Man Vs Baby has just been released on Netflix with subscribers more curious than ever to find out about Rowan Atkinson’s life.
Rowan Atkinson is a British treasure, so it’s no surprise devotees are keen to learn everything about the 70-year-old performer.
Man Vs Baby landed on Thursday, December 11, on Netflix, a four-episode comedy following Trevor Bingley (portrayed by Rowan Atkinson) as he unexpectedly becomes guardian to an abandoned infant in London.
The sitcom may have only just arrived on the platform but has already soared to Netflix’s top spot, demonstrating that audiences remain captivated by the Mr Bean icon.
As fans carry on devouring Man Vs Baby this weekend, here’s everything worth knowing about the legendary Rowan Atkinson.
Unexpected career
Whilst everyone recognises Atkinson primarily for his comedic work, breaking into acting wasn’t his original plan.
He first pursued electrical engineering at Newcastle University and embarked on a PhD at Oxford University when he uncovered his love for performing.
Actor Rowan Atkinson stars in Man Vs Baby which is now on Netflix.(Image: NETFLIX)
During his Oxford years, he encountered the writer of Four Weddings And A Funeral, in which Atkinson made a brief appearance, and also co-penned the beloved Blackadder.
Stutter
The Man Vs Baby performer has lived with a speech impediment throughout much of his life but has apparently discovered it troubles him less whilst he’s on stage.
Atkinson generally avoids the limelight regardless, but he also steers clear of numerous interviews due to his stammer.
He told Time magazine: “It comes and goes. It depends on my nerves, but it can be a problem.
“I find that when I play a character other than myself, the stammering disappears. That may have been some of my inspiration for pursuing the career that I did.”
Mr Bean
Beyond his memorable role in the Blackadder series, Atkinson’s early work centred on the wordlessly chaotic persona of Mr Bean.
It’s thought that Mr Bean draws from nine year old Atkinson’s experiences after being bullied at school by youngsters who thought he resembled an alien, earning him cruel nicknames such as Doople and Greenman.
Speaking to The Independent, he said: “There’s a lot of Mr Bean in me. He’s socially inept, selfish and has no manners – yet he can be sweet, innocent and well-meaning.”
Actor Rowan Atkinson met his now-girlfriend Louise Ford while performing in West End play Quartermaine’s Terms.(Image: GETTY)
Personal life
Atkinson was married to makeup artist Sunetra Sastry who he first met in the 1980s during filming of Blackadder’s second season.
Sastry worked as makeup artist for his co-star Stephen Fry, but it wasn’t long before Atkinson formed a connection with her, and they married in 1990.
The couple remained together for 24 years and welcomed children Benjamin and Lily before divorcing in November 2015.
During the divorce proceedings, the pair were midway through building an £11 million property in Oxfordshire.
The star met his current girlfriend Louise Ford in 2013 – who was then dating comedian James Acaster – whilst working on the West End production Quartermaine’s Terms.
Ford, who is roughly 30 years younger, has appeared in Horrible Histories, The Windsors and Crashing. The couple, who became parents to their darling daughter Isla in December 2017, have chosen to keep her away from the public gaze.
Man Vs Baby can be streamed on Netflix.
