---
name: "Rowan Atkinson"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/rowan-atkinson"
fi1m_id: "rowan-atkinson"
imdb_id: "nm0000100"
tmdb_id: 10730
wikidata_id: "Q23760"
roles: ["Actor","Writer"]
born: "6 January 1955"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 15
average_fi1m_score: 67
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 15
updated: "2026-10-06T04:33:12.453770+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Rowan Atkinson

## Identity

Rowan Atkinson

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/rowan-atkinson
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** rowan-atkinson
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000100
- **TMDB ID:** 10730
- **Wikidata ID:** Q23760
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowan_Atkinson, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23760, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000100/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/10730

Actor and writer. Born 6 January 1955 in Consett, County Durham, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Writer
- **Born:** 6 January 1955, Consett, County Durham, UK
- **Active:** 1983–present
- **Also known as:** Rowan Sebastian Atkinson
- **Frequently works with:** [Eric Fellner](https://film.one/person/eric-fellner.md), [Tim Bevan](https://film.one/person/tim-bevan.md), [Richard Curtis](https://film.one/person/richard-curtis.md), [Peter Bennett-Jones](https://film.one/person/peter-bennett-jones.md), [Robin Driscoll](https://film.one/person/robin-driscoll.md), [William Davies](https://film.one/person/william-davies.md), [Ben Elton](https://film.one/person/ben-elton.md), [Ben Miller](https://film.one/person/ben-miller.md)
- **BAFTA Television Awards:** 2 BAFTAs (2 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 67, as actor, over 15 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 74 (2), 1990s 76 (6), 2000s 57 (4), 2010s 52 (2), 2020s 68 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 63 to 58 across 12 titles
- **Score spread:** 5 at 80+, 6 at 60–79, 4 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 7 of 14 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 12, Action 5, Adventure 5, Family 5, Drama 3, Fantasy 2
- **Screen time:** 22 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $3,442m across 13 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowan_Atkinson, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23760, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000100/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/10730

## Streaming the US now

- **BritBox:** [*Blackadder*](https://film.one/tv/blackadder.md) (84), [*Mr. Bean*](https://film.one/tv/mr-bean.md) (82)
- **Disney+:** [*The Lion King*](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king.md) (84)
- **Peacock:** [*The Witches*](https://film.one/film/the-witches.md) (82)
- **Netflix:** [*Four Weddings and a Funeral*](https://film.one/film/four-weddings-and-a-funeral.md) (80)
- **Apple TV:** [*Wonka*](https://film.one/film/wonka.md) (68)
- **The Roku Channel:** [*Scooby-Doo*](https://film.one/film/scooby-doo.md) (48)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Rowan Atkinson

> Rowan Atkinson is at his funniest when playing a man whose confidence survives every demonstration of his incompetence. We value his exact timing and expressive face, though some of his films settle for broader jokes.

Atkinson plays a fool as though being taken seriously were his due. He can deliver an absurd line without signalling that he knows it is absurd. We rate that control highly, especially when the writing gives him something harder to do than look ridiculous. *Blackadder* (1983–89) established his skill with verbal comedy and an ensemble, an important counterweight to the familiar physical routines. His collaborations with writers Richard Curtis and Ben Elton deserve their share of attention.

*Mr Bean* (1990–95) put the physical comedy first, with near-silence making every expression count. *Bean* (1997) took the character into cinemas, while the spy spoofs beginning with *Johnny English* (2003) found another use for the self-deluded incompetent. These are sensible vehicles for him, but *Johnny English Strikes Again* (2018) is an underpowered example. The broad jokes make too little use of his precision.

*The Lion King* (1994), in which he voices Zazu, is our stronger recommendation among his film appearances. Its expressive animation and voice cast give the family drama weight, and the humour survives some overbearing lessons. There is a particular pleasure in hearing such a physically expressive actor contribute through voice alone. Atkinson need not be the principal attraction: a good ensemble gives us more reason to stay than a weak comedy that depends on recognising its star.

*Wonka* (2023) is the less satisfying example of that supporting work. Paul King's film is handsome and kind, but its unbroken sweetness leaves little room for the bite that might have helped Father Julius. We were disappointed by how little Atkinson's chocolate-loving priest made us laugh; appetite and authority should have given him more to work with. Hugh Grant's weary Oompa Loompa is much funnier, and affection for Atkinson is no reason to pretend otherwise. For a film evening, start with *The Lion King*; for a fuller account of what he can do, make time for *Blackadder*.

