Actor Rowan Atkinson is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians and the star of a host of classic sitcoms and films but there’s more to him than meets the eye.
Hayley Anderson TV Reporter
07:30, 13 Dec 2025
Rowan Atkinson remains a beloved British treasure, so it’s no surprise that admirers are eager to learn more about the 70-year-old performer. His latest venture, Man Vs Baby, premiered on Netflix on Thursday, December 11, featuring a four-part comedy series where Rowan Atkinson portrays Trevor Bingley, a man unexpectedly tasked with caring for an abandoned infant in London.
Despite being a fresh addition to the platform, the sitcom has already climbed to the top of Netflix’s most-watched list, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Mr Bean star.As viewers continue to devour Man Vs Baby over the weekend, here’s everything you need to know about the iconic Rowan Atkinson.
First career
Whilst Atkinson is widely recognised for his comedic prowess, entertainment wasn’t his original career path.He initially pursued electrical engineering at Newcastle University and had embarked on a PhD at Oxford University when he uncovered his talent for performance.
During his time at Oxford, he crossed paths with Richard Curtis, writer of Four Weddings And A Funeral, in which Atkinson had a brief appearance, and together they co-created the beloved series Blackadder.
Actor Rowan Atkinson stars in Man Vs Baby which is now on Netflix.(Image: NETFLIX)
Stutter
The Man Vs Baby actor has lived with a speech impediment throughout much of his life, though he’s reported to experience fewer difficulties when performing on stage or screen.Atkinson generally maintains a low public profile and rarely participates in interviews, partly due to his stammer.
Speaking to Time magazine, he explained: “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 formative years as a performer centred on the wordless, chaotic antics of Mr Bean.The character is thought to draw from Atkinson’s own experiences as a nine year old, when he endured bullying at school from peers who mocked his appearance, dubbing him with cruel nicknames such as Doople and Greenman.
Speaking to The Independent, he reflected: “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 previously married to makeup artist Sunetra Sastry, whom he encountered during the 1980s whilst filming the second series of Blackadder.Sastry worked as makeup artist for his co-star Stephen Fry, but romance quickly blossomed between her and Atkinson, leading to their marriage in 1990.
The couple remained together for 24 years, welcoming two children, Benjamin and Lily, before finalising their separation in November 2015.During the divorce, they were midway through building an £11 million property in Oxfordshire.
In 2013, the actor began a relationship with Louise Ford—who was dating comedian James Acaster at the time—after they worked together on the West End production of Quartermaine’s Terms.Ford, approximately 30 years younger than Atkinson, has appeared in programmes including Horrible Histories, The Windsors and Crashing. The couple welcomed their sole daughter, Isla, in December 2017 and have since chosen to keep her away from public scrutiny.Man Vs Baby can be streamed on Netflix.
