Rowan Atkinson, widely recognized for his iconic role as Mr. Bean, has had a long and prosperous career in comedy. However, his personal life is just as rich, filled with love and family. Born in 1955, Atkinson overcame a significant speech impediment during his youth, with former schoolmate Tony Blair recalling how difficult communication was for Atkinson back then. Despite his shyness, Atkinson found confidence in acting, which eventually led to his success.
The creation of Mr. Bean in 1990 catapulted Atkinson to global fame, with the character’s physical humor breaking language barriers and resonating with audiences worldwide. The success of Mr. Bean spanned television, films, and books. Atkinson himself has noted that there’s something inherently amusing about seeing an adult act like a child. However, despite the character’s fame, he’s spoken candidly about his mixed feelings toward playing Mr. Bean, finding it stressful and exhausting. Atkinson has expressed a preference for vocal roles over physical comedy, making the Mr. Bean character more challenging than enjoyable for him.
In addition to Mr. Bean, Atkinson’s career also includes notable roles in the historical sitcom Blackadder and the Johnny English action-comedy series, showcasing his versatility. His career has led to significant financial success, with an estimated net worth of $150 million. Still, his greatest joy remains his family. Atkinson married BBC makeup artist Sunetra Sastry in 1990, and the couple had two children, Ben and Lily. While Ben pursued a career in the military, Lily chose a more creative path as a singer and burlesque performer. Sadly, Atkinson and Sastry divorced in 2015, citing “unreasonable behavior” as the cause.
Not long after, Atkinson found love again with actress Louise Ford, best known for playing Kate Middleton in The Windsors. The two met in 2012 while working together on a West End play. Despite a 30-year age gap, their relationship blossomed, though it reportedly caused distress for Sastry. Ford, from a working-class background in South East London, enjoyed a successful acting career. In 2017, Atkinson and Ford welcomed their daughter, Isla.
Today, Atkinson and Ford are happily raising their daughter and continuing to build a life together, blending their families while keeping their focus on their happiness. Their relationship shows that age is no obstacle to love. Atkinson’s journey reflects resilience, success, and the enduring power of laughter, while his personal life underscores the significance of love and family beyond the spotlight. Though he may have complex feelings about Mr. Bean, Atkinson’s comedy legacy is undeniable.