## Biography

Rowan Atkinson is an English actor and comedian. He studied electrical engineering at Newcastle University and the University of Oxford, where he began performing comedy sketches with Richard Curtis.

Atkinson first rose to prominence in the BBC sketch show *Not the Nine O'Clock News* (1979–1982) and the sitcom *Blackadder* (1983–1989). He created and starred as the title character in the series *Mr. Bean* (1990–1995) and its feature films *Bean* (1997) and *Mr. Bean's Holiday* (2007). He has also led the *Johnny English* comedy film series (2003–2018).

His other film roles include *Four Weddings and a Funeral* (1994), the voice of Zazu in *The Lion King* (1994), and Father Julius in *Wonka* (2023). Atkinson was appointed CBE in 2013 for services to drama and charity.

*Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, britannica.com, itv.com.*

## On Fi1m (15)

- *Wonka* (2023), Fi1m 68, as Father Julius — [page](https://film.one/film/wonka.md)
- *Johnny English Strikes Again* (2018), Fi1m 52, as Johnny English — [page](https://film.one/film/johnny-english-strikes-again.md)
- *Johnny English Reborn* (2011), Fi1m 53, as Johnny English — [page](https://film.one/film/johnny-english-reborn.md)
- *Mr. Bean's Holiday* (2007), Fi1m 63, as Mr. Bean — [page](https://film.one/film/mr-beans-holiday.md)
- *Johnny English* (2003), Fi1m 60, as Johnny English — [page](https://film.one/film/johnny-english.md)
- *Love Actually* (2003), Fi1m 58, as Rufus, Jewellery Salesman — [page](https://film.one/film/love-actually.md)
- *Scooby-Doo* (2002), Fi1m 48, as Mondavarious — [page](https://film.one/film/scooby-doo.md)
- *Bean* (1997), Fi1m 60, as Mr. Bean — [page](https://film.one/film/bean.md)
- *Four Weddings and a Funeral* (1994), Fi1m 80, as Father Gerald — [page](https://film.one/film/four-weddings-and-a-funeral.md)
- *The Lion King* (1994), Fi1m 84, as Zazu (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king.md)
- *Hot Shots! Part Deux* (1993), Fi1m 67, as Dexter Hayman — [page](https://film.one/film/hot-shots-part-deux.md)
- *Mr. Bean* (1990), Fi1m 82, as Mr. Bean — [page](https://film.one/tv/mr-bean.md)
- *The Witches* (1990), Fi1m 82, as Mr Stringer — [page](https://film.one/film/the-witches.md)
- *Blackadder* (1983), Fi1m 84, as Edmund Blackadder — [page](https://film.one/tv/blackadder.md)
- *Never Say Never Again* (1983), Fi1m 64, as Nigel Small-Fawcett — [page](https://film.one/film/never-say-never-again.md)

