Mr. Bean Retiring: Rowan Atkinson Stepping Away From Famous Character
Mr. Bean is retiring. Rowan Atkinson said today that he has no plans of playing his famous character again.
Atkinson said that he’s getting too old for the physical comedy inherent in Mr. Bean sketches. The comedian also believes that at he shouldn’t be playing such a bumbling idiot at 57-years-old.
Atkinson said:
“The stuff that has been most commercially successful for me – basically quite physical, quite childish – I increasingly feel I’m going to do a lot less of. I also think someone in their 50s being childlike becomes a little sad. You’ve got to be careful.”
Atkinson introduced Mr. Bean in the late 80s and has played the character in several TV movies, short films, TV shows and full-length features. Mr. Bean was turned into an animated series in 2002 and last Summer he played the character during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics.
Atkinson has seen huge success with his comedic character but says that he wants to move on to serious roles. Sky News reports that Atkinson will soon appear in Richard Eyre’s revival of Quartermaine’s Terms by Simon Gray.
Are you sad that Mr. Bean is retiring?
Here’s a look at some classic Mr. Bean skits.
The Library / The Bus Stop
The Exam / The Swimsuit / The Sneeze
Tags : mr. bean, mr. bean retiring, rowan atkinson
Posted: November 19, 2012
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Nov 19, 2012
No more Mr. Bean? He was my favorite modern Chaplin-esque character. There will be no replacing silliness like Rowan Atkinson gave us!
Nov 19, 2012
I'm going to cry! I LOVE Mr Bean!
Nov 19, 2012
long live Mr. Bean!
Nov 19, 2012
He was a mix beteewn Lucllie Ball and Charlie Chaplin, Mr Bean was one of the greats top shelf.
Nov 19, 2012
Bring back Black Adder!
Nov 19, 2012
"Retirement" until he's approached for more mature roles….watch for "Mr Bean goes to Washington/Parliament.
Nov 20, 2012
Didn't know you liked him Patrick. Very funny man he is, or was!
Nov 20, 2012
People are more apt to support what you are currently doing if you aren't flushing what you did 10 seconds ago down the toilet…
Nov 20, 2012
I will miss him dearly, such a funny man.
Nov 20, 2012
What do you feel like doing now? Being the antichrist with your close friend.
Nov 20, 2012
I am sad that we won't be seeing any more Mr. Bean, but I hope to see Atkinson in other roles as he is very talented. I am in the mood to go back and watch all the Mr. Bean episodes now, though!
Nov 21, 2012
bff he is soooooooo corney