Who is Rowan Sebastian Atkinson?
Rowan Sebastian Atkinson CBE is an English actor, comedian and writer. He played the title roles in the sitcoms Blackadder and Mr. Bean, and in the film series Johnny English
Biography
Rowan Sebastian Atkinson was born on 6 January, 1955, in Consett, Co. Durham, UK, to Ella May (Bainbridge) and Eric Atkinson. His father owned a farm, where Rowan grew up with his two older brothers, Rupert and Rodney. He attended Newcastle University and Oxford University where he earned degrees in electrical engineering. During that time, he met screenwriter Richard Curtis, with whom he wrote and performed comedy revues.
Later, he co-wrote and appeared in Not the Nine O'Clock News, which was a huge success and spawned several best-selling books. It won an International Emmy Award and the British Academy Award for "Best Light Entertainment Programme of 1980." He won the "British Academy Award" and was named "BBC Personality of the Year" for his performance in Not the Nine O'Clock News.
Atkinson also appeared in several movies, including Dead on Time, Pleasure at Her Majesty's (aka "Monty Python Meets Beyond the Fringe"), Never Say Never Again, and The Tall Guy. He played "Mr. Bean" in the TV series, Mr. Bean (1990) but, apart from that and Not the Nine O'Clock News (1979), he also appeared in several other series like Blackadder and Funny Business, etc.
Accomplshment And Accomplshment
Television Success:
Atkinson gained widespread fame with the BBC sketch show Not the Nine O'Clock News, which aired from 1979 to 1982. His work on this program showcased his talent for physical comedy and satire.
Bean:
His character Mr. Bean, introduced in 1990, became a global phenomenon. The show has been translated into numerous languages and has earned him a dedicated fan base. The character's largely silent comedy appeals universally, transcending language barriers.
Blackadder:
Atkinson starred in the critically acclaimed series Blackadder, which aired in four historical periods from 1983 to 1989. His performance as the cunning Edmund Blackadder is considered one of his best and helped cement his status as a comedy legend.
Film Career:
Atkinson has starred in successful films, including Mr. Bean (1997) and Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007), both of which were box office hits. He also appeared in the Johnny English film series, showcasing his talent in action-comedy.
Awards and Honors:
Throughout his career, Atkinson has received numerous awards, including British Comedy Awards and BAFTA nominations. He was also appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 for his services to drama and charity.
Live Performances:
Atkinson is a skilled live performer and has embarked on successful stand-up tours, showcasing his comedic timing and physical humor.
Cultural Impact:
His characters and comedic style have influenced generations of comedians and entertainers, and Mr. Bean remains a cultural icon worldwide.
Philanthropy:
Atkinson is involved in various charitable causes, supporting education and health initiatives.
Ideologies
Rowan Atkinson is best known for his comedic roles, particularly as Mr. Bean and in "Blackadder." While he hasn't been overtly political in his public persona, he has expressed views on various topics over the years.
Free Speech:
Atkinson has been a strong advocate for free speech, emphasizing the importance of humor and satire in society. He has argued against excessive political correctness, suggesting that it can stifle comedy and creativity.
Social Commentary:
His work often includes subtle critiques of social norms and authority figures, reflecting a belief in the importance of questioning power and tradition.
Education and Science:
Atkinson has a background in engineering and has expressed support for education and the sciences, highlighting their role in society.
Personal Liberty:
He values personal freedom and has shown concern over governmental overreach, aligning with liberal viewpoints.