Last Updated on February 25, 2024
Who is Rowan Atkinson?
Rowan Atkinson is an iconic actor famous for his part in the popular British sitcom, Mr. Bean. A show heralded as one of the most outstanding examples of physical comedy to date. He is also known for his role in Blackadder, an equally critically acclaimed title that holds a dedicated following to this day.
Rowan Atkinson is an English actor, comedian, and writer who not only has written some of the most iconic characters in film history but has also brought them to life through his exceptional acting and comedic skills.
While Atkinson appeared in a few shows in the youth of his career, the title that brought him into the spotlight was The Black Adder, aired in 1983. Atkinson starred as Edmund Blackadder, and the story was set in medieval times. The show slowly gained traction as the years went by, enabling not one or two but three sequels all based around the original main character’s lineage.
Atkinson’s career took off with the airing of Mr. Bean in 1990. The show grew in popularity and traveled beyond the borders of the united kingdoms, building an audience around the world. The way Atkinson managed to bring the selfish man-child to life endeared him to watchers at large and featured in many cherished memories.
Atkinson will be remembered for years to come. While shows like Blackadder and Mr. Bean no longer air, they will not be forgotten anytime soon!
Quick Facts
Full Name: | Rowan Sebastian Atkinson |
Popular Name: | Mr. Bean |
Gender: | Male |
Birth Date: | January 6, 1955 |
Age: | 68 years |
Parents: | Eric Atkinson, Ella May |
Siblings: | Paul (Deceased), Rodney, Rupert. |
Birth Place: | Consett, County Durham |
Nationality: | British |
Ethnicity: | English |
Education: | Durham Choristers School, Newcastle University. |
Marital Status: | Divorced |
Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
Wife/Spouse: | N/A |
Children: | Benjamin Atkinson, Lily Atkinson |
Dating: | Louise Ford |
Net Worth: | $150 million |
Source of Wealth: | Entertainment: Acting, Comedy, Performance. |
Height: | 1.81m (5ft9) |
Weight: | 80kg (176.37 lbs) |
Early Life and Career Information
Rowan Atkinson was born in Consett, County Durham, in 1955 to Eric Atkinson and Ella Amy. He is the youngest of four boys, one of which is an economist with notable political experience.
Rowan Atkinson has quite an impressive educational history. He attended Durham Choristers School, and St. Bees School, both very dignified institutions. Atkinson and two of his brothers attended Durham Choristers’ school alongside future prime minister Tony Blair, which speaks to the school’s level of prestige.
Atkinson graduated with top grades in his A levels and ultimately secured a spot for himself at Newcastle University, where he studied and graduated with a degree in Electrical and Electronic engineering. He took his education one step further and procured for himself a master’s degree in the same field at the Queen’s College in Oxford. An awe-inspiring lineup of certifications, if I do say so myself.
During his time at Oxford, he developed an interest in acting. While he briefly considered going for a Ph.D., he later changed his mind, devoting himself entirely to acting.
Atkinson wrote and acted in quite a few productions in the following years. Thanks to his performance on Not the Nine O’clock News, he landed himself the leading role on the show that would, later on, set a precedent for the rest of his career; The Blackadder.
The Blackadder was an iconic point in his career because it showcased his excellent writing skills and ability to bring a role to life. The show boasted a cast of vibrant characters that carried on into the sequels. Though the show canonically spanned several generations, it was never a hassle to keep up with and stayed true to its original plot devices.
Blackadder aired four parts over almost twenty years. Atkinson sowed the seeds of what would be a masterpiece in comedic delivery during the tail end of this.
I don’t exactly have the best memory, but even I can remember sitting by the TV and losing myself in the light-hearted and hilarious adventures of Mr. Bean. To say that the show was a success would be an understatement! People loved the selfish, often unaware character so much that Atkinson would sometimes attend interviews as Mr. Bean.
Atkinson has done even more incredible things over the last twenty years, appearing in many popular film titles. He starred as Johnny English, a role practically made for him. Unsurprisingly, the movie was a great success and lived through two more sequels. If physical comedy were a masterclass, Atkinson’s career and achievements would be an entire section.
Rowan Atkinson’s Net Worth
Atkinson has done great things in the film industry. His contribution to the arts is so well recognized in the United Kingdom that he received “The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.” This is a great honor conferred for contributions to the arts, sciences, welfare organizations, public service, and civil services. A well-deserved honor, considering his contribution to British media over the years.
Atkinson has starred in and written award-winning shows like “Blackadder” and “Mr. Bean.” He has also starred in quite a few movies over the years, all of which attribute to his mind-blowing net worth of $150 million.
Lessons from the Life of Rowan Atkinson
Learn to Adapt to Every Situation
“I can be reasonably funny and light-hearted when I’m in the company of good friends, but I am not a jokesmith. I tend to be quite serious.” ~ Rowan Atkinson
One would think that a man accustomed to playing comedic roles would be a natural jokester, but that isn’t quite the case. Rowan Atkinson has shown himself to be very serious on many occasions. His ability to adapt his personality and mannerisms to the situation is astounding and leaves us with something to learn.
The way we approach different encounters in life will affect the outcome. Hence, adaptability is a crucial skill.
Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Well
“But I always feel that whatever I do, I could do better. I suppose it is perfectionism.” ~ Rowan Atkinson
Atkinson’s attention to detail can be observed in his writing. Every scene, line, and action benefits the plot in some shape or form. This principle can be applied to our everyday life. A little effort goes a long way. Always consider the results when working on a project. Do not be satisfied until you have worked on every flaw you can find, and never settle for anything less than your best.