VIDEO : Is Cumberbatch Related To Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?

Here?s a true-life twist that would likely be improbable even for the mystery books. Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Sherlock Holmes on the series ?Sherlock,? is distantly related to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the character, the Associated Press reports. Also Read: Watch Benedict Cumberbatch Make a Surprising Confession in New 'Sherlock' Trailer (Video) The actor and the author, who died in 1930, share a common ancestor in 14th century duke John of Gaunt, who in addition to being the fourth son of England?s King Edward III was also Doyle?s 15th great-grandfather and Cumberbatch?s 17th great-grandfather.