Benedict Cumberbatch's parents wanted him to become 'barrister not actor'

Benedict Cumberbatch has recently revealed that his parents, Wanda Ventham and Timothy Carlton, wanted him to become a barrister rather than an actor.

The 'Sherlock' star was urged not to follow in the path of his mum and dad, both of which were actors, the Mirror reported.

The English actor explained that this was because acting is a very odd, peripatetic, crazed, out of your control work and social schedule.

It's very hard to plan a family life, yet alone know where the next pay cheque would be coming from so they worked very, very hard as his parents, and actors, to afford him an education whereby he had the opportunity and the privilege to try and channel himself towards other goals, the 38-year-old actor further added.

However, since studying drama at the University of Manchester, Benedict said he has been chasing his "primary dream" to become an actor.