By Ryan Gilbey Thu 9 Jan 2025 13.30 GMT
To celebrate Rowan Atkinson’s 70th birthday, we look back at his remarkable career, from his iconic Mr. Bean to his sharply comedic roles in various films.
10. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Atkinson shines as Father Gerald, a clumsy vicar who mispronounces his words in a way that elicits laughter from the audience. His performance is filled with subtlety, especially in his moments of unintentional smugness.
9. Never Say Never Again (1983)
Atkinson briefly appears in this Bond film, playing Nigel Small-Fawcett, a bumbling Foreign Office official. His brief but memorable role foreshadows the kind of hapless characters he’d later become known for.
8. The Lion King (1994)
In the animated classic, Atkinson voices Zazu, the anxious hornbill to Mufasa. Though initially reluctant to do voice work, he was persuaded, delivering a memorable performance as the dutiful and somewhat neurotic bird.
7. Love Actually (2003)
Atkinson’s role as an overly meticulous gift-wrapping clerk brings his signature blend of comedy to a heartwarming scene with Alan Rickman. His over-the-top wrapping techniques provide comic relief in a tender moment.
6. Johnny English (2003)
Atkinson’s portrayal of the bumbling secret agent Johnny English is a hilarious take on the spy genre. His awkward yet endearing antics, such as tap-dancing on a coffin and mistakenly holding people at gunpoint, make this film a comedic standout.
5. The Witches (1990)
In Nicolas Roeg’s adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel, Atkinson plays an officious hotel manager caught in a darkly comedic moment with a maid. His role, though brief, adds to the quirky tone of the film.
4. Bean (1997)
This feature film, based on the beloved TV character, follows Mr. Bean on an international adventure. The film is packed with classic Bean antics, including mistaken identity and mishaps, culminating in a memorable moment where Bean “restores” an artwork in LA.
3. Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007)
In this second Bean movie, Atkinson pares down the character’s usual antics and brings back the essence of his early mime work. With references to Jacques Tati and an adorable finale at Cannes, it’s a lighthearted and joyful film.
2. The Tall Guy (1989)
In his first major film role, Atkinson plays a sadistic comic opposite Jeff Goldblum in a comedy about a musical production. While more restrained than his usual slapstick roles, Atkinson’s disdainful character stands out for its sharp humor.
1. The Secret Policeman’s Ball (1979)
In this iconic Amnesty International film, Atkinson’s solo sketches steal the show. His memorable performance as a strict headmaster, with his precise delivery and scathing wit, remains one of his most brilliant moments in comedy.
visit Comedy News for more.
