While he might be most recognizable for his signature character that can only be described as Mute, British Pee-Wee Herman, actor, and comedian Rowan Atkinson has actually achieved a lot more in his life than this one (undoubtedly iconic) role. From animated films to family films to adult comedies, Atkinson has had a great career with plenty of excellent performances. Mr. Bean is an incredible character. So is Johnny English. Atkinson is lucky to have to iconic characters that are completely of his own creation. Still, these roles do not define him. While his serious ventures never do as well as his comedic ones, that doesn’t mean he’s incapable of them. He’s a British comedy superstar, residing in the same league as Steve Coogan or any one person from the Monty Python troupe (except Terry Gilliam, who is, in fact, American-born) — and he’s got the roles to prove it.
The Lion King
One of Disney’s last great 2D-animated features, The Lion King is a bona fide classic. Rowan Atkinson’s voice is a key component, bringing his personality and charm to the role of Zazu, Mufasa’s loyal right-hand man (animal?). The movie has an incredibly solid voice cast all around, but Atkinson’s is one of the most iconic ones the film has to offer—Zazu still remains an instantly recognizable character after all these years.
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Bean: The Movie
How does one begin to describe Bean: The Movie? A British classic as well as an American one, Mr. Bean and his old-school silent movie antics made a seamless leap from television to the silver screen in both the US and the UK back in the 90s, and the film remains a staple of late 20th-century comedy. It’s hard to say how a Mr. Bean movie would do today, but thank goodness it was able to perform so well back in the 90s.
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Love, Actually
A Christmas classic, thanks in large part to its all-star British classic, Love, Actually features Rowan Atkinson in an unforgettable supporting role. He’s not given as much screen time as actors like Bill Nighy or Liam Neeson or Emma Thompson, but he’s nonetheless making the most out of what he has been giving in this charming and lovable romantic comedy. Rowan Atkinson is a beloved character actor, and he makes Love, Actually better than it would’ve been without him.
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The Witches
One of the lesser-known Roald Dahl adaptations, 1990’s The Witches sees Rowan Atkinson playing a hotel manager named Mr. Stringer. He’s a goofball at heart, clearly, which allows him to bring something special to the role that would’ve been lost on another actor in the same part. While it might not be as successful as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory or James and the Giant Peach, Rowan Atkinson in The Witches is a role to remember.
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Four Weddings and a Funeral
Another British classic on the same level as Love, Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral serves as a great vehicle for plenty of UK A-listers. Atkinson might not be regarded on the same level as someone like Hugh Grant, but he’s no doubt just as funny (if not funnier) than the actors who bring home the bigger paychecks. Four Weddings and a Funeral needs Atkinson more than Atkinson needs Four Weddings and a Funeral.
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Rat Race
An underrated and lighthearted comedy from the early 2000s, Rat Race sees a group of hopeful racers competing against each other in a mad dash across the United States. The movie has all the makings of a cult classic, but for whatever reason, it never achieved the recognition that it deserves. The movie’s a delight, and Atkinson gives an admirable performance as the ridiculous character Enrico Pollini.
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Johnny English
The second hit character from the mind of Rowan Atkinson, Johnny English is a spot-on James Bond satire that often rings more clever than anything Austin Powers has ever done. The movie is witty as can be, which is a rare thing when it comes to the genre of parody. It’s sharp, it’s inspired, and Atkinson is the anchor of the entire ordeal. There wouldn’t be Johnny English without Rowan Atkinson’s willingness to give it his all.
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Hot Shots! Part Deux
Speaking of inspired parodies, Hot Shots! Part Deux is a relatively solid spoof of Rambo starring the unpredictable and inimitable Charlie Sheen. A follow-up to a Top Gun parody from a couple of years earlier, Part Deux features Rowan Atkinson as Dexter Hayman, an important supporting character who gets enough screen time to rank among his best performances. Atkinson has always been a star, but he’s got no problem sitting on the sidelines for a bit if need be.
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Keeping Mum
Another completely and unapologetically British film, 2005’s Keeping Mum features an all-star cast from the UK — with Atkinson receiving top bill over such A-listers as Maggie Smith and American actor Patrick Swayze. It’s what he deserves, but something that has rarely happened over the course of his career. It’s a playfully dark and delightful film, proving that Atkinson deserves more roles like this one.
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The Tall Guy
Rowan Atkinson and Jeff Goldblum might not seem like a match made in heaven, but The Tall Guy proves that they actually have great chemistry. The two play a comedic duo, with Goldblum playing the straight man to Atkinson’s rude comedian. It’s a unique role for both of them, but especially Atkinson — the man is used to playing pleasant and endearing characters, and his role in The Tall Guy is anything but. Still, he’s as funny as ever here.
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