Renowned British actor Benedict Cumberbatch has publicly disclosed that he secretly underwent surgery to address a serious shoulder injury sustained while pursuing his passion for surfing.
The Injury That Went Unnoticed
The 49-year-old star, best known for his roles in Doctor Strange and Sherlock, first raised concerns when he appeared at the Cannes Film Festival in May with his arm in a sling. At the time, few knew the extent of his condition or that he would eventually require surgical intervention.
Cumberbatch revealed the full story during an appearance on the SmartLess podcast, explaining that the injury resulted from "overdoing" his favourite pastime. The actor had been living with chronic pain for approximately eighteen months before finally opting for surgery.
Diagnosis and Surgical Details
The medical assessment revealed a more complex situation than initially anticipated. "I had a torn rotator cuff and then also a frozen shoulder on top of it," Cumberbatch shared. "Which I only found when I went into it to do the repair to the rotator, which was a complete tear."
The actor described the procedure as a "short operation" that has kept him away from surfing for about six months during recovery. Despite the setback, his enthusiasm for the sport remains undiminished, stating simply: "But I love it."
Surfing Passion Born in New Zealand
Cumberbatch's surfing journey began in earnest during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when he found himself stranded in New Zealand after filming The Power of the Dog. It was there that he "really fell in love" with the sport.
"It was a bit scary to begin with, but utterly magical and extraordinary," he recalled of his learning experience at Te Awanga in Hawke's Bay. "One of the best places on Earth to be, as it turned out. And there was a little right-hand break... It was where I learned."
The actor expressed particular appreciation for the surfing community's diverse nature, noting how it brings together people from all walks of life. "The drug dealer would be there, and the head of the local police force would be there. Just all of human life was around you," he observed.
Cumberbatch, who shares three sons with his wife Sophie Hunter, also praised the sport's ability to foster connection with nature. "I can't explain to anyone who hasn't surfed what that feeling is, of nature giving you a ride from somewhere out in the ocean towards the shoreline. It's just magic when it works."
Despite the significant injury and required surgery, the actor's passion for surfing appears unwavering as he continues his recovery journey.
