Benedict Cumberbatch excels at playing eccentric geniuses, both real and fictitious. He can be a master of hesitating stammers and tics, but his performances never seem mannered; that is his brilliance. He can play a mastermind who is insidious, or sympathetic, or even goofy — and that is why he has such appeal. The actor makes the uptight misfits he plays downright charming — even when they are bastards. And there is something fans find oddly sexy about his brainy characters; his devotees are known as "Cumberb***hes."
In his 20 years as a screen actor, Benedict Cumberbatch has amassed nearly 100 credits and two best actor Oscar nominations in addition to winning an Emmy for his work as "Sherlock," a BAFTA for his performance as "Patrick Melrose" — both signature brainy roles for him. His career, which ranges from indie to prestige, arthouse to popcorn raises the question — is Benedict Cumberbatch incapable of giving a bad performance? (His nonbinary turn as All in "Zoolander 2" might be the sole example of a misfire.)
