ACTOR · BORN 1955
Rowan Atkinson
- Born
- 6 January 1955, Consett, County Durham, UK
- Known for
- The Lion King (1994), Scooby-Doo (2002), The Witches (1990), Man vs Bee (2022)
37 archived facts 3 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Rowan Atkinson (born 6 January 1955) is an actor best known for The Lion King, Scooby-Doo and The Witches.
37 Interesting Facts About Rowan Atkinson
Interesting Facts (16)
- #001
Rowan Atkinson has long struggled with a stutter. This speech disorder leads him to avoid giving interviews. His stutter occasionally shows itself, particularly in live performances and television programmes. Even so, it has not overshadowed his success in his comedy career.
Rowan Atkinson: a sceneImage: Wikimedia Commons · Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 - #002
Atkinson has difficulty pronouncing words that begin with the letter 'B' followed by a vowel. He has to pause slightly when saying these words. This affects his manner of speaking and gives his characters a different quality in some scenes. Even so, he manages to overcome the difficulty.
- #003
In 2004, Atkinson publicly opposed the British Labour government's plans to introduce new laws against inciting religious hatred. He argued that these laws would weaken freedom of expression and thought. He even cited the possibility of mind-reading technology advancing, stating that such measures would render political satire, a cornerstone of democracy, inoperable. These statements reveal his political stance and his libertarian outlook.
Rowan Atkinson: a sceneImage: Wikimedia Commons · Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 - #004
Atkinson once crashed his McLaren F1 supercar, worth more than 1 million dollars, into a parked Mini Metro worth about 600 dollars. The accident caused no serious damage to the vehicles. The incident is remembered as a humorous anecdote about his driving ability. Atkinson's coming through the crash shows he was lucky.
- #005
Atkinson stated that he did not like the series The Black Adder (1983). Likewise, Michael Grade, who was controller of BBC One in 1984, did not like the series and nearly cancelled the following series. Over time, however, the series became a cult classic. This shows that first impressions are not always correct.
- #006
Atkinson writes articles for the British car magazine CAR. These writings reflect his interest in and knowledge of the automotive world. His column in the magazine offers readers a different perspective. Atkinson's articles show that he is not only a comedian but also a car enthusiast.
- #007
Atkinson holds the HGV licence required in the United Kingdom to drive goods vehicles known as heavy goods vehicles with a gross weight above 3.5 tonnes. This licence demonstrates his ability to drive large vehicles. Atkinson's obtaining this licence reveals how deep his interest in vehicles runs.
- #008
Atkinson is the only actor to appear in every episode of the series Blackadder. Tony Robinson did not appear in the pilot episode. This shows Atkinson's commitment and loyalty to the series. His presence played an important role in the show's continuity.
Rowan Atkinson: Johnny English, behind the scenesImage: Wikimedia Commons · Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 - #009
Atkinson was educated at the Cathedral Chorister School in Durham. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was two years above him, also attended the same school. This school holds an important place in his education. Atkinson's years at this school were influential in shaping his personality.
- #010
In 2002, Rowan Atkinson was actively involved in the creation and production of the Mr Bean animated series, a project that moved his character to a different platform.
- #011
On 4 August 2011, Rowan Atkinson crashed a McLaren Formula 1 sports car and was taken to Peterborough City Hospital, where he was found to have a minor shoulder injury.
Rowan Atkinson: Johnny EnglishImage: Wikimedia Commons · Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 - #012
Rowan Atkinson is one of only three actors, along with Tony Robinson and Tim McInnerny, to appear in all four Blackadder series: The Black Adder (1983), Blackadder II (1986), Blackadder the Third (1987) and Blackadder Goes Forth (1989).
- #013
One of Rowan Atkinson's idols is the famous French comedian and filmmaker Jacques Tati, whose style of physical comedy influenced Atkinson's own approach to acting.
- #014
His cousin's son is Swedish actor Nick Atkinson.
- #015
Educated at St Bedes, Cumbria.
- #016
Brought up in Consett and Stocksfield in County Durham.
