4. Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock
The Role That Made Him A Cult Hero: Playing a re-imagining of the clever sleuth, Sherlock Holmes in BBC's Sherlock.
Fan-Favourite Quote: 'Don't make people into heroes, John. Heroes don't exist, and if they did, I wouldn't be one of them.' Benedict Cumberbatch had a heap of acting experience under his belt before become the cult sensation he is today. He is an incredibly acomplished actor who has earned himself awards for theatre and television in the early 2000's. He also appeared in a number of films including Atonement and The Other Boleyn Girl. But, for as celebrated he was as an actor, it wasn't until becoming Sherlock Holmes in BBC's drama Sherlock in 2010 that he became a hero and a heartthrob. Sherlock is a drama series based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novels is a welcome contemporary update. Casting Sherlock Holmes wasn't an easy task, but Cumberbatch is certainly the right man for the job. Everything about him just feels right for this incarnation of the character. It's hard to put a finger on the specifics, but just the way he looks, the way he moves, the way he talks. They all feel...right.
A hefty number of people may have originally been attracted to Sherlock because of Steven Moffat's involvement (The current Doctor Who showrunner) and that can certainly account for some of the show's success, but it is really Cumberbatch who has stole the show, and the hearts of the fans. His strikingly unique looks and his downright brilliant voice have been the talking points of thousands of Tumblr users for the last 3 years or so, and will continue to be until the show runs it's course. Cumberbatch is set to continue his role in Sherlock, whenever season 4 eventually gets made, but other than that, he's been in some terrific films of late, including Star Trek Into Darkness and the upcoming new Hobbit movie.