Happy Birthday !

• Rowan Atkinson (1955) British comedian and actor with a passion for fast cars and goofy roles. Born in Durham, England, Atkinson started out as a comedy writer, before performing in comedy revues throughout England. He gained his first substantial notoriety when he began appearing in “The Blackadder” a BBC series he co-wrote with creative partner Richard Curtis. The show was a smash, and spawned three follow-up series. Atkinson has also achieved minor success in the movies and is most recognizable to American audiences as the verbally awkward priest who stole the show from Hugh Grant in 1994’s Four Weddings and a Funeral. Since 1990, Atkinson has perfected the role of Mr. Bean in the series of the same name. “Mr. Bean” provides the perfect theater for Atkinson’s physical comedy. Other Atkinson films include, The Witches, Hot Shots! Part Deux, Rat Race (2001), Scooby-DOO (2002), and Love Actually in 2003.