Rowan Atkinson marked his 71st birthday this past Tuesday, reflecting on an impressive journey filled with extraordinary achievements.

Originating from the tranquil town of Consett in County Durham, Atkinson has risen to become an international comedy legend, epitomizing the essence of a cherished British icon.

He has gifted the entertainment world with timeless characters such as Mr. Bean, Johnny English, and Blackadder, while also starring in popular films like Love Actually, Dead On Time, and Wonka.

While fans admire him for his impeccable comedic timing, expressive facial antics, and passion for fast cars, there’s much more to his story than meets the eye.

His life is peppered with intriguing surprises and fascinating tidbits that might be unfamiliar to many. Here’s a closer look at the remarkable journey of Rowan Atkinson, as explored by the Daily Mail.

The incredible facts you didn’t know about Rowan Atkinson – from how he saved his family from a plane crash to his royal connection (pictured last month)  

He has given the world unforgettable characters like Mr. Bean, Johnny English, Blackadder, and starred in hit movies such as Love Actually, Dead on Time and Wonka (pictured as Mr Bean in 1997)

Rowan attended the same preparatory school as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, called Durham Choristers 

Rowan went to school with Tony Blair

Rowan was the youngest of four boys and was sent to two boarding schools.  

First, he attended the same preparatory school as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, called Durham Choristers.

He arrived at the school aged 11, while Tony was 13 and was believed to have been a model pupil.

Former headmaster Canon John Grove reportedly said the two boys were like chalk and cheese.

According to the Independent, he said: ‘Rowan was shy with a slight stutter and a slightly rubbery face, just like the one he has now.’ 

Of Tony, he said: ‘He was outgoing. If you needed a volunteer, he was the boy who always had his hand up.’

Rowan then attended St. Bees School, in West Cumbria, for secondary school, excelling in science.

He didn’t always want to be a performer  

While many know Rowan as the man who is always putting a smile on people’s faces, comedy and acting weren’t his original plan (pictured in 1977)

While many know Rowan as the man who is always putting a smile on people’s faces, comedy and acting weren’t his original plan.

Following in his father’s footsteps, the star earned a M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Newcastle University. 

He later embarked on a PhD at Oxford University, where he uncovered his love for performing.

It was then that he encountered the writer of Four Weddings And A Funeral, in which Rowan made a brief appearance.

He also co-penned the beloved Blackadder.

Rowan struggles with a stutter

Rowan has struggled with a stutter for much of his life

Rowan has struggled with a stutter for much of his life.

He tends to avoid the limelight, regardless, but he also steers clear of numerous interviews due to it.

However, he discovered that his stutter troubles him less whilst he’s on stage.

He told Time magazine: ‘It comes and goes. It depends on my nerves, but it can be a problem.

‘I find that when I play a character other than myself, the stammering disappears. That may have been some of my inspiration for pursuing the career that I did.’

The NHS clarifies that stammering, also known as stuttering, is a common speech issue in childhood, which can continue into adulthood. 

It varies from each individual and may involve repeating certain sounds or syllables, or elongating some sounds more than others.

Those with a stutter may find it difficult to pronounce specific words at all.

‘It is not possible to say for sure why a child starts stammering, but it is not caused by anything the parents have done,’ the NHS states. 

‘Developmental and inherited factors may play a part, along with small differences in how efficiently the speech areas of the brain are working.’

He saved his family from a plane crash

In 2001, Rowan managed to save the lives of his then wife and two children when the pilot of their private plane collapsed at the controls (pictured with his then wife Sunetra Sastry in 2005)

In 2001, Rowan managed to save the lives of his wife and two children when the pilot of their private plane collapsed at the controls.

His wife at the time, Sunetra Sastry, and children Ben and Lily were on holiday in Kenya.

The family were being flown from Ukundu to Nairobi on a Cessna 202 light aircraft.

However, disaster struck 45 minutes into the flight as the pilot fell unconscious.

As the family battled to bring him around, Rowan, who had never flown before, was forced to take the controls of the plane.

Fortunately for everyone on board the plane, the pilot regained consciousness before it had to land.

The pilot took over the controls and returned the family to the back safely to the ground.

He has links to the Royal Family

Rowan is a friend of the British Royal Family and has a particularly close bond with King Charles

Rowan is a friend of the British Royal Family and has a particularly close bond with King Charles. 

The actor has attended several private events hosted by the monarch and was among the exclusive guests who attended his wedding to Queen Camilla. 

He was also part of King Charles’ 60th birthday celebration, which was hosted at his private residence, Highgrove Gardens.

Rowan has also been invited to major events hosted by the Royal Family, including King Charles’ coronation and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s royal wedding.

In 2013, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Rowan became a dad at 62 

In 2017 he became a dad to his third child at 62 with his partner Louise Ford (pictured in 2015) 

Rowan became a dad to his third child later in life – welcoming a daughter at 62.

The comedy legend’s actress partner, Louise Ford, 45, gave birth to their daughter Isla, in December 2017.

The Johnny English actor already has two grown-up children son Ben, 32, and daughter Lily, 30, from his 24-year marriage to BBC make-up artist Sunetra.

In 2014, his relationship with Sunetra hit the rocks after it was reported he had a new woman in his life.

She was subsequently named as Louise – an actress he met while they appeared in the play Quartermaine’s Terms in 2013.

They met during their time on the West End, but did not have a romance until two years later.

Rowan’s divorce from Sunetra was finalised in 2015.