Rowan Atkinson is a British actor, comedian, and writer, best known for his portrayal of the character Mr. Bean. He was born on January 6, 1955, in Consett, County Durham, England. Atkinson started his career in comedy during his college years at Oxford University, where he was a member of the Oxford Revue.
Atkinson’s breakthrough came in 1979, with his appearance in the BBC’s sketch comedy series “Not the Nine O’Clock News.” He quickly gained popularity for his wit, physical humor, and ability to make audiences laugh with his facial expressions and body language. Atkinson’s success on “Not the Nine O’Clock News” led to other television roles, including his own comedy series “Blackadder” in 1983.
However, it was Atkinson’s creation of the character Mr. Bean that made him a worldwide sensation. The character of Mr. Bean is a childlike, clumsy, and often bewildered man who constantly gets into absurd situations. Atkinson portrayed the character in a television series from 1990 to 1995 and in two feature films, “Bean” in 1997 and “Mr. Bean’s Holiday” in 2007. The character’s popularity has led to merchandise, books, and even an animated series.
In addition to his comedy work, Atkinson has also acted in more serious roles. He played Inspector Raymond Fowler in the police sitcom “The Thin Blue Line” and portrayed the lead role in a West End production of “Oliver!” Atkinson has also appeared in several films, including “Johnny English,” “Love Actually,” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral.”
Atkinson has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including BAFTA Awards for “Not the Nine O’Clock News” and “Blackadder” and an International Emmy Award for “Mr. Bean.” In 2013, he was honored with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama and charity.
Childhood and Early Life
Rowan Atkinson, the famous British actor and comedian, had a unique childhood and early life that shaped his career. Born on January 6, 1955, in Consett, County Durham, England, Atkinson grew up in a conservative family with strong academic roots.
Atkinson’s father was a farmer and company director, while his mother worked as a housewife. From a young age, Atkinson displayed an interest in comedy and entertainment, often performing for his family and friends.
Atkinson attended several schools during his childhood, including Durham Choristers School and St. Bees School. He later went on to study at Newcastle University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering.
While at university, Atkinson became involved in the university’s drama club and began performing in comedic skits and plays. This sparked his interest in comedy, and he began to pursue it as a career.
After graduating from university, Atkinson began working in radio and television, where he gained experience in comedy writing and performing. He also joined the Oxford Revue, a comedy troupe that was famous for producing comedians such as Alan Bennett and Dudley Moore.
It was during this time that Atkinson met his future writing partner, Richard Curtis. The two worked together on several television shows, including “Not the Nine O’Clock News” and “Blackadder,” which would become Atkinson’s breakthrough roles.
Atkinson’s childhood and early life provided him with a unique perspective and a strong foundation for his comedic talent. His education in electrical engineering and his involvement in the university drama club and comedy troupe helped shape his career, while his collaboration with Richard Curtis led to some of his most famous roles.
Rowan Atkinson Movies
Rowan Atkinson is a versatile actor who has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career, ranging from comedies to dramas. Here is a list of some of the most notable movies that Atkinson has appeared in:
- Johnny English (2003) – Atkinson plays the titular character, a bumbling British spy tasked with stopping a group of international assassins.
- Love Actually (2003) – In this romantic comedy, Atkinson has a small but memorable role as a jewelry salesman who helps a man buy the perfect gift for his wife.
- Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007) – This film is a continuation of the popular “Mr. Bean” television series, with Atkinson reprising his role as the lovable, hapless character.
- Johnny English Reborn (2011) – Atkinson returns as Johnny English in this sequel, which sees him teaming up with a female spy to stop a group of international assassins.
- Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) – Atkinson has a small but memorable role as a hapless clergyman in this classic romantic comedy.
- Rat Race (2001) – Atkinson plays an eccentric Italian tourist who gets caught up in a madcap race to win a $2 million prize.
- Keeping Mum (2005) – In this black comedy, Atkinson plays a bumbling vicar who unwittingly becomes involved in a murder plot.
- The Lion King (2019) – Atkinson provides the voice of Zazu, a red-billed hornbill and trusted advisor to the king, in this live-action remake of the classic Disney film.
- Scooby-Doo (2002) – Atkinson has a brief but memorable cameo as Emile Mondavarious, the owner of an amusement park haunted by monsters.
- Maybe Baby (2000) – Atkinson plays a supporting role in this romantic comedy about a couple struggling to conceive a child.
These films demonstrate Atkinson’s range as an actor, from his iconic role as Mr. Bean to his performances in more dramatic and romantic roles.
Awards and Achievements
Rowan Atkinson is a celebrated actor and comedian who has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. Here is a list of some of his most notable achievements:
- Laurence Olivier Theatre Award (1981) – Atkinson won this award for his performance in the West End production of “Rowan Atkinson in Revue”.
- BAFTA TV Award (1989) – Atkinson won this award for Best Light Entertainment Performance for his role in “Blackadder Goes Forth”.
- International Emmy Award (1989) – Atkinson won this award for Best Popular Arts Programme for “Blackadder Goes Forth”.
