‘Sherlock’ season 4 star Benedict Cumberbatch pens condolence letter after fan’s death

Benedict Cumberbatch has shown many times now the care that he has for his fans, and the “Sherlock” star’s latest action also shows that he has a soft spot in his heart even for those who have passed on.

A story has caught fire over the past week or so following the death of young superfan Eve Shepherd, when a letter from Benedict was read aloud at the funeral service. Cumberbatch was unable to attend due to filming commitments already to “Sherlock” (which is filming right now its first special, due to air presumably at Christmastime), but according to the Warrington Guardian, part of his letter including the following message:

“I send my deepest sympathies to Eve’s family … To lose someone so young who fought for her health all her life must be beyond endurance. … I hope they can take solace from the fact that she was clearly much loved and her support of our show is hugely appreciated and shall be remembered.”

There is a down-to-earth moment that Cumberbatch likely has with a moment like this, given that it is a reminder of how much your art impacts those who admire you. You see that all the time when you have fans willing to attend conventions just for a glimpse of you, or write fan novels or simply discuss it often with their friends and family. TV is a huge part of life for many, and it is an escape to another world. For Shepherd, maybe this is a world where she found a great sense of peace and joy.

Our thoughts are with her family as well, and we applaud Benedict for taking the time to pen this letter. His one action may have an impact far greater than even he imagines, and he is someone now who has experienced all of the highs and lows of fame. (Photo: BBC One)