Career & Awards (7)
- #017
In 2013, Atkinson was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his services to drama and charity. This honour shows that his contributions to the arts and to society were recognised. With this award, Atkinson achieved a significant milestone in his career.
- #018
In 1982, Atkinson was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Comedy Performance for his work in the 1981 season. This award confirmed his success on the theatre stage. Atkinson's comedic talent was crowned with this prestigious prize.
- #019
He's a partner in the production company Tiger Aspect.
- #020
In 1985, Rowan Atkinson starred in the play 'The Nerd' at the Aldwych Theatre in London. The following year his one-man show, staged in the West End, drew great interest and transferred to Broadway, after which he toured Australia, New Zealand and the Far East.
- #021
Rowan Atkinson appeared in The Lion King (1994), which was selected by the Library of Congress for the National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically" significant.
- #022
He along with Hugh Grant had to turn down roles in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) in favor of Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994).
- #023
He has appeared in one film that has been nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994).
Life & Family (14)
- #024
In his spare time, Atkinson enjoys driving go-karts on tennis courts. His best man and close friend Stephen Fry highlighted his modest character, saying of him that there is "not a gram of showbiz in him". This hobby shows that he leads a simple life outside the entertainment world.
- #025
Atkinson began his education studying electrical engineering at Newcastle University. He then took a master's degree in the same field at Oxford University. This academic background contributed to his intelligent and analytical understanding of comedy. His engineering training is also reflected in the meticulousness of his stage performances.
- #026
Atkinson owns the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage he used in the film Johnny English (2003). This luxury car is a sign of his passion for automobiles. His use of the vehicle in the film's scenes gives his character a distinct quality. Atkinson drives this car not only in the film but also in his daily life.
- #027
Atkinson is known for his passion for cars, and his collection includes many fast cars. Aston Martin Vantage models are an important part of this collection as well. These vehicles show his interest in speed and performance. Atkinson prefers these cars not only for his collection but also for daily use.
- #028
Atkinson attended the wedding ceremony of Catherine, Princess of Wales, and William, Prince of Wales. This invitation shows that he holds a respected position in British society. Atkinson's presence on this special day also reveals his relationship with the royal family.
- #029
Atkinson takes part in races organised by the Aston Martin Owners Club and sometimes crashes in these races. This shows his competitive spirit and his passion for cars. Atkinson's performance in the races proves that he is not merely a spectator but an active participant.
- #030
Atkinson had two children with his former wife Sunetra Sastry: his son Benjamin Alexander Sebastian Atkinson, born in 1993, and his daughter Lily Grace Atkinson, born in 1995. These children are an important part of his family life. Atkinson takes a close interest in his children and plays an active role in raising them.
- #031
Atkinson was among the guests who attended the wedding ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. This invitation once again shows his standing in British society. Atkinson's presence at this special ceremony strengthens his ties with the royal family.
- #032
Atkinson is known as a great car enthusiast, and his collection includes many different models, such as the McLaren F1 GTR, Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz 500E, Bentley Mulsanne, Honda Civic Hybrid, Lancia Delta Integrale, Aston Martin V8 Zagato, Aston Martin DB2, Honda Acura NSX, BMW 328 and Ford Falcon. These vehicles reflect his taste and his interest in the automotive world. Atkinson's collection is an indication of his passion in this field.
- #033
In April 2009, Rowan Atkinson had to undergo hernia surgery and was forced to withdraw from his role in the West End production of Oliver.
- #034
His grand father once owned the Theatre Royal in North Shields,.
- #035
Father of a daughter named Isla May (b. December 2017) with partner Louise Ford.
- #036
Three of Rowan Atkinson's grandparents were born in Durham: his paternal grandparents were Edward Atkinson from Spennymoor and Edith Gertrude Browell from Crookhall, while his maternal grandfather was Frank Bainbridge from Hartlepool and his maternal grandmother was Ella Schofield from Grosmont in North Yorkshire.
- #037
Rowan Atkinson began his education at St Bees School in Cumbria (1968-72), then took an undergraduate degree at Newcastle University (1972-75) and a master's at Oxford University (1975-78).
Related pages
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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