,93 and 94. The media and paps photographed them together in May-June but there is no quote or confirmation by either party involved as to when they started dating.

108.255.60.193 (talk) 23:33, 1 December 2014 (UTC)

Done Stickee (talk) 00:44, 2 December 2014 (UTC)

As singer

He also has credits as a singer and should be included in his page. August: Osage County Original Motion Picture Soudntrack — Preceding unsigned comment added by 103.5.196.20 (talk) 05:22, 29 November 2014 (UTC)

 Not done He sings in a movie but his profession isn't a singer. LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:39, 2 December 2014 (UTC)

Already filmed Jungle Book

As he said so himself in this profile http://tiff.nowtoronto.com/2014/content-detail.cfm?contentID=66 202.144.134.226 (talk) 12:56, 24 November 2014 (UTC)

 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:51, 2 December 2014 (UTC)

Minor Tweaks

In the last paragraph of the lead:
Cumberbatch received two Olivier Award nominations, winning the Best Actor in a Play for Frankenstein

  • There shouldn't be a "the" it should just read "winning Best Actor in a..."

In the film section of the lead:
has since appeared in the films Atonement (2007), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), War Horse (2011), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), 12 Years a Slave (2013) and The Imitation Game (2014).

  • The following films after the descriptive "appeared" are all supporting roles. There should be a distinction when he plays a lead role. Thus it it better to say "and starred in The Imitation Game as Alan Turing (since this is a prominent historical and scientific figure, it's worth mentioning)"

Just my two cents to improve the page. 91.178.142.235 (talk) 03:57, 4 December 2014 (UTC)

Done with thanks, NiciVampireHeart 12:49, 4 December 2014 (UTC)

Shouldn't The Fifth Estate be in his lead paragraph too?

I just noticed that his other film, where he plays the lead role of a real and famous person isn't in his lead. I think it should be included as that was a major film. There are lots of films included in the lead where he plays a minor role and the film where he plays the lead isn't included? I know it really didn't do well critically and commercially but it's still a major film produced by Disney/Dreamworks and it's about a really controversial figure, Julian Assange. I just think it's should be mentioned in the lead.

 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 15:25, 4 December 2014 (UTC)

Mention of particular role in lead paragraph

I notice that one editor's rationale was to not have any kind of favoritism on roles he has played in the lead paragraphs thus not name-dropping any at all. But if one checks, his role as William Pitt The Younger (youngest PM of the UK) was mentioned. I think, popular/iconic/historical/significant roles he has played should be mentioned especially if it's a prominent character/lead character in the film. Thus, like Pitt the Younger, Assange (The Fifth Estate) and Turing (The Imitation Game), in my humble opinion, should be mentioned in the lead. 37.131.1.35 (talk) 12:58, 5 December 2014 (UTC)

 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 13:38, 5 December 2014 (UTC)
Thanks for the edit! Though "starred or co-starred" is rather awkward phrasing. "Starred" would suffice as it's understandable and obvious that he will have co-stars in a film even if he is the lead character like in The Fifth Estate. I also noticed that his first film appearance in To Kill A King is compeletely insignificant. He's not even in the cast list of the film's Wiki page. I think "first major role in film" in Amazing Grace would be more appropriate. It will also fix the chronological order of films listed (by year). And another thing, the mention of his half-sister Tracy Peacock should at least have context as it sounds completely like a random trivia dropped in his early life section. It would be worth the mention that Tracy is his half-sister from his mother's first marriage, just enough background to not leave the readers wondering where on earth Tracy came from. Anyway, really big thank you for the edits! 193.190.253.147 (talk) 19:15, 5 December 2014 (UTC)
I only said 'co-starred' in reference to Star Trek Into Darkness. To Kill A King is significant even though it isn't his first "major" film role, it just states where you first started. There is no reliable source (that I have found) that states of what side of his parents he is related to his half-sister, thus why it's not stated. LADY LOTUS • TALK 20:50, 5 December 2014 (UTC)
Here's what you wrote and I don't sense the distinction on which films he starred or co-starred at all: "He has starred or co-starred in the films Amazing Grace as William Pitt the Younger (2006), Star Trek Into Darkness as Khan Noonien Singh (2013), 12 Years a Slave as William Prince Ford (2013)... The Imitation Game..." My suggestion now is to break the sentence in to two where you list films he co-starred in like Trek, 12 Years, etc. and construct another sentence where you list films which he starred as a lead actor like Imitation Game and Fifth Estate. It will avoid confusion and is just plain clearer for the readers. 78.21.31.202 (talk) 22:09, 5 December 2014 (UTC)
And here's a reference about Tracy http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2013/04/the-full-dynastic-heritage-of-benedict-cumberbatch/109.134.202.93 (talk) 22:26, 5 December 2014 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 46.22.228.220 (talk)
I removed 'costarred', breaking it down into 'starred' and 'costarred' is just too much and it becomes to list-y for a lead. I added the reference to his half sisters sentence. LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:16, 8 December 2014 (UTC)

