Rowan Sebastian Atkinson CBE (born 6 January 1955) is an English actor, comedian, and writer. He played the title roles in the sitcoms Blackadder (1983–1989) and Mr. Bean (1990–1995), and in the Johnny English film series (2003–present). Atkinson gained fame on the BBC sketch comedy show Not the Nine O’Clock News (1979–1982), winning the 1981 British Academy Television Award.
He appeared in films like The Witches (1990), Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), and Love Actually (2003). Atkinson received a CBE in the 2013 Birthday Honours for services to drama and charity.
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Rowan Atkinson Net Worth
Rowan Atkinson has a net worth of $150 million. He is passionate about cars and has participated in many races. His collection includes a Honda NSX, Jaguar Mk7, Aston Martin DB2, vintage Ford Falcon, 1939 BMW 328, and Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe. Atkinson recorded the second-fastest time on Top Gear in his F1.
In 1997, he bought a McLaren F1 for $1 million. After crashing it twice, the 2011 repair bill was $1.4 million, and his insurance was raised to $100,000 per year. He sold the car in 2015 for $12 million.
Early Life
Rowan Sebastian Atkinson was born in Consett, County Durham, England, on 6 January 1955. The youngest of four boys, his parents were Eric Atkinson, a farmer and company director, and Ella May. His brothers include Rodney, an economist, and Rupert. Atkinson was educated at Durham Chorister School and St Bees School.
He attended Newcastle University, earning a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 1975. Atkinson briefly studied for a PhD at The Queen’s College, Oxford before pursuing acting, where he met Richard Curtis and Howard Goodall.
Career
Some of Rowan Atkinson’s first work was in radio, with the 1979 show The Atkinson People, a one-man show where he interviewed himself, showcasing his voice-acting skills. He appeared on television in Canned Laughter and hosted Not the Nine O’Clock News.
In 1983, Atkinson landed the lead role in the iconic TV show Blackadder and made his film debut in Never Say Never Again. He continued in theater with The Nerd in 1984, alongside Christian Bale. The second season of Blackadder debuted in 1986, followed by Blackadder II (1987) and Blackadder Goes Forth (1989).
Personal Life
Rowan Atkinson met Sunetra Sastry, a makeup artist, in the late 1980s when she worked for the BBC. They married in February 1990 and had two children, living in Apethorpe. Their son Ben became an army officer in the Brigade of Gurkhas.
In 2013, Atkinson, at age 58, began a relationship with 32-year-old comedian Louise Ford, whom he met while performing in a play. Ford ended her relationship with comedian James Acaster to be with Atkinson. He separated from his wife in 2014 and divorced in 2015. Atkinson has one child with Ford.
What does Rowan Atkinson have a PhD in?
Rowan Atkinson does not have a PhD. He holds an undergraduate degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. He briefly studied for a doctorate but decided to focus on acting instead.
Conclusion
Rowan Atkinson’s net worth of $150 million is a testament to his extraordinary career in comedy and acting. His creation of Mr. Bean has not only brought joy to audiences globally but also amassed considerable wealth, cementing his status as a comedy legend.
FAQs about Rowan Atkinson
- What are some of Rowan Atkinson’s notable roles aside from Mr. Bean? Aside from Mr. Bean, Atkinson is known for his roles in “Blackadder,” “Johnny English,” and “The Lion King.”
- Has Rowan Atkinson won any awards for his acting? Yes, Atkinson has received several awards and nominations for his performances, including a BAFTA for “Blackadder.”
- Is Rowan Atkinson involved in any charitable work? Atkinson has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including supporting organizations for disaster relief and children’s welfare.
- What are Rowan Atkinson’s interests outside of acting? He is an avid car enthusiast, known for his collection of luxury sports cars and participation in racing events.
- How has Rowan Atkinson’s character Mr. Bean impacted popular culture? Mr. Bean has become a cultural icon, known for his unique style of comedy that resonates with audiences of all ages around the world.