- British Comedy Award (1990) – Atkinson won this award for Best TV Comedy Actor for his role in “Blackadder”.
- BAFTA TV Award (1991) – Atkinson won this award for Best Entertainment Performance for his role in “Mr. Bean”.
- Royal Television Society Award (1991) – Atkinson won this award for Best Light Entertainment Performance for his role in “Mr. Bean”.
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (1997) – Atkinson was awarded this honour for his services to drama and charity.
- BAFTA TV Fellowship (2013) – Atkinson was awarded this lifetime achievement award by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts for his outstanding contribution to television comedy.
- Evening Standard Theatre Award (2013) – Atkinson won this award for Best Actor for his role in the West End production of “Quartermaine’s Terms”.
- Olivier Award (2014) – Atkinson won this award for Best Actor in a Play for his role in the West End production of “Quartermaine’s Terms”.
These awards and achievements demonstrate Atkinson’s incredible talent and contribution to the entertainment industry. From his iconic roles in “Blackadder” and “Mr. Bean” to his successful stage performances, Atkinson has been recognised for his incredible work across various mediums.
Rowan Atkinson Family
Rowan Atkinson was born on January 6, 1955, in Consett, County Durham, England. He grew up in a middle-class family with his father, Eric Atkinson, who was a farmer, and his mother, Ella May Bainbridge, who worked as a company secretary. Atkinson has two older brothers, Paul and Rodney.
Rowan Atkinson Wife
Atkinson married his first wife, Sunetra Sastry, in 1990. Sastry was a makeup artist who had worked on many of Atkinson’s film and television projects. The couple had two children together, a son named Benjamin, born in 1993, and a daughter named Lily, born in 1995.
Rowan Atkinson Divorce
In 2014, Atkinson and Sastry announced that they were separating after 24 years of marriage. The divorce was finalised in 2015.
Rowan Atkinson Daughter
In 2014, Atkinson began dating actress Louise Ford, who is 29 years his junior. The couple met while working together on a West End production of the play “Quartermaine’s Terms”. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Isla, in December 2017. In 2019, Atkinson and Ford announced that they had welcomed their second child together, although they did not reveal the child’s name or gender.
Atkinson is known for being a private person when it comes to his personal life. He has rarely discussed his relationships or family in interviews, and prefers to keep his personal life out of the public eye. Despite this, he has a devoted fanbase who appreciate his talent and work as an actor and comedian.
Rowan Atkinson – Mr. Bean
Rowan Atkinson’s portrayal of the character Mr. Bean is one of his most iconic and beloved roles. The character first appeared on British television in 1990, and quickly became a global sensation, entertaining audiences of all ages with his unique brand of physical comedy.
The character of Mr. Bean is a socially awkward and often clueless man who struggles to navigate the simplest of situations. He rarely speaks, instead communicating through grunts and facial expressions, and often finds himself in absurd situations that result in hilarious consequences.
The character of Mr. Bean began as a sketch on the British television show “The Exciting Life of Richard Clayderman” in 1989. Atkinson, who had been performing comedy for many years, developed the character while working with writer Richard Curtis. The sketch was so well-received that it led to a television series, simply titled “Mr. Bean”.
The “Mr. Bean” television series consisted of 15 episodes, which were broadcast between 1990 and 1995. The show was an instant hit, both in the UK and internationally, and helped to cement Atkinson’s status as one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
In addition to the television series, Atkinson also starred in two feature films as Mr. Bean: “Bean” in 1997, and “Mr. Bean’s Holiday” in 2007. Both films were box office successes, grossing over $250 million worldwide.
Despite the success of the character, Atkinson has been hesitant to revive Mr. Bean in recent years. In a 2019 interview, he stated that he believed the character had run its course and that he had no plans to bring him back.
However, despite Atkinson’s reservations, the character of Mr. Bean remains a beloved cultural icon, inspiring countless imitators and influencing generations of comedians. His unique brand of physical comedy and timeless appeal ensure that he will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
Mr Bean is a SAVAGE! 🔥😂 #mrbean pic.twitter.com/cxgDzx2w99
— Mr Bean (@MrBean) April 7, 2023
Rowan Atkinson net worth
As of 2021, Rowan Atkinson’s estimated net worth is around $150 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Atkinson has amassed his wealth through his successful career as an actor, comedian, and writer.
Atkinson began his career as a performer in the late 1970s, appearing in various comedy shows and television programs in the UK. However, it was his role as the hapless Mr. Bean in the eponymous television series that brought him international fame and success.
Rowan Atkinson upcoming movie in 2023
There is no confirmed information regarding Rowan Atkinson’s upcoming movie in 2023. It is yet to be declared.
Atkinson has also been rumored to be working on a new project with his longtime collaborator Richard Curtis, who wrote and co-created “Mr. Bean” and “Blackadder” with Atkinson. It is unclear what this project might be or when it might be released.
Note: You can also read Blog Educated Hollywood Celebrities