Only Fools and Horses viewers only just found out Cassandra’s mum has famous Marvel son
Fans of Only Fools and Horses are just now discovering that Wanda Ventham, who portrayed Cassandra Trotter’s mother Pamela Parry, is part of a rather famous family. Wanda and Dennis Lill were cast as Pamela and Alan Parry, featuring in four episodes across series six and seven over three years.
Alan was the proprietor of a thriving printing business where Rodney worked between 1989 and 1991, with Alan eventually becoming a friend of Del Boy. He often overindulged during meals and drinks with the legendary character, much to the chagrin of the haughty Pamela. The couple also made an appearance at Damien’s christening in Miami Twice.
Despite their relatively minor roles in the series, both stars were quite renowned in their own right. Denis had roles in Survivors, The Royal and Outside Edge, while Wanda featured in two Carry On films, as well as Holby City, Doctor Who and Heartbeat.
She tied the knot with fellow actor Timothy Carlton in 1976, who hailed from a family of decorated war heroes and was a well-known actor himself, reports the Express.
Timothy starred in Keeping Up Appearances, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Next of Kin. Together, he and Wanda had a son who would go on to become Hollywood heavyweight – Benedict Cumberbatch.
Wanda and Timothy shared screen time in the BBC drama The Lotus Eaters in 1973, and later joined their son Benedict in the third and fourth series of BBC’s Sherlock in 2014 and 2017, playing Sherlock’s parents.
Benedict’s career took off like a rocket with his portrayal of Detective Sherlock Holmes, which paved the way for roles in Atonement, The Imitation Game and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
His trajectory then veered towards big-budget films, where he played Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness, voiced Smaug and Sauron in The Hobbit series, and embodied Dr. Stephen Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking centre stage in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.
Off-screen, Benedict is wedded to Sophie Hunter, a director and actress known for her roles in Midsomer Murders, Torchwood and Vanity Fair, where she starred alongside Reese Witherspoon.
Wanda previously discussed her pride for Benedict when he appeared on stage as Hamlet at the Barbican Theatre. Speaking after his performance in 2015, Wanda said she was “extraordinarily proud”.
Commenting on the liveliness of his performance, she added: “He was quite lively growing up, but I thought that was phenomenal.”
Fans can catch Only Fools and Horses on BBC iPlayer and BritBox.
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