Only Fools and Horses: Mum of Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch appeared in 3 classic episodes of show
The mum and son have also appeared in Sherlock together
Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch is back on the big screen as he reprises his lead role in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. The latest Marvel movie hit cinemas last week (May 6) with Cumberbatch playing surgeon turned superhero Stephen Strange. The plot follows Dr. Strange as he casts a forbidden spell that opens the doorway to the multiverse, including alternate versions of himself which threaten humanity.
The 45-year-old looks unrecognisable as he sports a red pointy cloak, jet-black goatee, and a voluminous hair-do bringing his character to life. The award-winning actor is also joined by some familiar faces including Rachel McAdams, playing Christine Palmer, Benedict Wong playing Wong, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo for the new adventure.
Away from his Marvel character, Benedict Cumberbatch has been a household name for years as he’s known as Sherlock Holmes in the popular BBC series Sherlock, along with many other roles in TV series and blockbusting movies including 1917, The Courier, The Imitation Game, and The Fifth Estate.
And it seems acting is a talent that runs through the blood of the Cumberbatch family as his mum is actress Wanda Ventham. The 86-year-old has a successful career spanning decades and was first credited back in 1956 for playing the part of Gina in the film My Teenage Daughter, but let’s turn our attention to Only Fools and Horses.
Peckham lovebirds Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst) and Cassandra Parry (Gwyneth Strong) are one of the most famous couples in British comedy history as the sitcom followed their love story throughout the years. The pair first hit it off at evening school and later tied with a wedding reception thrown in The Nags Head which is seen in Little Problems, the same episode also introduces Cassandra’s parents for the first time.
Prim and proper mum Pamela wasn’t a huge fan of hooky gear dealer Del Boy Trotter (David Jason) and was never impressed by his cocky tone, she also accused her husband Alan (Denis Lill) of being immature whilst in his company. But the tables turned during Miami Twice as Pam gets extremely drunk after Damien Trotter’s christening. The Parrys also appeared in The Jolly Boys’ Outing.
Wanda Ventham played the part of Pamela Parry and although she only appeared in three classic Only Fools episodes the character is mentioned throughout the BBC sitcom.
Ventham has also appeared in Casualty, Midsomer Murder, Father Brown, Holby City, Departure, Emmerdale, The Sweeney, Doctor Who, The Lotus Eaters, plus many more. Most recently she starred as Wendy in the series Departure in 2019 and Fay Douglas in the series Penance in 2020.
She also starred alongside her son Benedict as she played the mum of Sherlock Holmes when Benedict played the lead role. Proud mum moment!
