Benedict Cumberbatch reveals he secretly underwent surgery after suffering a brutal surfing injury

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Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed he secretly underwent surgery following a brutal surfing injury.

The 49-year-old English actor injured his shoulder while enthusiastically pursuing a hobby he enjoys. After suffering with pain for over a year, he recently had surgery. He was seen wearing a sling at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

During an appearance on the SmartLess podcast, he explained that even though he began this journey in his forties and is nearing the end of that decade, he still feels like he’s just beginning.

‘But I had a short operation, so I haven’t done it at all for about six months. But I love it.’

He explained his injury was the result of years of pushing himself too hard, surfing in dangerous conditions, and generally not taking care of himself.

I injured my rotator cuff and later developed a frozen shoulder. I didn’t realize I had the frozen shoulder until I had surgery to repair the completely torn rotator cuff. I dealt with ongoing, chronic pain for about a year and a half.

Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his role as Doctor Strange, discovered a passion for surfing while unexpectedly staying in New Zealand in 2020. He was there after filming ‘The Power of the Dog’ and was unable to leave due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: ‘It was a bit scary to begin with, but utterly magical and extraordinary.

It turned out to be an incredible place to be. I learned to surf at a small beach break in Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay, and I completely fell in love with it.

Benedict and his wife, Sophie Hunter, have three sons – Christopher, age 10, Hal, eight, and Finn, six. He also appreciates that surfing connects people from all walks of life.

He explained that he was captivated by the beautiful coastline. He especially loved feeling connected to the ocean, being fully present in the moment, and being part of the local community.

This unique community is remarkably forgiving, but there’s one line you shouldn’t cross: don’t interfere with someone else’s surfing wave.

It was a real mix of people – you’d find drug dealers right alongside the police chief, representing the full spectrum of life all around you.

It’s impossible to describe the feeling of riding a wave to someone who’s never surfed. Being propelled by the ocean, from out at sea towards the shore, is pure magic when it all comes together.

This announcement follows Benedict’s recent statement that his three sons will not attend boarding school, a decision influenced by his own experience being educated at the expensive Harrow School, which costs £64,000 a year.

He told Richard Eden of the Daily Mail that he’s against sending his children to boarding school unless they specifically ask to go.

Sophie feels the same way. Honestly, I’m a little selfish and want them nearby – I still hope to be there if something happens, if they need me, I want to be the one they call.

I’ve always been impressed by his old school – it really sets people up for success. It’s known for having fantastic resources and a really well-organized schedule, and honestly, the list of successful graduates speaks for itself – think Winston Churchill and even James Blunt! It’s clear they do something right there.

Harrow School is a boarding school for boys between the ages of 13 and 18. It was established in 1572 and granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I.

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2025-11-27 13:56