Background :

• He obtained a Master's of Science in electrical engineering from The Queen's College, Oxford University. 

• First winning national attention in at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 1976.

• Although Atkinson did not complete his master's studies, he began his success working at the BBC as a member of the comedy-show 'Not the Nine-o-clock-news'

"Celebrities are a central part of the way media commodities

are sold.... All celebrities have a value in common – to sell

products, media and otherwise" - Milly Williamson (2016)

In relation to Rowan Atkinson, 'Mr Bean' is not just a Tv character, but also a cultural product that is sellable in society and helps others to sell. His star image is used as a brand extension which we can see above showing Mr bean turned into an animated series, as well as Soft toys, personalised gifts etc.

The 'Industry' can be sold on visual streaming platforms. Even of it not a full episode, you can watch complications on the official channel for 'Mr Bean'.

https://www.youtube.com/@MrBean/video

It is clear from the video, GQ has not provided full detail on every single role Atkinson has played. GQ only focuses on his comedic image and persona the most.

The list below consists of what GQ provides as well as other films and Tv shows based on my own previous viewings.

1. BBC Radio 3 1979 The Atkinson People

   
   

2. Blackadder (1983-1989)- pre-Mr Bean. This idea for the show came about when Atkinson and writer/director friend Richard Curtis attended University.

   
   

3. The Lion King (1994) 

   
   

4. Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994)

5. Bean (1997)

   
   

6. Johnny English (2003 -2019) James Bond parody

   
   

7. Love Actually (2003) His small ‘cameo’ role as Rufus the storeman

   
   

8. His work in theatre includes the role of Fagin in the 2009  revival of the musical Oliver!

The Link to here includes exclusive insight from Rowan Atkinson & Co-Creator & Writer, Richard Curtis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt8agz7jipY&ab_channel=MrBean

"I don't know if he will return" followed by a sigh for the audience, with Graham saying "The people have spoken"

"A global outreach"

"I can't go anywhere without being recognised" "Half recognised"

'Rowan Atkinson Dusts Off An Old Comedy Bit' - The Late Late Show With Stephen Colbert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl9XI_LvkHg

• It is important to note the primary aim of this interview was to promote his new film Johnny English Strikes Again.

• Becomes more of a 'lecture' with Atkinson as well as appreciating his past work that Colbert addresses to the audience.

• His ideas of comedy just using a piece of paper and facial expressions which Colbert and the audience find so interesting in the interview here.

• In a way he is giving a free comedy show to the audience and Colbert, we see the delight on Colbert's face, which highlights the qualities of the star image of Atkinson are prioritised within the characters he has played.

• However quickly transitions to sit back down and reverse back to his normal self, despite getting a vast amount of praise, which he acknowledges, but you can tell he tries not to gloat about which could jeopardise him as not just as a star but as a person.

The relationship between the star and the audience

This example from the 2012 Olympic Opening ceremony provides insights into how Atkinson's star image reflects onto an audience, as well as how he tries to move away from his Mr Bean Image but is still brought back into it

The star image of Atkinson is highly recognisable and marketable because audiences construct this image in the way they want it to be.

In a way, this constructs more about Atkinson's star image and tries to move him away slightly from his 'Mr Bean' image.

The link below details Atkinson at a car show in the South of France.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-12171473/ROWAN-ATKINSON-honeymoon-electric-vehicles-hang-old-petrol-motor.html

• Snickers UK - TV ad where Mr Bean demonstrates that you’re not Kung Fu when you’re #hungry
• M&M (1997) - Red and Yellow M&M are shown bowling with Mr. Bean. What's interesting with this advert is that it is partnered with the 1997 film Bean and was said to have played before the film came on in cinemas.

A 'Rowan Atkinson masterclass'

Some aspects of authenticity - a people person, we see him giving back to the community by coming in to teach young talent at LIPA.