Bean”, that Reveal a Different Side of Him
19 Fascinating Facts About Rowan Atkinson, Known as “Mr. Bean”, that Reveal a Different Side of Him
Rowan Atkinson, famously known as “Mr. Bean,” is a name that brings laughter to people of all ages and backgrounds.
His hilarious antics as the bumbling, childlike character have tickled the funny bone of audiences worldwide.
However, behind the scenes, Atkinson is quite different from the lovable Mr. Bean.
Let's delve into some intriguing facts about Rowan Atkinson that will change your perception of him forever.
1.
Atkinson and Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of Britain, were schoolmates at Durham Choristers School.
Despite their close association, they had contrasting personalities.
Atkinson was a shy and introverted child, while Blair was outgoing and excelled in academics.
2.
Surprisingly, Atkinson has a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Queen's College, Oxford.
Following in the footsteps of his father, who also studied there, Atkinson pursued higher education in the same field and even became an Honorary Fellow in 2006.
3.
Atkinson suffers from a stammer, which he creatively incorporates into his comedic performances.
By over-articulating certain sounds, particularly those involving the letter “B,” he effectively turns his speech impediment into a humorous element.
4.
While studying for his masters at Oxford, Atkinson co-created and co-wrote the iconic British sitcom “Mr.
Bean.”
This unexpected venture into writing comedy became a turning point in his career.
5.
Before achieving fame as Mr. Bean, Atkinson gained recognition through the BBC comedy show “Not the Nine O'Clock News.”
This satirical sketch series showcased his comedic talents and launched the careers of other renowned comedians such as Pamela Stephenson, Mel Smith, and Griff Rhys Jones.
6.
Atkinson's love life took an interesting turn on the set of Blackadder, where he met his ex-wife, Sunetra Sastry.
Sunetra worked as a makeup artist, and their chance encounter eventually led to marriage and two children.
7.
The original name for Mr. Bean was initially “Mr. White” but went through several changes before settling on the iconic name we know today.
Inspired by a French comedian's character named “Monsieur Hulot,” Atkinson created a silent, physical comedy that transcended language barriers.
8.
Despite its immense popularity, the Mr. Bean series only consisted of fourteen episodes, each lasting just twenty-five minutes.
These episodes were spread over a span of six years, captivating audiences with Mr. Bean's hilarious misadventures.
9.
Few people know that Atkinson holds a lorry driving license, which he obtained in 1981 due to his fascination with trucks.
His love for automobiles extends to his personal collection, which includes notable cars like the McLaren F1, Renault 5 GT Turbo, and Austin Metro.
10.
Atkinson showcased his versatility by playing a supporting character in Sean Connery's James Bond movie, “Never Say Never Again.”
He portrayed Nigel Small-Fawcett, a Foreign Office representative.
11.
Demonstrating his commitment to his craft, Atkinson insisted on performing Mr. Bean sketches on a French-speaking program early on in his career.
This decision proved successful, as the series garnered international acclaim and numerous awards.
12.
A true car enthusiast, Atkinson participated in racing events and even crashed his beloved McLaren F1 twice.
Despite the accidents, he remains passionate about cars and continues to enjoy racing.
13.
In a remarkable display of courage, Atkinson saved a plane from crashing when the pilot fainted mid-flight.
Despite having no prior flying experience, he managed to keep the aircraft airborne until the pilot regained consciousness and safely landed the plane.
