Rowan Atkinson

 Rowan Atkinson: A Detailed Biography

Early Life and Education

Rowan Sebastian Atkinson was born on January 6, 1955, in Consett, County Durham, England. He is the youngest of four sons born to Eric Atkinson, a farmer and company director, and Ella May (née Bainbridge). Atkinson was raised in an Anglican household and attended Durham Choristers School, where he shared classes with future Prime Minister Tony Blair. He later enrolled at St. Bees School and pursued higher education at Newcastle University, earning a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He continued his studies at The Queen's College, Oxford, obtaining a master's degree in Electrical Engineering. During his time at Oxford, Atkinson developed an interest in acting and comedy, performing in various student revues and collaborating with writer Richard Curtis and composer Howard Goodall. 

Career Beginnings

Atkinson's career in entertainment began with the BBC sketch comedy show "Not the Nine O'Clock News" (1979–1982), where he gained recognition for his sharp wit and comedic timing. His performance earned him the 1981 British Academy Television Award for Best Entertainment Performance. He further solidified his reputation with the historical sitcom "Blackadder" (1983–1989), portraying various incarnations of the cunning and cynical Edmund Blackadder across different historical periods. 

Mr. Bean and International Fame

In 1990, Atkinson introduced the character Mr. Bean, a mostly silent, childlike man who finds himself in absurd situations. The television series "Mr. Bean" (1990–1995) became a global phenomenon, known for its physical comedy and minimal dialogue, making it accessible to international audiences. The character's popularity led to two feature films: "Bean" (1997) and "Mr. Bean's Holiday" (2007), as well as an animated series that aired from 2002 to 2019. 

Film and Television Roles

Beyond Mr. Bean, Atkinson has appeared in various films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He played supporting roles in "Never Say Never Again" (1983), "The Witches" (1990), "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994), and "Love Actually" (2003). He voiced the character Zazu in Disney's animated film "The Lion King" (1994). Atkinson also starred in the "Johnny English" film series (2003–2018), portraying a bumbling secret agent in a parody of the James Bond franchise. 

Recent Projects

In 2022, Atkinson starred in the Netflix comedy series "Man vs. Bee," playing Trevor Bingley, a house sitter engaged in a battle with a bee in a luxurious mansion. The show's success led to a planned spin-off series titled "Man vs. Baby," where Atkinson's character faces new comedic challenges. Additionally, he appeared in the 2023 film "Wonka," portraying Father Julius. 

Personal Life

Atkinson was married to makeup artist Sunetra Sastry from 1990 to 2015, and they have two children together, Benjamin and Lily. Since 2014, he has been in a relationship with actress Louise Ford, with whom he has a daughter named Isla, born in 2017. Known for his passion for cars, Atkinson has participated in various car races and owns several high-performance vehicles. 

Rowan Atkinson's career spans over four decades, during which he has become a beloved figure in comedy, known for his unique characters and contributions to both television and film.