Mr Bean's Birthday: 5 Funny Facts About The Iconic Star We Bet You Didn't Know

British actor Rowan Atkinson, known for playing the iconic character Mr Bean and for his popular film series Johnny English, is celebrating his 68th birthday today, January 6. Many people may not be familiar with the name Rowan Atkinson, but almost everyone is aware of his iconic character, Mr Bean.

Despite appearing in other shows and portraying other memorable roles, Atkinson is best known for his portrayal of the comical and bumbling Mr. Bean. However, there is more to Atkinson than just his talent for physical comedy. Here are some interesting facts about the actor, comedian, and person.

MR BEAN'S CAREER BEGAN ON STAGE

Atkinson debuted on stage when he was in his first year at Oxford. The actor has 48 hours to develop a five-minute act for a stage play, and he stood up in front of a mirror and made up "a strange, surreal, and non-speaking character" by making faces at himself. And later, people started recognising him after a series of performances of sketches with the Oxford Revue at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1976.

MR BEAN STARTED A RADIO

Rowan Atkinson, after his stage performance, also did a series of comedy shows for BBC Radio 3, titled The Atkinson People. The show was first broadcast in 1979. Mr. Bean himself acted out satirical interviews with fictional famous men in the series.The series script was written by Atkinson in collaboration with Richard Curtis and produced by Griff Rhys Jones.

MR BEAN IS SMART AND WELL- TAUGHT

Even though we might recognise Atkinson for his silly and comedy roles, Mr Bean has also got a different side to himself. He has a degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Newcastle University. He also holds a MSc in Electrical Engineering from Oxford University. Smart indeed!

MR BEAN LOVES BIG TRUCKS

Apart from having a fleet of cars, Mr. Bean has a passion for big vehicles. His liking for huge vehicles might have begun in his childhood, when he used to drive his father's tractor. Atkinson's love for tractors has grown so much over the years that he has gotten a Class 1 licence to drive a lorry.

MR BEAN IS ALSO A WRITER

Atkinson is an outstanding actor and comedian. But many aren't aware that he is also a writer. The actor not only collects cars and loves racing in them, he also writes about cars for a British magazine, which goes by the very authentic title, Car. Octane and Evo are two other magazines for which Mr. Bean has written.