Lead update

The last lead paragraphs for both main page and awards/nomination subpage still say "two SAG award nominations," it should read as "five SAG award nominations" due to the fact of his three latest nominations from awards giving body: http://deadline.com/2014/12/sag-awards-nominations-2015-full-list-nominees-1201317757/

 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:29, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Also the "Hollywood Film Festival Award for Best Ensemble Acting August:Osage County" under miscellaneous awards for film is actually for the Hollywood Film Award (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/august-osage-county-ensemble-be-644006_) not Hollywood Film Festival Award. Basically the Miscellaneous Awards in film should be re-titled to Hollywood Film Awards. And his nomination for SAG for Sherlock should be separate from the SAG table for film. The television section should have its own SAG table for this nomination. Thank you for your patience! 85.94.132.6 (talk) 10:40, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

This needs to be on his awards talk page, not his main one. LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:29, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 11 December 2014

Cumberbatch's and Hunter's engagement garnered significant media attention due to the fact that it was announced in an old-fashioned and traditional way. It was covered by CNN, BBC, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, Conan, Los Angeles Times, Good Morning Britain among others primarily because of the way they announced it. I think it is worth mentioning that it wasn't just announced in The Times but is was announced in the social diary of the newspaper as it was not a mere news item but rather a classified ad, it was actually paid by the couple themselves. The previous version implies that it was announced the way other celebrities announce their marriages/engagements to People magazine. I think there should be a distinction for clarity and further information on the matter. It's a rather small detail but it does change the context altogether and I think that's important here on Wikipedia.


With that, I think it should read as:

"...Cumberbatch's engagement to theatre and opera director Sophie Hunter was announced by way of notice in the social diary of The Times.."



Thank you very much and I do hope an editor include this additional detail for the betterment of the page! 41.242.88.32 (talk) 10:18, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

I added that it was traditionally announced in the Forthcoming Marriages section of The Times. anything more than that I feel would be too gossipy and not encyclopedic. This is not a place for users to get details of a couples relationship, they can go elsewhere for that. LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:35, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Two Golden Globe nominations

The fourth paragraph should already say two Golden Globe nominations because of his recent nomination for The Imitation Game. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30430965 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 180.189.166.180 (talk) 05:15, 12 December 2014 (UTC)

Guest Voice Only

"as well as providing the voices of the British Prime Minister and Severus Snape on the animated series The Simpsons (2013)."

