Benedict Cumberbatch’s wildest fan encounter involved meeting Barack Obama

Celebrities often have weird, awkward and uncomfortable fan encounters. But only Benedict Cumberbatch could have the most rewarding “craziest” fan encounters.

Fans are the lifeblood of practically anyone or anything in the public eye: movies, sports teams and, of course, celebrities. Yet when fans get the chance to meet their idols, things can go a bit awry, whether it’s for the fan or the celebrity. Awkward, wild fan encounters happen all the time.

But when it comes to Benedict Cumberbatch and his fans, things are clearly taken to a far more sophisticated level, just like the actor himself. When asked by BuzzFeed what “was the craziest fan encounter you’ve ever had,” he gave the most Cumberbatch answer he could give:

"Meeting Barack Obama, and him saying, ‘You’re doing great work at the moment,’ and just going, ‘You too, President of the United States of America!’ That was extraordinary."

We’re not sure who Cumberbatch meant to be the fan in this situation, but it looks like he and former president Barack Obama were very fond of one another. Obama, we can only imagine, jumped on the Cumbatch bandwagon because of his moving performances in projects like Sherlock and The Imitation Game (if only he knew Cumberbatch would be the Grinch, too). And the actor probably admired Obama for being, well, the last decent example of a good American president.

That wasn’t his only favorite fan moment. He recalled filming for Doctor Strange also led to another happy little encounter that could only put a smile on your face. He told BuzzFeed who those fans were:

"On the other end of the spectrum, some kids in Nepal. I was filming in Kathmandu, very bearded and disguised and looking pretty shaggy and un-Sherlocky, and these kids just immediately knew who I was. That was kind of amazing. And in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery after that, which I thought was a private meeting, and then it was all over their Facebook page. It was strange, but bless them, that was amazing."

As often as Cumberbatch and other celebrities talk about having busy schedules, working overtime and putting themselves through the wringer, those types of encounters must be one of the most rewarding parts of the job — especially when it involves adoring kids who love your work and look up to you.

We think the Cumbercollective’s growing support for the actor means this fandom will find a spot on this year’s Fandom 250. It’s our measure of the best fandoms of the year, and Cumberbatch’s fans have proven that they’re always energetic, supportive and passionate.  (Plus, it helps that Obama’s a fan, too.)

This weekend, Cumberbatch’s The Grinch is in theaters. The movie’s already made well over $2 million just on Thursday alone, which means fans are down to spread a little holiday cheer early this year.