Rowan Atkinson
Actor, comedian, writer
Born
January 6, 1955
Birthplace
Consett, County Durham, England
Nationality
British
Net Worth
$150 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Mr Bean; Blackadder; Johnny English; Man vs Bee
Rowan Atkinson Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Rowan Sebastian Atkinson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1955 |
| Age | 71 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Consett, County Durham, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actor, comedian |
| Years Active | 1978-present |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Spouse | Partnered with actress Louise Ford |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth | ~$150 million |
| Known For | Physical comedy and minimalist dialogue |
Early Life & Background
Atkinson was raised on a farm in County Durham and excelled academically, studying electrical engineering at Newcastle University and earning a master's degree from The Queen's College, Oxford. He joined the Oxford University Dramatic Society, where his knack for silent, rubber-faced humor emerged alongside collaborators like Richard Curtis.
Career Journey
Sketch Comedy Origins
Atkinson co-created BBC's Not the Nine O'Clock News, winning BAFTAs for its sharp satire. This led to Blackadder (1983-1989), where he played multiple incarnations of the sly Edmund Blackadder across historical eras.
Mr Bean Phenomenon
The largely silent character Mr Bean debuted in 1990, turning Atkinson into a global icon. The series spawned animated spinoffs, feature films (Bean, Mr. Bean's Holiday), and viral sketches that continue to attract billions of views.
Johnny English and Beyond
Atkinson channeled spy spoof energy into the Johnny English film franchise (2003-2018), balancing cinema with stage work, voice acting (The Lion King), and the 2022 Netflix series Man vs Bee. He also occasionally returns to radio and live comedy specials.
Recent Work
In 2026 Atkinson voices a new Mr Bean animated feature for Illumination, executive produces Blackadder: The Lost Years podcast dramas, and films Johnny English Recharged, introducing a Gen-Z protege.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-1982 | Not the Nine O'Clock News | Various | Sketch series |
| 1983-1989 | Blackadder | Edmund Blackadder | Cult classic |
| 1990-1995 | Mr Bean | Mr Bean | Physical comedy hit |
| 1997 | Bean | Mr Bean | Feature debut |
| 2003-2018 | Johnny English Series | Johnny English | Spy spoof franchise |
| 2010 | The Lion King (stage revival) | Zazu (voice) | London production |
| 2022 | Man vs Bee | Trevor Bingley | Netflix series |
| 2026 | Mr Bean: World Tour | Voice of Mr Bean | Animated film |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | BAFTA Television Awards | Best Entertainment Performance | Not the Nine O'Clock News | Won |
| 1989 | BAFTA Television Awards | Best Light Entertainment Performance | Blackadder Goes Forth | Won |
| 1990 | International Emmy Awards | Popular Arts | Mr Bean | Won |
| 2013 | British Comedy Awards | Lifetime Achievement | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$150 million (2026)
Earnings come from Mr Bean licensing, Johnny English box office, touring comedy specials, voice work, and investments in luxury cars and real estate. Atkinson also owns production company Tiger Aspect shares that continue to pay dividends.
Personal Life
Atkinson is an automobile enthusiast with an impressive collection of McLarens, Aston Martins, and vintage rally cars. He enjoys piloting planes, supporting the RNLI, and spending time with partner Louise Ford and their daughter Isla.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
He advocates for free speech protections, notably speaking against overly broad hate speech laws in the UK. Atkinson supports Comic Relief, donates to British motorsport heritage museums, and funds educational scholarships at Newcastle University.
Social Media Presence
Atkinson maintains privacy and has no official personal social media accounts. Mr Bean's verified channels, managed by his team, share new sketches, animated clips, and charity announcements.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Atkinson suffers from a mild stutter that disappears on stage, fueling his interest in silent comedy.
- He tested early prototypes for the McLaren F1 as one of the first customers.
- Atkinson holds a pilot's license for both fixed-wing aircraft and heavy goods vehicles.
- He co-wrote most Mr Bean sketches with longtime collaborator Richard Curtis.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Atkinson is recording Mr Bean's voice for Illumination's 2026 holiday release, guest-hosting the opening gala of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and consulting on BBC's Blackadder: The Lost Years podcast. Filming for Johnny English Recharged begins summer 2026 in Malta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Rowan Atkinson?
Rowan Atkinson is a British actor and comedian famous for Mr Bean, Blackadder, and the Johnny English films.
What is Rowan Atkinson most famous for?
He is most famous for the near-silent physical comedy of Mr Bean and razor-sharp wit of Edmund Blackadder.
Is Rowan Atkinson active on social media?
Atkinson himself avoids social media, but official Mr Bean accounts share updates, new content, and tour news.