Benedict Cumberbatch is a name that needs no introduction. The English actor has acted in several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like ‘The Imitation Game’, ‘The Power of the Dog’ and ‘Doctor Strange’ as well as the BBC’s television series ‘Sherlock.’
However, there is one traumatic incident in the Emmy Award-winning actor’s life that a lot of people might not be aware of. It was a life-threatening and life-altering moment in Benedict’s life as he was kidnapped at gunpoint in South Africa. So let’s take a deep dive into this.
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When Benedict Cumberbatch Was Kidnapped In Africa
Benedict Cumberbatch is a popular and successful actor. So it’s hard to imagine there was a time when he was in actual physical danger in South African back in the year 2004.
The actor talked about his harrowing experience on the WTF podcast. He said that he was shooting the BBC miniseries ‘To the Ends of the Earth’ when the incident took place. He, along with two other actors, was returning from a trip to learn scuba diving during the weekend off.
During the night in the middle of the road, one of their car tires blew. “We stopped and out of the bush, these guys came and threw us back into the car, drove off the road, and plundered the car“, he recalled.
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The Incident Had A Deep Impact On Him
Cumberbatch then said that he was “put in the boot of the car and at one point my shoelaces were bound to my wrists” The kidnappers left them alone after receiving money and their cards.
However, things were not that easy “because of needing to take the card to a bank machine, it lasted for two and a half hours.” After they were left alone, the actors called for help.
The incident had a deep impact on him and made him realize how precious life is. He also said that it inspired him to pursue “a life less than ordinary.” Before the ambush, they were listening to Radiohead’s ‘How to Disappear Completely‘ in their car, a song that has since given him “a reason for hope.”
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