This make it sound like he's a regular in The Simpsons. It's better to indicate that he just guest starred for one episode.41.86.235.106 (talk) 04:39, 13 December 2014 (UTC)  Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 16:07, 14 December 2014 (UTC)

Section name

The "See also" section should be renamed "Accolades" as it's completely a content of the main page. "See also" are for related pages but this does not apply here. One should be consistent, if his credits are named "Selected filmography" then his awards and nominations should not be relegated to a "See also" section. It's also not helpful for navigation (see Content box summary). 41.86.8.178 (talk) 14:03, 16 December 2014 (UTC)

 Not done This section was renamed to "See also" because it was blank other than the main page redirect. It doesn't need to be labeled as 'accolades' or 'awards'. LADY LOTUS • TALK 14:12, 16 December 2014 (UTC)

Then shouldn't there be at least a blurb that he has been nominated for his work in film, television and theatre? No need to be specific like in the lead. Actors with a separate page for their awards and nominations are still labelled as such, not a "See also." I just think it's more appropriate. 80.66.226.101 (talk) 14:25, 16 December 2014 (UTC)


No, not necessary. The "see also" does it's job by linking the pages to the child articles, there doesn't always have to be something written on the parent article that leads to the child. LADY LOTUS • TALK 15:57, 16 December 2014 (UTC)

And another thing, regarding The Simpsons credit, it should be remarked as a "Special Voice/Guest Star" as he was credited in the episode itself (screencap: http://24.media.tumblr.com/74d22be2181498ce0c674e70282d8399/tumblr_mi189oTthe1qdghnpo2_r1_1280.png). That's how one-off voice talents are often credited in The Simpsons especially when they're celebrities. And here's the link of the episode he voice-starred in, I think it would be better to link to it too in the lead paragraph: Love Is a Many-Splintered Thing 41.86.6.12 (talk) 14:08, 16 December 2014 (UTC)

 Not done The episode doesn't need to be linked into the lead, that's not necessary, you don't want to put too much emphasis on his one guest starring role. LADY LOTUS • TALK 14:12, 16 December 2014 (UTC)

Character description

Let's keep the descriptors simple, concise and altogether short.

  • William Pitt the Younger- Youngest prime minister of UK
  • WIlliam Prince Ford- preacher and plantation owner
  • Julian Assange- Wikileaks founder
  • Alan Turing- Father of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Also, War Horse can simply be described as WWI film and Atonement as a Romantic WWII film.

No need for long-winded adjectives. 83.161.153.219 (talk) 16:58, 18 December 2014 (UTC)

 Done The descriptions were deleted per my explanation in the edit summary LADY LOTUS • TALK 17:05, 18 December 2014 (UTC)

And again: The specific degree which is "Classical Acting" was deleted after "MA" rendering the information and the whole sentence incomplete. It should be indicated that it's an "MA in Classical Acting" as there are different Masters degrees, we should be specific in this case.  Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 17:05, 18 December 2014 (UTC)

And there shouldn't be a citation in the lead paragraph as this is a GA (good article page). It has already been cited in the body, no need to cite it in the lead paragraphs.195.64.71.101 (talk) 17:00, 18 December 2014 (UTC)

 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 17:05, 18 December 2014 (UTC)

Redundant

phrase in bold found in the first paragraph should be deleted as it's redundant

"he graduated from the University of Manchester and continued his classical acting training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, graduating with an MA in Classical Acting."

it's obvious that when he graduated with a masters in classical acting, he trained in classical acting.83.128.160.56 (talk) 12:17, 18 December 2014 (UTC)

 Done LADY LOTUS • TALK 12:20, 18 December 2014 (UTC)


Can I request another one? the word "graduating/graduated" sounds repetitive in this sentence: "he graduated from the University of Manchester and continued his training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, graduating with an MA in Classical Acting." it shows poor prose.
I suggest the word obtain be used instead, as in "obtaining an MA in Classical Acting." Thank you very much!95.96.53.116 (talk) 13:04, 18 December 2014 (UTC)
 Done I agree.--Chamith (talk) 15:11, 18 December 2014 (UTC)
The specific degree which is "Classical Acting" was deleted though after MA rendering the information and the whole sentence incomplete. It should be indicated that it's an "MA in Classical Acting" as there are different Masters degrees, we should be specific in this case. And there shouldn't be a citation in the lead paragraph as this is a GA (good article page). It has already been cited in the body, no need to cite it in the lead paragraphs. Thanks! 82.169.137.144 (talk) 16:47, 18 December 2014 (UTC)
 Done by Lady Lotus. And thank you.--Chamith (talk) 20:55, 18 December 2014 (UTC)

punctuation and phrasing

please correct punctuation on the last sentence of the opening paragraphs (most influential people). periods and commas always precede a closing quotation mark, and please improve the description "romantic drama war film atonement," as it's really awkward sounding. it should read "romantic war drama/ romantic war drama film" to make it less cumbersome.46.239.8.102 (talk) 10:41, 19 December 2014 (UTC)

