Rowan Atkinson Dislikes His Most Famous Roles Including His Iconic Character
Rowan Atkinson, celebrated for his iconic role as Mr. Bean, has revealed his ambivalence towards some of his most famous characters. During a recent event for his Netflix series, *Man vs. Baby*, the 70-year-old actor described Mr. Bean as a “selfish” individual he would not invite into his home.
Rowan Atkinson Discusses Mr. Bean
Atkinson first portrayed Mr. Bean in 1990, a character known for his humorous, non-verbal antics. Despite the character’s global appeal, Atkinson admitted, “I dislike Mr. Bean as a person. I would never want to have dinner with him.” He elaborated, stating that while he enjoys the character, he associates it with a childish selfishness.
Recent Projects and Career Reflections
Atkinson’s latest project, *Man vs. Baby*, follows the success of his previous series *Man vs. Bee*. Although he remains busy with these roles, he has reduced his appearances in more recent films. His last significant film role was in the musical *Wonka*.
Critics have received *Man vs. Bee* positively, and Atkinson remains hopeful about his new series. However, he chooses not to engage with reviews, claiming that viewership numbers matter more than critical feedback. “The only thing that interests me is how many people watch this, and would they like to watch more?” he stated.
Legacy Beyond Mr. Bean
While Mr. Bean is arguably Atkinson’s most significant character, he does not consider it his favorite. Atkinson gained fame in the early 1980s through the BBC sketch show *Not the Nine O’Clock News*. This early success led to the popular sitcom *Blackadder*, which showcased his talents alongside renowned actors like Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry.
Reflecting on his character history, Atkinson notes that most of his roles have a darker edge. He describes Trevor Bingley from *Man vs. Bee* and *Man vs. Baby* as one of the nicest characters he has portrayed, contrasting him with characters like Mr. Bean, Blackadder, and Johnny English, who possess more unpleasant traits.
Conclusion
Rowan Atkinson continues to leave a mark in the world of comedy, navigating his legacy with a critical eye. Although he may not cherish Mr. Bean as a personal favorite, the character remains a central part of his career narrative, deeply influencing comedic storytelling across generations.
