DINH DOONG

Rowan Atkinson, the iconic British actor behind the beloved character Mr. Bean, has recently shared candid thoughts about the challenges of playing the role. Despite Mr. Bean’s global popularity and lasting legacy, Atkinson admits that portraying the clumsy, child-like character has been far from enjoyable for him. As he works on a new animated Mr. Bean film, Atkinson has expressed relief at the idea of leaving the character behind for good.

In an interview with Radio Times, Atkinson opened up about the difficulties of playing Mr. Bean, a character he first introduced to audiences in 1990. “I don’t much enjoy playing him,” Atkinson admitted. “The weight of responsibility is not pleasant. I find it stressful and exhausting, and I look forward to the end of it.”Despite the continuing demand for Mr. Bean content—including an upcoming animated project—Atkinson’s comments reveal the personal toll the character has taken on him. Known for the character’s exaggerated physical comedy and minimal dialogue, Atkinson’s portrayal of Mr. Bean requires precision, something the actor finds draining after so many years in the role.

While Atkinson may find the role exhausting, he is not surprised by Mr. Bean’s global success. “Mr. Bean’s success has never surprised me,” Atkinson said. He attributes the character’s appeal to the universal humor rooted in visual comedy. “Watching an adult behaving in a childish way without being remotely aware of his inappropriateness is fundamentally funny,” Atkinson explained. “The fact that the comedy is visual rather than verbal means it has been successful internationally, too.”Mr. Bean’s universal appeal has made the character a household name worldwide. The lack of dialogue allows audiences from diverse cultures to connect with the humor, making it one of the rare shows that transcends language barriers. Mr. Bean first aired as a TV series between 1990 and 1995, with Atkinson reprising the role in two feature films: Bean (1997) and Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007). Now, more than 30 years later, the character continues to captivate audiences through reruns and new adaptations.

Atkinson also reflected on his general approach to acting and creativity, revealing that the process of making new content is not something he enjoys. “I don’t actually like the process of making anything,” Atkinson confessed. This admission highlights the complexities behind the career of someone who has created some of the most memorable characters in comedy.

However, Atkinson made an exception for the BBC’s Blackadder, a historical comedy series where he played the lead role. “The responsibility for making that series funny was on many shoulders, not just mine,” Atkinson explained. This collaborative environment, unlike the solitary nature of Mr. Bean’s comedy, seems to have provided a more enjoyable creative experience for the actor.

Though Mr. Bean remains an integral part of Atkinson’s career, it is clear that he is ready to move on. The upcoming animated Mr. Bean project may be one of his final contributions to the character, marking the end of an era for fans worldwide. As Atkinson transitions away from Mr. Bean, it opens the door to new opportunities and roles, allowing the actor to explore other creative avenues without the burden of carrying an entire character by himself.

Atkinson’s candid remarks offer a rare glimpse into the personal challenges faced by even the most successful entertainers. While Mr. Bean has brought joy to millions, it is a reminder that the pressures of performing can take a toll, even on those who seem to embody joy and humor effortlessly. For Atkinson, the prospect of stepping away from Mr. Bean offers both relief and a chance to focus on new, less demanding ventures.

As fans eagerly await the release of the new animated film, they can take comfort in the fact that Mr. Bean’s legacy will live on through reruns, merchandise, and nostalgic memories. At the same time, Atkinson’s reflections serve as a reminder that behind every beloved character lies the dedication and hard work of an actor who deserves the same joy and fulfillment as the audiences he entertains.

With Mr. Bean’s journey seemingly coming to an end, fans are left with one final question: What’s next for Rowan Atkinson? Whatever lies ahead, the world will undoubtedly be watching with anticipation.