## Complete filmography (91)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Man vs Baby* (2025), series, as Trevor Bingley · Writer, Creator
- *Wonka* (2023), as Father Julius — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/wonka.md)
- *Blackadder: A Cunning Story* (2023), Thanks
- *Blackadder: The Lost Pilot* (2023), as Prince Edmund · Writer
- *Man vs Bee* (2022), series, as Trevor Bingley · Creator
- *One Red Nose Day and a Wedding* (2019), as Father Gerald
- *Diamonds are a Bean's Best Friend* (2018), as Mr. Bean (voice)
- *Johnny English Strikes Again* (2018), as Johnny English — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/johnny-english-strikes-again.md)
- *Handy Bean* (2018), series, as Mr. Bean
- *Red Nose Day Actually* (2017), as Rufus
- *Top Funny Comedian The Movie* (2017), as Mr. Bean
- *Maigret's Dead Man* (2016), as 朱尔斯·梅格雷
- *Maigret* (2016), series, as Jules Maigret
- *Mr Bean Funny Faces* (2015), as Mr Bean
- *Mr. Bean's 25th Anniversary: Mr. Bean Drives His Car Again!* (2015), as Mr. Bean
- *Mr. Bean: Funeral* (2015), as Mr. Bean
- *London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony: Isles of Wonder* (2012), as Mr. Bean
- *Johnny English Reborn* (2011), as Johnny English — Fi1m 53, [page](https://film.one/film/johnny-english-reborn.md)
- *Happy Birthday Mr Bean* (2010), as Mr. Bean
- *Horrible Histories* (2009), series, as Henry VIII
- *Now That’s What I Call Comedy* (2009), as Mr Bean
- *Blackadder's Most Cunning Moments* (2008), as Edmund Blackadder/Self
- *Blackadder Exclusive: The Whole Rotten Saga* (2008), Writer
- *Tak and the Power of Juju* (2007), series, Actor
- *Mr. Bean's Holiday* (2007), as Mr. Bean — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/film/mr-beans-holiday.md)
- *Mr. Bean's Wedding* (2007), as Mr. Bean
- *The Best of Mr. Bean* (2006), as Mr. Bean
- *Keeping Mum* (2005), as Walter Goodfellow
- *The Best of Not the Nine O'Clock News Volume Two* (2004), Actor
- *Love Actually* (2003), as Rufus, Jewellery Salesman — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/love-actually.md)
- *The Best of Not the Nine O'Clock News Volume One* (2003), Actor
- *Johnny English* (2003), as Johnny English — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/johnny-english.md)
- *Lying To Michael Jackson* (2003), as Martin Bashir
- *Scooby-Doo* (2002), as Mondavarious — Fi1m 48, [page](https://film.one/film/scooby-doo.md)
- *Mr. Bean: The Animated Series* (2002), series, as Mr. Bean (voice) · Executive Producer, Creator
- *Rat Race* (2001), as Enrico Pollini
- *Maybe Baby* (2000), as Mr. James
- *Mr Bean : Best Bits* (1999), Actor
- *Blackadder: Back & Forth* (1999), as Blackadder
- *Doctor Who: The Curse of Fatal Death* (1999), as The Doctor
- *Bean* (1997), as Mr. Bean · Executive Producer — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/bean.md)
- *The Best Bits of Mr. Bean* (1995), Actor
- *Unseen Bean* (1995), as Mr. Bean
- *The Thin Blue Line* (1995), series, as Inspector Raymond Fowler
- *Mr. Bean: Torvill and Bean* (1995), as Mr. Bean
- *Full Throttle* (1995), as Henry Burkin
- *The Lion King* (1994), as Zazu (voice) — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king.md)
- *Four Weddings and a Funeral* (1994), as Father Gerald — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/four-weddings-and-a-funeral.md)
- *Hot Shots! Part Deux* (1993), as Dexter Hayman — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/film/hot-shots-part-deux.md)
- *Hearts of Hot Shots! Part Deux—A Filmmaker's Apology* (1993), Actor
- *Two Mikes Don't Make a Wright* (1993), as Dr. Schooner
- *The Merry Mishaps of Mr. Bean* (1992), as Mr. Bean
- *Laughing Matters* (1992), Writer
- *Funny Business* (1992), series, as Presenter / Performer
- *Rowan Atkinson Live: Invisible Drum Kit* (1992), as Various Roles · Writer
- *Mr. Bean And Comic Relief: (I Want To Be) Elected* (1992), as Mr. Bean
- *Rowan Atkinson Live* (1992), as Various Roles · Writer
- *Bernard and the Genie* (1991), as Charles Pinkworth
- *Mr. Bean: The Bus Stop* (1991), as Mr. Bean
- *Mr. Bean Takes an Exam* (1991), as Mr. Bean · Writer
- *The Exciting Escapades of Mr. Bean* (1991), as Mr. Bean · Writer
- *Mr. Bean Goes to a Première* (1991), as Mr. Bean · Writer
- *Mr. Bean: Police Station* (1991), as Mr. Bean
- *Schmidteinander* (1990), series, Actor
- *The Driven Man* (1990), Writer
- *The Witches* (1990), as Mr Stringer — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/the-witches.md)
- *Mr. Bean* (1990), series, as Mr. Bean · Writer, Creator — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/mr-bean.md)
- *The Tall Guy* (1989), as Ron Anderson
- *A Bit of Fry & Laurie* (1989), series, Actor
- *Blackadder's Christmas Carol* (1988), as Blackadders
- *The Appointments of Dennis Jennings* (1988), as Dr. Schooner
- *Blackadder: The Cavalier Years* (1988), as Edmund Blackadder
- *Comic Relief* (1988), series, Actor
- *The Grand Knockout Tournament* (1987), as Lord Knock of Alton
- *Omnibus Presents Comic Relief* (1986), series, Actor
- *Royal Variety Performance 1984* (1984), Actor
- *Never Say Never Again* (1983), as Nigel Small-Fawcett — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/never-say-never-again.md)
- *Blackadder* (1983), series, as Edmund, Duke of Edinburgh, Captain Edmund Blackadder, Edmund Blackadder · Writer, Creator — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/blackadder.md)
- *Dead on Time* (1983), as Bernard Fripp · Writer
- *Mr. Kershaw's Dream System* (1982), as Mr. Kershaw
- *Cleo and John* (1982), Actor
- *Peter Cook & Co.* (1980), as Various Characters
- *The Secret Policeman's Ball* (1979), as Various Roles
- *Not the Nine O'Clock News* (1979), series, Writer
- *Canned Laughter* (1979), as Robert Box / Dave Perry / Mr. Marshall · Writer
- *Twilight Park*, as Davey the Ghost
- *Johnny English 4*, as Johnny English
- *Rowan Atkinson: Not Just a Pretty Face*, Actor
- *Talking Comedy*, series, Actor
- *Laughs and Larrikins*, Actor
- *Old Bean*, series, as Mr. Bean

