Happy Birthday! Benedict Cumberbatch Turns 40 Years Old

For fangirls all over the world, today is a day to be celebrated. Why, you might ask? It's because Benedict Cumberbatch is celebrating his 40th birthday today!

Born on July 19th 1976, Benedict was born to parents Timothy and Wanda in London, England. Growing up, the actor fell in love with drama and attended the University or Manchester before continuing his training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art where he earned a MA in Classic Acting.

If all of that isn't impressive enough, then just consider the fact that those accomplishments don't even accounted for Benedict's impressively lengthy resume. The actor boasts a thriving stage presence as well as film and television careers which have shot Benedict into international super stardom.

On the stage, Benedict has starred in productions like Hedda Gabler, After the Dance, Hamlet, and Frankenstein to widespread success. And, in television, the star rocketed to fame after he was cast in BBC's Sherlock remake under Steve Moffat's guidance. Benedict has also gained critical acclaim for his work on the television film Hawking prior to Eddie Redmayne's portrayal of the famed physicist. He has also starred in the miniseries Parade's End and The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses.

As for Benedict's films, to recount the entire list would be exhausting. Fans, however, most frequently recognize the actor for his work in Atonement, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Imitation Game, The Hobbit franchise, and Marvel's upcoming Doctor Strange film.

With all these titles listed on Benedict's resume, it's easy to see why the British actor has accrued millions of loyal fans worldwide. And, just last year, the actor came to count Queen Elizabeth II as one such fan after he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his artistic gifts.

Happy birthday, Benedict!