Periods go outside the quotation marks. And the descriptions were removed. LADY LOTUS • TALK 15:06, 21 December 2014 (UTC)

Inclusion of genres in lede

I proposed the following edit to the lede, adding the genres in this section: "Cumberbatch's television work includes appearances in the police drama Heartbeat (2000), the crime drama Silent Witness (2002) and the drama-comedy Fortysomething...reading the genre-less version proposed by LadyLotus leaves a North American reader to draw a blank; these shows are not familiar to non-UK readers. OnBeyondZebrax (talk) 02:58, 23 December 2014 (UTC)

Wax Figure

Change tense of sentence regarding Cumberbatch's wax figure. It's already on display. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 202.51.181.230 (talk) 05:21, 30 December 2014 (UTC)

IN THE MEDIA Section Updates

I suggest the paragraphs in the section be segregated by year, with just one lead paragraph summarizing his public image.

  • Cover star of TIME magazine's "The Genius Issue," December 2014. This is the second time he was on the cover of the mag, photographed by acclaimed photographer Dan Winters.
http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/20/benedict-cumberbatch-wins-genius-status-at-time-magazine
http://time.com/3597674/go-behind-times-benedict-cumberbatch-cover-with-photographer-dan-winters/
http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/world/story/1.2882371
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/11304173/Telegraphs-Britons-of-the-year.html?page=23147264 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.74.10.29 (talk) 14:50, 30 December 2014 (UTC)
http://abcnewsradioonline.com/entertainment-news/angelina-jolie-among-people-magazines-most-intriguing-people.html
  • The only actor in the "Top 20 Most Powerful Londoners of 2014" per Evening Standard
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/the1000/leading-the-way-top-20-londoners-in-the-1000-power-list-9798964.html
  • Rank 50 in The Guardian's 2014 "Most Powerful People in the Media"
http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/dec/08/google-larry-page-tops-mediaguardian-100-power-list
http://www.theguardian.com/media/ng-interactive/2014/dec/08/mediaguardian-100-2014-interactive-guide
  • Included in The Independent's Rainbow List of Most Influential People in LGBTQ Community as a straight ally
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/therainbowlist/rainbow-list-2014-ones-to-watch-internationals-power-couples-and-straight-allies-9848534.html

NOTE: His wax figure has been on display since October, change of tense is necessary. 41.86.234.160 (talk) 14:43, 30 December 2014 (UTC)

Update award summary in lead paragraph

Should now read five BAFTA nominations. Ref: http://www.bafta.org/sites/default/files/uploads/film1415nominationsmasterlist.pdf — Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.47.222.133 (talk) 12:44, 9 January 2015 (UTC)

Cumberbatch

Is it worth a line on why he saddled himself with his father's real and (literally) cumbersome surname rather than his stage surname? 95.172.64.57 (talk) 10:25, 27 January 2015 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 14 February 2015

Benedict and Sophie are now married https://twitter.com/Anythingbatch

Curly222 (talk) 16:18, 14 February 2015 (UTC)

 Done Thanks for noticing. Joseph2302 (talk) 16:40, 14 February 2015 (UTC)

  1. ^ http://www.houseofnames.com/cumberbatch-family-crest
  2. ^ http://www.ancestry.co.uk/name-origin?surname=cumberbatch
  3. ^ www.fscs.org.uk/protected
  4. ^ https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Into_the_Universe_with_Stephen_Hawking&gettingStartedReturn=true
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