## Gallery

- ![Rowan Atkinson](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-9198b7c682b4.jpg) Rowan Atkinson — Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/Rowan_Atkinson%2C_2011.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Gillian Anderson and Rowan Atkinson at Johnny English Reborn red carpet premiere, Sydney (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-c2f531f4037f.jpg) Gillian Anderson and Rowan Atkinson at Johnny English Reborn red carpet premiere, Sydney (2011) — Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Gillian_Anderson_and_Rowan_Atkinson.jpg/1280px-Gillian_Anderson_and_Rowan_Atkinson.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![The cast of 'Johnny English Reborn' at the movie premiere in Sydney, Australia. (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-9ab9efaa5277.jpg) The cast of 'Johnny English Reborn' at the movie premiere in Sydney, Australia. (2011) — {{{1}}}, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Johnny_English_Reborn_Cast.jpg/1280px-Johnny_English_Reborn_Cast.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Johnny English Reborn Movie Premiere Rowan Atkinson (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-5a468e7b06a8.jpg) Johnny English Reborn Movie Premiere Rowan Atkinson (2011) — Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Johnny_English_Reborn_Movie_Premiere_Rowan_Atkinson_%286111701008%29.jpg/1280px-Johnny_English_Reborn_Movie_Premiere_Rowan_Atkinson_%286111701008%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Rowan Atkinson](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-77c225f117cf.jpg) Rowan Atkinson — Image via TMDB
- ![Rowan Atkinson](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-ce8961fb0a8e.jpg) Rowan Atkinson — Image via TMDB
- ![Rowan Atkinson](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-007b5a66c3e9.jpg) Rowan Atkinson — Image via TMDB
- ![Johnny English Reborn Movie Premiere Rowan Atkinson (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-c13e429f4e58.jpg) Johnny English Reborn Movie Premiere Rowan Atkinson (2011) — Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Johnny_English_Reborn_Movie_Premiere_Rowan_Atkinson_%286111701016%29.jpg/1280px-Johnny_English_Reborn_Movie_Premiere_Rowan_Atkinson_%286111701016%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Johnny English Reborn Movie Premiere Rowan Atkinson (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-4d5676d76e96.jpg) Johnny English Reborn Movie Premiere Rowan Atkinson (2011) — Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Johnny_English_Reborn_Movie_Premiere_Rowan_Atkinson_%286111701042%29.jpg/1280px-Johnny_English_Reborn_Movie_Premiere_Rowan_Atkinson_%286111701042%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Rowan Atkinson](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-b571fd29f02b.jpg) Rowan Atkinson — Image via TMDB
- ![Rowan Atkinson](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-c49eb2c1a8bf.jpg) Rowan Atkinson — Image via TMDB
- ![Rowan Atkinson](https://film.one/media/person/15074/gallery-21c3a759aced.jpg) Rowan Atkinson — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### BAFTA Television Awards — 2 won

- 1990: Best Entertainment Performance (won), for *Blackadder*
- 1981: Best Entertainment Performance (won), for *Not the Nine O'Clock News*

### Other awards — 2 won, 1 nominated

- Jameson People's Choice Award for Best Actor 2003: Jameson People's Choice Award for Best Actor (nominated), for *Johnny English*
- Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy Performance 1981: Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy Performance (won)
- Laurence Olivier Awards 1981: Laurence Olivier Awards (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/rowan-atkinson