The Initial Rumblings: 2017
While the public confirmation arrived in 2018, the signs that Benedict Cumberbatch was shifting towards a vegan lifestyle began to surface the previous year. Reports from 2017 indicated the actor had started eschewing animal products. One such account came from a waiter who served Cumberbatch and his wife, Sophie Hunter, at a restaurant. According to the report, Hunter informed the staff that her husband was vegan. This behind-the-scenes anecdote provided early evidence of his new dietary path, demonstrating a conscious decision to request plant-based options in his personal life before the official public announcement.
The Public Confirmation: 2018 Press Tour
Benedict Cumberbatch used the promotional tour for Avengers: Infinity War in 2018 as an opportunity to publicly confirm his plant-based lifestyle, specifically in three separate interviews.
- Time Out London: When asked if he had to consume unpleasant items like egg whites to get into superhero shape, Cumberbatch simply replied, “I eat a plant-based diet”. This direct answer, though understated, was a clear signal to fans and the media about his dietary choices.
- Sophia Grace Interview: The young YouTube interviewer asked if he liked the fast-food chain Nando's. Cumberbatch's response was telling: “Well, only if they’ve got vegan options”. This indicated not only his personal preference but also a wider consideration of accessibility for vegan food options.
- Singapore Press Event: When questioned about trying local food in Singapore, he responded he would, “as much as a vegan can”. This confirmed his commitment to staying plant-based even while traveling.
These repeated acknowledgements across different platforms cemented his status as a vegan celebrity in the public eye.
Motivation and Ethical Stance
Cumberbatch’s decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle appears to be driven by a combination of personal conviction, health awareness, and ethical considerations. While he has publicly confirmed his diet, he is not known for being an overly vocal activist, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves.
Reasons for going vegan:
- Health and Fitness: The actor has mentioned that his plant-based diet helps him stay in shape and prepare for physically demanding roles, like Doctor Strange. A well-planned vegan diet can be very effective for maintaining a healthy physique, providing ample protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Ethical Compassion: His alignment with animal rights causes is evident, most notably through his recognition by PETA. This suggests a deeper ethical motivation beyond personal health. His commitment to avoiding animal cruelty extends to his fashion choices as well.
- Environmental Concerns: While less vocal on this specific aspect, his involvement with environmental campaigns and support for sustainable practices suggests a broader ecological awareness that often goes hand-in-hand with veganism.
Beyond Diet: Compassionate Fashion
Benedict Cumberbatch’s embrace of a compassionate lifestyle is not limited to what he eats. He has also made conscious choices regarding his clothing and accessories, publicly advocating for ethical fashion.
Notable instances of ethical fashion:
- 2016 British GQ Cover: Before his dietary confirmation, Cumberbatch was featured on the cover of British GQ wearing vegan boots and a suit made of “future wool,” a plant-based alternative.
- 2019 Met Gala: He and his wife arrived at the star-studded event wearing an entirely vegan ensemble. His custom-made outfit included a bamboo suit and a cruelty-free silk shirt, made from a process that does not harm silkworms.
This holistic approach—encompassing both diet and consumer choices—reinforces his commitment to veganism and sets an example for others.
Comparison: Life Before vs. After Going Vegan
| Aspect | Before Veganism | After Going Vegan | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dietary Habits | Presumed omnivore, with a standard Western diet. | Entirely plant-based; no meat, eggs, or dairy. | Switched to fully plant-derived foods, including for film roles. |
| Physical Fitness | Maintained fitness for acting roles through various methods. | Credits plant-based diet with helping him stay in shape for roles like Doctor Strange. | Diet became an explicit part of his fitness regimen. |
| Fashion Choices | No public record of specifically avoiding animal products in clothing. | Actively chooses vegan-friendly clothing, like “future wool” and cruelty-free silk. | Made a conscious shift to ethical fashion choices. |
| Public Stance | Did not discuss diet publicly in interviews, kept private. | Began publicly referencing and confirming his vegan/plant-based diet in interviews. | Used his platform to acknowledge and normalize veganism. |
| Activism | Not an active voice in animal rights. | Recognized by PETA as "Most Beautiful Vegan" in 2018, lending his name to the cause. | Became a recognized figure in the animal rights community. |
Conclusion
Benedict Cumberbatch’s journey to veganism, which began around 2017 and was publicly confirmed in 2018, demonstrates a comprehensive shift towards a more compassionate lifestyle. His public confirmations during the Avengers press tour, along with his commitment to ethical fashion, have made him a quiet but influential advocate for plant-based living. By crediting his diet for his fitness and accepting accolades from organizations like PETA, Cumberbatch has used his platform to raise awareness about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Though he may not be the loudest voice in the movement, his consistent choices and public statements speak volumes about his convictions, inspiring fans to consider similar changes. This commitment has established him as a significant icon of modern veganism in the entertainment industry.
For more details on his ethical fashion choices, see the PETA article on his vegan suit.
