Timothy Carlton

Timothy Carlton
Name	Timothy Carlton
Birth name	Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch
Birth date	02 August 1939
Birth place	Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1968–present
Spouse	Wanda Ventham, 1976
Children	Benedict Cumberbatch
Alma mater	Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

Timothy Carlton is an English actor known for his extensive career in British television, film, and theatre. He is perhaps most widely recognized as the father of actor Benedict Cumberbatch, but has maintained a distinguished and prolific acting career in his own right since the late 1960s. His work encompasses a wide range of roles in popular series such as Doctor Who, The Saint, and Inspector Morse, as well as numerous stage productions.

Early life and education

Born Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch on 2 August 1939 in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, he is the son of a World War II naval officer. He was educated at Sherborne School, an independent school in Dorset, before pursuing his interest in acting. He received his formal training at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a renowned institution that has produced many notable figures in British theatre and film. This foundational period equipped him with the classical skills that would underpin his long career across various performance mediums.

Career

Carlton's professional career began in the late 1960s, with early appearances on British television in series like The Saint and Department S. He became a familiar face on television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, guest-starring in numerous popular programmes including Doctor Who, The Professionals, and Minder. His later television work includes roles in Inspector Morse, Heartbeat, and Silent Witness. On film, he has appeared in projects such as The Thirty Nine Steps and The Duellists. His career is characterized by a consistent presence in the British entertainment industry, often portraying authoritative or professional figures.

Personal life

Timothy Carlton married actress Wanda Ventham in 1976, after they had met while working on the television series A Family at War. The couple have one son, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, and reside in Hammersmith, London. He has maintained a notably private life, with public appearances often being in support of his son's career at events such as premieres for films like The Imitation Game and the Marvel Cinematic Universe series. Despite the fame of his family members, he has consistently focused on his own craft, avoiding the spotlight outside of his professional work.

Filmography

A selected list of his screen credits includes *The Blood Beast Terror* (1968), *The Thirty Nine Steps* (1978), *The Duellists* (1977), and *Luther* (2010). His extensive television work features episodes of Doctor Who ("The Mind of Evil"), The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Boon, Lovejoy, and New Tricks. More recent appearances include the television film Uncle Vanya and the series The Bill.

Stage work

Carlton's theatre career includes performances with various repertory companies and in West End productions. He has appeared in classical works by playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Anton Chekhov, as well as in modern plays. Specific productions have included work at theatres like the Chichester Festival Theatre and on tours across the United Kingdom. The stage has remained a constant throughout his career, reflecting his training and commitment to live performance.

Awards and nominations

While Timothy Carlton has not been the recipient of major individual acting awards, his career is reflective of the respected character actor tradition in British performing arts. His body of work contributes to the ensemble recognition of many productions. In contrast, his son Benedict Cumberbatch has received numerous accolades including BAFTA Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and nominations for the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

Category:1939 births Category:English male television actors Category:English male stage actors Category:Living people Category:Alumni of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Category:People educated at Sherborne School